New speakers announced for Smart Money Live
Updated: Apr 20, 2021
On April 28th and 29th we will be running the second annual Smart Money Live. We're delighted to announce some superb new additions to this line-up of speakers from the world of property, cryptocurrency and tax.
Ian Lawlor, Managing Director
Lotus Investment Group
With a background in engineering for Irish and multinational companies, Ian’s prime focus since 2000 has been on property investment interests including a personal portfolio, founding a nationally recognized investor forum, presenting Househunters on RTE and managing an investment fund which was sold to Aberdeen Asset Management.
In 2009, Ian co-authored the book “Surviving to Win” as a guide for small and medium investors post the property crash. Ian is the managing director of Lotus, a leading alternative Land, Site and Property Investment finance firm in Ireland since 2013. Lotus Investment Group has provided funding for over 3000+ new homes across Ireland and lent out in excess of €450m to the Irish market. They have backed over 200 projects in Ireland.
Pete Townsend, Founder
Norio Ventures
Pete Townsend is the founder of Norio Ventures and a non-executive director of Coinbase. A funds industry veteran (20 years in leadership roles), he is now a fintech startup advisor, investor and mentor.
He is also the co-host of MoneyNeverSleeps - a weekly podcast getting inside the minds of entrepreneurs and at the crossover of startups, enterprise, finance, technology and life as we know it
Building go-to-market strategies, and securing funding for their vision his clients benefit from his ability to build synergies between startups and established players through a global network across Europe, the US and Asia-Pacific. Townsend's clients are representative of a deep expertise in financial services, including specialties in fintech, digital assets, blockchain/DLT, venture capital and the investment funds industry.
Prior to Norio Ventures, Pete was the chief operating officer and global head of product development for a division of BNP Paribas and director on the board of its Irish franchise for ten years.
Catherine McGovern, Tax Partner
PKF O’Connor Leddy & Holmes Limited
Catherine Mc Govern is a tax partner with PKF O’Connor Leddy & Holmes Limited, Accountants & business advisers. She joined the firm in 2000 and became a partner in 2007.
Catherine leads the Private Client and VAT Department. She provides tax advice to a diverse range of clients including owner-managed businesses, multinational companies, Property Owners and Executors of Estates. She has significant experience in working with clients in a variety of sectors including Property, Professional Services, Retail and Agriculture.
Catherine has over 25 years’ experience in providing tax advice. Her particular areas of expertise would include:
Structuring your business and investments tax efficiently.
Succession planning for your business and investments.
VAT on business and property transactions.
Global mobility and employee share awards.
Mark Solon
Mark is the founder of Symmetry Financial Management. Symmetry is a mortgage intermediary with access to the majority of the leading lenders.
Symmetry also provides an impartial overview of your finances across all areas including protection, savings, investing and retirement planning.