With over 30 years in the financial industry, Ariane Dehn remains particularly captivated by the Swiss financial center.
Ariane Dehn has witnessed it all during her extensive career in finance. She knows that booms are inevitably followed by crises – and she has experienced both in abundance.
«When I first came to Switzerland, companies were reporting record profits, and the boom seemed unstoppable,» says the Country Head of Asset Management at France’s BNP Paribas.
But things took a different turn. The Swiss financial center came under increasing international pressure—a well-documented story. Yet, Switzerland has managed to maintain its leading position in global finance. «I have nothing but respect for this achievement. It fascinates me. It shows just how resilient the Swiss financial center truly is,» says the German-born executive.
Rising Competition
the competition is much fiercer today than it was a few years ago in hubs like Singapore or Dubai. Even so, Dehn states that «in Europe, no one can rival Switzerland anytime soon». However, she warns that the need for adaptation remains high. Sustainability demands are a key driver of this.
«The past four years have been particularly tough in this regard,» she said. «ESG alone is not enough.»
At BNP Paribas Asset Management, ESG is now just one of many criteria for evaluating companies. It’s also about actively influencing a company’s direction.
A Changing ESG Landscape
Four years ago, ESG was the buzzword. Everyone in the industry championed sustainability. But the narrative has shifted.
«Today, there’s almost a sense of ESG-bashing,» said Dehn, though she added that it would be a mistake to fully dismiss the topic.
«Sustainability will regain prominence in the coming years, and that’s when it will become clear who did their homework and who merely chased the latest trend.»
