Introducing Nichola Costello: a new era of leadership for Ogier Global's fund management

Following the recent completion of its fund administration licence in Ireland, Ogier Global has announced the appointment of Nichola Costello as director and  head of transfer agency.  

Nichola, a highly experienced funds professional, brings more than two decades of expertise in financial services, with a strong reputation for her dedication to enhancing client experiences.   

Known for her comprehensive knowledge across fund structures and her commitment to innovation, particularly in digitisation and adoption of new technologies in the workplace, Nichola is well-positioned to strengthen Ogier Global's fund services offering. 

What impact do you expect Ogier Global's new fund administration licence to have in Ireland?  

An Irish fund administration licence will enable support for our European, Middle Eastern and American investors. We currently handle funds in in BVI, Cayman Islands, Jersey, Singapore, Delaware, Luxembourg and Hong Kong. Adding Ireland will strengthen our offering.

Our diverse team provides local expertise, globally. Leveraging Ogier’s legal and regulatory expertise, we can offer comprehensive, integrated services. Whether for start-up funds or established funds expanding their portfolios, we are committed to delivering exceptional services. 

What are the key factors in enhancing client experience in fund services?  

An understanding of client needs, the provision of tailored solutions, commitment to transparency and communication, operational excellence, responsiveness and accessibility. We also prioritise fostering an innovative environment that values its team, clients and strategic partners, coupled with the implementation of feedback for continuous improvement.  

Can you share insights into the types of fund structures you've worked with and how this experience will benefit Ogier Global's clients?  

Embarking on my career in the early stages of Ireland's funds industry, I have been fortunate to have had numerous opportunities over the years in a broad spectrum of fund structures, including both open-ended and closed-ended funds, across various offshore jurisdictions. I have actively contributed to innovating and developing operational solutions for clients, transitioning from traditional fund structures to addressing the increasingly sophisticated requirements of our global clientele today.  

This background enables me to offer Ogier Global’s clients tailored solutions that optimise operational efficiency and navigate complex regulatory landscapes effectively.  

Can you discuss some of the initiatives you've championed to promote gender equality and their impact?  

I've championed initiatives such as employee engagement groups, mentorship and leadership programs and diversity recruitment strategies, which have enhanced gender balance and fostered a more inclusive leadership environment. Moving forward, I'm committed to building on this foundation, continually striving for a more diversity and inclusivity at Ogier Global, highlighting the critical role of continuous improvement and dedication in driving meaningful change. 

One of the primary factors that attracted me to Ogier is its inclusive corporate culture and unwavering commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).  

What steps do you believe are necessary to foster systemic change in gender equality within the funds industry?  

While we have made progress, I believe the continued commitment and support of senior management is vital to foster systemic change towards gender balance and inclusion in the funds industry. In this industry today, I am often the only woman in the room. At the very least it is critical to implement comprehensive diversity and inclusion policies at the corporate level but we also need a culture shift. This can only change if we continue to build awareness, foster allies and remove the barriers to developing more diverse candidates and creating an equitable path to leadership roles.   

What are your immediate priorities at Ogier Global?  

My immediate priority is to deliver a highly customised, digitised experience while building and maintaining strong client relationships. The funds industry is a people business and clients engage with trusted strategic partners who require solutions for their complex needs. Ogier Global can make a difference, leveraging the expertise of Ogier across the globe to benefit our clients' business objectives.   

Lastly, what are your long-term goals for Ogier Global's operations in Ireland?  

My long-term goal is to establish Ogier Global as a fund service provider of choice renowned for exceptional client service and our ability to solve complex issues. Our highly qualified and talented team will remain dedicated to our clients while our commitment to technology enables us to create efficiencies and scale our operations.  

It’s an exciting time to be part of the funds industry in Ireland. Ogier Global is a robust global player supporting multi-jurisdictional funds internationally, situated in a stable political and regulatory environment, with a wealth of fintech companies on our doorstep. We are well positioned to offer our clients a high quality service and act as a gateway to Europe and beyond.