INDUSTRY POSITION: General Manager, Pasche Fund Management Limited / CM-CIC Private Banking
What attracted you to the sector?
I spent a number of years working as a mechanic, having a keen practical interest in mechanical and electrical engineering. I also spent time studying this field in college. By pure chance, in 1997 I went to work for ELF trading, which was later acquired by Total, France's largest oil company. Ironically, I was thrown in at the deep end as an Operations and Chartering Manager and went from being covered with grease and oil to moving refined oil around the world in ocean tankers from nicely air-conditioned offices; this alone was attractive!
As time passed, I was entrusted to become more involved with the physical trading of petroleum products, which was my first introduction to trading on a commercial level and was ultimately my introduction to the whole trading career.
I was attracted by the extremely fast pace, the responsibility of the enormous size of the trades, putting deals together by negotiating favorable terms and making them happen were some of the pieces of the puzzle that I was exposed to in the oil sector, which then carried through and were enjoyed in the financial sector through investment management.
What keeps you motivated?
I love what I do and every day is different. Being in the position of investment manager and picking what to trade and creating wealth for clients requires being knowledgeable of the markets and investment products - and the market rewards you for making those right choices. What motivates me is first understanding the investment needs and risk appetite of individual clients, and then making them profits within those parameters. Also motivating: being entrusted with the freedom to run a business, coming up with solutions and ideas to create wealth, working hard to achieve goals, and working with teams of people.
Why do you think you have been successful?
With regard to investment management, success can be gauged by the return that one is able to deliver to the client, with a high level of trust, and doing so while respecting the client's tolerance of risk. In that respect, I have been fortunate in maintaining long term relationships with clients and delivering upon their needs.
Why is it important to encourage our youth to think of careers within financial services?
Without reservation, I would strongly encourage our youth to consider a career in the financial services sector. It is multifaceted and many professional career paths lead into it. I would suggest that they use some time in researching or volunteering in the various environments and see what they are attracted to. And talk to as many professionals as possible. I think that it is healthy for young people to have aspirations and hopes, and getting some guidance and on the job experience will help to better define a professional direction.
Are there specific suggestions you have for sustaining and/or growing the financial services sector?
Many jurisdictions are competing for the same business. I think that it is important for the sector to evolve dynamically to be competitive amongst our sector peers and become the unanimous preference of potential clients. If I were to narrow it down to something specific I would say it is imperative for the industry to work in close conjunction with the government to ensure the legislative and regulatory framework is supportive of doing good business, and that the laws and regulations are kept up to date so as not to impede that growth.
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