Global Real Estate Markets in Focus at May Breakfast Event
On 27 May 2026, CFA Society Finland hosted a breakfast event at Scandic Grand Central Helsinki, bringing together investment professionals and real estate experts to discuss the outlook for global real estate markets and the evolving opportunities across Europe.
We were pleased to welcome Ian Chappell, Head of Development & Value-Add Strategies within the Real Estate Fund Management team at BNP Paribas Asset Management Alts, as the keynote speaker.
The Case for European Development
In his presentation, “The Case for European Development,” Ian Chappell examined the changing dynamics of the European real estate market and the factors shaping investment opportunities across the region. Key themes included:
The impact of interest rates on market activity and investment decisions
Construction cost trends and their implications for development projects
Supply and demand imbalances in both office and residential sectors
The growing importance of logistics, defence-related infrastructure, and artificial intelligence in driving future real estate demand
Examples of innovative development projects currently underway in some of Europe’s leading real estate hubs
The presentation provided valuable insights into how investors and developers are adapting to a rapidly evolving market environment.
Expert Panel Discussion
The discussion continued with a panel featuring:
Ian Chappell, BNP Paribas Asset Management Alts
Henri Hakala, Founder and CEO, Reagle Oy
Markku Leppälä, CFA, Portfolio Manager at Elo, responsible for the firm’s global real estate investments
The session was moderated by Tuomas Hillukkala, CFA, President of the Board of CFA Society Finland.
Together, the panel explored both the challenges and opportunities facing local and global real estate markets. Topics ranged from financing conditions and valuation adjustments to the role of real assets within institutional portfolios during periods of economic uncertainty. The discussion highlighted how developments in the real estate sector continue to reflect broader trends in the global economy.
Thank You to Our Speakers and Partners
CFA Society Finland extends its sincere thanks to Tatiana De Dalmas and our event sponsor, BNP Paribas Asset Management, for their support in making the event possible.
We are also grateful to our speakers — Ian Chappell, Henri Hakala, and Markku Leppälä — for sharing their expertise and perspectives, and to all attendees for their active participation and thoughtful contributions to the discussion.
We look forward to continuing the conversation on this important and timely topic at future CFA Society Finland events.