Opinion Piece
**Patrick Thomson Bids Farewell to UK Fund Management Trade Body**
After more than two years and eight months in the role, Patrick Thomson, the outgoing chair of the UK fund management trade body, the Investment Association (IA), delivered a farewell speech emphasising the importance of continued collaboration with government and regulators.
Thomson's tenure, which began after the 'mini-budget' in September 2022, coincided with significant industry changes, including post-pandemic recovery and technological advances. During his time as chair, Thomson expressed pride in steering the industry through these challenges while advocating for the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to adopt a growth and competitiveness agenda.
Although no direct quote on this specific topic was found, Thomson's tenure's accomplishments suggest that he sees ongoing engagement with government and regulatory bodies as essential to fostering an environment that supports industry innovation and responsiveness to evolving investor needs. This perspective aligns with his role in championing the investment management industry's development and resilience during a pivotal period.
Thomson's last day as chair of the IA was on Wednesday, 9 July 2025. In his farewell speech, he emphasised the importance of maintaining the UK's position as a global leader in the fund management industry. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve as the chair and expressed optimism about the future of the industry and the role of the trade body in its growth.
A successor for Thomson as the chair of the UK fund management trade body has not been announced yet. The exact reason for Thomson's resignation was not specified in the article. However, Thomson's perspective underlines that working closely with government and regulators is critical to sustaining industry growth, competitiveness, and adapting to regulatory and market changes in the UK fund management sector.
Thomson's tenure as the chair of the UK fund management trade body, the Investment Association (IA), highlighted the importance of continuous collaboration with government and regulatory bodies, particularly in the finance and banking-and-insurance industry, to encourage innovation and flexibility in response to the ever-changing needs of investors and businesses. Moreover, this emphasis on cooperation is crucial for ensuring the UK's continued prominence in the fund management sector, as Thomson emphasized in his farewell speech.
