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Mirabaud's future is exciting, challenging, and complex, according to partner Camille Vial. She details the Swiss private bank's growth plan to finews.asia.

Camille Vial, what did you learn studying maths that helps you today?

It offers countless possibilities for asset management the latter of which is increasingly based on sophisticated models. But there is no job you can immediately plug into after studying maths.

The fantastic thing about maths is that you are taught to be curious, to structure your mind and to solve problems.

«Nearly 200 years of history means a heritage of strong values»

All very useful when you work in a team. The people I work with are used to this mindset because every time I am in a meeting, I am the one to say, «sorry, may I ask a questio?».

What did you learn from your father about banking?

In a word: to be «client centric». Even though I am not developing the book of clients myself, I am helping others to do so. We are dedicated to our clients.

What does the Mirabaud heritage mean to you?

Nearly 200 years of history means a heritage of strong values and the fact that we have played an active role in the development of Geneva’s banking and finance universe.

«My youngest is terribly bossy at home, so I am not sure I would wish to work alongside him»

I think it is important for clients because they know that we have been here for a long time and will continue to be. I will do my best to grow the bank so that maybe my daughter or my son will be here in 20 years. Clients appreciate our long-term approach.

Would you like your children to take over from you at the bank?

They are 12.5, 10, and 6.5. My youngest is terribly bossy at home, so I am not sure I would wish to work alongside him! They are still too young to be able to project themselves into the future.

«I remember the Monday after the Lehman bailout just thinking, oh, my goodness»

But if one of them has the motivation, skills and entrepreneurial spirit... which is Mirabaud's DNA, then we will be happy to integrate them into the company.

How do you feel about Mirabaud opening up to non-family members as partners too?

We were always open for external people. We had and still have what you would call non-family members. But honestly in two generations, their grandchildren will be part of our family.

You started at Mirabaud just as the dot-com bubble burst, and you returned from maternity leave the month that Lehman Brothers collapsed.

I am always good on timing. I remember sitting in my office on the Monday after the Lehman bailout just thinking, «oh my goodness». I took over portfolio management responsibility in March 2009 – a difficult time.

What’s been your biggest achievement since then?

In Switzerland, we put in place an investment committee, which meets weekly to decide on strategy. We have 10 voting investment committee members around the table, including colleagues from the private bank.

«Honestly, if you can get people on board, it goes very quickly»

We are co-responsible for the decision and of course the result.

What’s your next goal?

Our objective now is to develop and generalize this approach for Europe. We are working on having our portfolio managers in Luxembourg, Spain, the U.K., and France to discuss the investment process together with their colleagues in Switzerland.

How long will this take?

Honestly, if you can get people on board, it goes very quickly. I think it’s good not to force people to do things, but to co-opt people into the process, sit down with them and work together.

Is Mirabaud a viable size to tackle this investment project vs giants like Blackrock or other banks like UBS?

You cannot compare Mirabaud to giants like UBS. We remain on a human scale and offer our clients tailor-made services within a boutique spirit. Our values include excellence and creativity.

«We will revisit Asia in coming years»

I think that at group level we must have one philosophy and one investment process. Will it be applied exactly the same way everywhere? Probably not. Ask me again in one year’s time and I will give you a progress update.