Fergal Sarsfield, CFA
Monasterboice,Co. Louth
Summary
Experienced Senior Equity Fund Manager dedicated to finding and investing in quality companies for the long term.
Co-Lead PM with 17 year track record of creating strong relative performance in a risk averse manner for investors at Setanta Asset Management.
Focus on quantitative and qualitative analysis to gain a thorough understanding of the alpha generating potential of investment ideas.
Extensive engagement with company management teams and boards to drive deeper understanding of investee companies and to drive shareholder returns.
Strong communication skills and a curious mind used to develop an extensive knowledge base of potential investment ideas.
Extensive marketing and business development experience primarily in Canada and US. Successfully grew International Equity Strategy from $400m to over $2bn in past 8 years.
Member of Irish Corporate Governance Advisory Panel responsible for ensuring the code remains relevant and to oversee periodic reviews of the Code
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
year of post-secondary education
Work history
Senior Equity Fund Manager
Setanta Asset Management
Dublin
06.2007 - Current
- Co-lead manager of Setanta EAFE equity fund. Managing a concentrated EAFE equity fund with strong long term track record. 10 year excess returns of 2% pa versus MSCI EAFE benchmark.
- Prior (2007-2024) sole responsibility for managing a concentrated Global Information Technology portfolio representing the largest allocation of capital in the Setanta Global Equity fund.
- Key contributor to growth of the Setanta EAFE equity fund in Canada and North America. Through extensive marketing, business development and investor relations activities the strategy has grown from $400m to $2bn over the past 8 years.
Investment Analyst
Goodbody Stockbrokers
Dublin
09.2006 - 05.2007
- Working in the Private Clients division with responsibility for generating investment ideas for inclusion in client portfolios.
- Geographical focus primarily Pan European and sector agnostic.
- Responsible for identifying investment ideas, undertaking extensive stock specific research and communicating investment recommendations both verbally and in writing to portfolio managers.
Investment Analyst
KBC Asset Management
Dublin
11.2003 - 09.2006
- Responsible for identifying investment ideas within specific sectors, Industrials & Materials and Technology. Undertaking extensive research and communicating ideas to portfolio managers.
- In 2005 the research function was restructured with analysts moving to a geographical basis.
- Geographical responsibility became Pacific Basin ex Japan.
- This involved working closely with the investment manager not only in identifying ideas and undertaking research but also in forming a macro view on the region and structuring the portfolio to outperform the stated benchmark.
Portfolio Structuring
KBC Asset Management
Dublin
07.2001 - 11.2003
- As a member of the Portfolio Structuring team, my major responsibilities included policy implementation, asset allocation, and cash management.
- I was responsible for the initiation of Fx trades to cover clients cash requirements and also work closely with our Asset Management team to try and ensure fair and equitable trade allocation.
Senior Trading & Settlements Administrator
Global Asset Management
Dublin
08.1999 - 07.2001
Education
Certificate in Climate Risk, Valuation & Investing -
CFA Institute
03.2024 - 10.2024
Diploma in Corporate Governance -
UCD Smurfit Executive Development Business School
Dublin 09.2022 - 05.2023
CFA Charterholder -
CFA Institute
2004
Certificate in Investment Management -
Society of Investment Analysts in Ireland
06.2001
Bachelor of Business Studies -
Dundalk Institute Of Technology
1999
Timeline
Certificate in Climate Risk, Valuation & Investing -
CFA Institute
03.2024 - 10.2024
Diploma in Corporate Governance -
UCD Smurfit Executive Development Business School
09.2022 - 05.2023
Senior Equity Fund Manager
Setanta Asset Management
06.2007 - Current
Investment Analyst
Goodbody Stockbrokers
09.2006 - 05.2007
Investment Analyst
KBC Asset Management
11.2003 - 09.2006
Portfolio Structuring
KBC Asset Management
07.2001 - 11.2003
Senior Trading & Settlements Administrator
Global Asset Management
08.1999 - 07.2001
CFA Charterholder -
CFA Institute
Certificate in Investment Management -
Society of Investment Analysts in Ireland
Bachelor of Business Studies -
Dundalk Institute Of Technology