Fund administrator and ManCo Crestbridge has opened its latest office in Ireland and hired investment funds expert, Andrea Lennon (pictured) as head of funds, Ireland as the jurisdiction looks to cement itself as a key hub for alternative fund domiciliation.

Crestbridge is authorised to provide corporate services in Ireland and aims to provide fund administration services shortly, subject to regulatory approval from the Central Bank of Ireland.

With the firm’s private equity and real estate offering, it will initially focus on supporting clients with multi-jurisdictional structures.

Crestbridge now has over 400 people working across eight offices providing administration solutions to global asset managers, institutional investors, and family offices.

Andrea Lennon, head of fund services, Ireland, has over 20 years’ experience in the investment funds industry, including product development and life cycle. She has worked with asset managers and asset owners across Europe, the US and Asia, and is focused on providing a culture of service excellence to clients.

She is joined by Áine Hickey, as head of risk & compliance, Ireland. Ms Hickey has over 13 years’ financial services experience across fund administration, asset management, banking and capital markets with consulting experience across a range of industry sectors, primarily investment funds, asset management and insurance.

Michael Johnson, group head of Institutional Services said in a statement: “We’re confident that the new regime, along with Ireland’s reputation as a centre of excellence for domiciled and non-domiciled funds, will support delivery of the agile administrative solutions that our clients demand.

“This is the start of yet another exciting chapter for Crestbridge and one that complements our wider services from Luxembourg, London and the US for PE and RE managers.”

Mr Johnson is referring to the recent modernisation of the Irish Investment Limited Partnership legislation which is hoped to bolster Ireland’s already strong position as a hub for alternative funds. Post-Brexit the race to become the domicile of choice for asset managers seeking access to Europe is on, with Ireland and Luxembourg competing fiercely.