Team size: 6

What are the key projects you have been involved in over the past twelve months?

Over the past year, my legal team has proudly supported the launch of two new Julius Baer branches in Italy and Portugal in 2025. These expansions demanded thorough legal analysis, regulatory research and coordination with local authorities across multiple jurisdictions. We advised on licensing requirements, assessed obligations under EU and national law, drafted operational frameworks and ensured full compliance prior to opening. The successful roll-out reflected strong cross-border collaboration and reinforced our ability to deliver timely, strategic legal support aligned with the Bank’s international growth.

Beyond day-to-day advisory work, I contributed to shaping broader industry perspectives through my roles as Chairman of the Legal Affairs Committee of the Luxembourg banking association ABBL and as a member of the Legal Committee of the European Banking Federation (EBF). In these positions, I actively promote dialogue among financial institutions to address common legal and regulatory challenges. We focus on advocating responsible, forward-looking policies that strengthen the integrity and competitiveness of Europe’s financial sector.

Can you describe an instance where your legal advice directly influenced business strategy or commercial objectives?

One significant instance where legal expertise directly shaped business strategy involved supporting Julius Baer’s expansion into Italy and Portugal within the same year – a complex undertaking given the substantial regulatory demands. My legal team played a central role in enabling the swift establishment of two new branches despite an exceptionally high workload. This achievement was critical to advancing the Bank’s regional growth ambitions and enhancing its service footprint in Southern Europe.

Our involvement began early in the strategic planning phase, where we conducted comprehensive assessments of local licensing regimes, prudential requirements and cross-border compliance obligations under EU law. Drawing on our team’s extensive international experience – having successfully supported the opening of selected EU branches in recent years – we were able to anticipate key challenges, streamline documentation and design efficient approval workflows tailored to each jurisdiction.

We led coordination between local regulators, internal stakeholders across Risk, Operations and Compliance and external legal counsel to ensure all submissions met national supervisory expectations. In both Italy and Portugal, we navigated distinct regulatory cultures and procedural nuances, managing parallel applications without compromising quality or timelines. Our deep understanding of European financial services legislation allowed us to identify areas for process optimisation, which significantly reduced processing times.

Thanks to our proactive engagement and structured methodology, both branch applications received final authorisation within the target timeframe, allowing the business to launch operations smoothly. This dual-market entry reinforced Julius Baer’s commitment to being present where clients require dedicated support.

Beyond execution, our work demonstrated how robust legal guidance contributes strategically – not just as a gatekeeper, but as an enabler of scalable, compliant growth. The successful outcome underscored the value of having a legally agile team equipped with hands-on EU expansion experience, capable of delivering under pressure while maintaining the highest standards.

As geopolitical instability continues, alongside economic and technological change, how do you guide your organisation through periods of uncertainty?

Leadership during times of disruption relies heavily on openness, agility and collaboration. I prioritise transparent communication – sharing updates promptly, acknowledging uncertainties and setting clear expectations. By fostering psychological safety within my team, I encourage honest feedback and collective problem solving, which proves invaluable when navigating crises or increased workloads.

Equally important is breaking down silos. During periods of heightened risk – from sanctions volatility to rapid digital transformation – we intensify cooperation with Compliance, Risk, Operations and Regional teams. Through regular coordination forums, we identify potential bottlenecks early and co-develop mitigation plans. This interdisciplinary model strengthens organisational resilience and ensures legal considerations are embedded proactively into decision-making – not as a constraint, but as an enabler of sustainable progress.

How have you implemented AI within your legal team to improve efficiency while maintaining quality and governance – and keeping the human element?

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a powerful ally in enhancing our operational efficiency. Within the legal function, we utilise AI-driven tools for tasks such as contract review and regulatory monitoring. These technologies significantly reduce manual effort, allowing lawyers to focus on higher-value advisory work and complex judgment calls.

Crucially, every AI-assisted output undergoes rigorous human oversight. To preserve accountability and ethical standards, we apply strict protocols regarding data privacy, audit trails and final decision ownership. Moreover, we maintain ongoing engagement with IT, Data Protection and Business Units through structured working groups. These collaborations help balance innovation with robust governance – and ensure technology serves people, not the other way around. The human dimension remains central: empathy, ethics and experience still drive our most critical judgments.

Beyond your legal role, is there a cause or initiative you are especially passionate about?

I have always valued intercultural exchange and lifelong learning – especially through language and travel. Now, at 55, I feel increasingly motivated to give back to society. Personally, I dedicate time to supporting elderly individuals who face challenges adapting to digital tools essential for everyday life – be it online banking or official communications.

Offering practical legal and administrative guidance helps restore confidence and independence for many seniors. Whether assisting with digital authentication or explaining formal correspondence, these small acts reflect a deeper principle I believe in using professional skills for social benefit. It reminds me that responsibility extends beyond the workplace – and that meaningful impact often starts at the individual level.