Waystone claim Battle of the Firms trophy

The future of the funds industry is in good hands! Now in it’s fifth year, it has taken a long time to wrestle the trophy from the hands of the legal teams! But this year, it was the winning ways of Waystone with their aptly named team The Fast and the Curious: Waystone Drift, who were clear winners of the Battle of the Firms.

Once again, 160 professionals from over 25 different organisations within the Irish funds sector, settled in for a wonderful evening of comradery, laughter and fun. Organised by the indispensable team of volunteers from Brown Brothers Harriman, the basis.point Quiz rounded off a busy basis.point week.

Sinomtha Klassen shares her experience

And whilst the evening was mostly about fun and networking, on an evening when we were challenging the intellect, it was a fitting occasion to introduce everyone to our latest educational partner, Fighting Words.

Fighting Words is an organisation that aims to empower young people to find their voice, confidence and self esteem by exploring creativity in a collaborative setting.

We were privileged to hear from Sinomtha, a 17 year old leaving certificate student from Dublin North Inner City, who spoke of her emotional growth through participation in the programme.

Taking young people out of their normal classroom setting, the programme breaks down barriers and encourages them to find their voice and believe in their own personal worth. Sinomtha has subsequently joined a young playwrights programme, creating her own plays, that will then be performed by professional actors at the Abbey Theatre. And we heard her here first!

And whilst Sinomtha’s growth has been exceptional, her story is typical of many teenage young people who find their voice thanks to Fighting Words.  The additional funding from basis.point will offer the opportunity to a further 600 students from the South Inner City to follow in her footsteps, explore creative ways to personal growth and resilience, and be successful shapers of their own lives.

Members of the BBH Social Committee Tara Henry, Tomislav Grubesic, Jessica Naude, Katie Richardson, Molly McCormack, Bastien Martellotto, Eliane Correa da Silva de Medeiros and Angela Leonidas along with the BBH team.

As many of you are aware, basis.point rely heavily on the generosity of volunteers to run supporter events.  Quiz masters for the night were Sean Buckley accompanied by the amazing Niall Dalton on the decks.  And we simply couldn’t do it without the amazing support of the BBH Social Committee who compile the questions, manage the answer sheets and collate the answers and scores.

This year’s quiz  had a twist that favoured a keen ear and interest in popular culture, and the final round of music, looked for both original artist and cover version.  The Waystone team were the the only team to score maximum points for popular culture which proved decisive in the final order of merit.

And so to the prizes. Team Waystone captained by James McGettigan claimed ultimate bragging rights and raised the Battle of the Firms Trophy high.  There was little between the top 4 teams and it took a tie break to separate out runners up Northern Trust, third placed BBH team and unlucky losers Arthur Cox.

Thanks to our sponsors Brown Brothers Harriman, Maples, Matheson, and Northern Trust. We are indebted to Sean Buckley for his sharp wit and good humour.  Also to Michelle Diamond Kelly (Northern Trust) and James Dalton (BBH) for organising such a successful event on behalf of the basis.point supporters committee and a special mention to his dad Niall, a professional event manager, who volunteered and brought a spark to the night!

1st Place Waystone The Fast and the Curious James McGettigan, Benjami Kavanagh, Christine Apopei and Conor O’Lone .
2nd Place Northern Trust Smartinis Michelle Diamond Kelly Mark Meighan, Alan Gilard, Jason McGrane
3rd Place BBH Never gonna quiz you up Phil Tinkler, Graham Whyte, Peter Welsh & Jonathan Mackie

And finally, we extend a warm welcome to our new supporters and followers. Thanks to everyone who came along and helped create such a wonderful evening. Book early for next year!

Photo credits Sara Hanley