Join a Team with a Bright Future: Investment Funds

Compared to Clearstream’s core business, the Investment Funds segment is relatively new, but at least just as exciting! Clearstream targets the various needs of the international funds distribution by different innovative product and service offerings. The markets covered are the main domestic fund markets of Europe, with a particular focus on Luxembourg, which is the largest market in Europe for international funds with over €1.5 trillion in outstanding value in 2005. The investment funds industry is growing fast: it recorded over 80 percent growth over three years!

At Clearstream, a team of around 50 people is responsible for all activities related to Investment Funds. It comprises sales, customer relations, product development and implementation as well as operations. The integrated structure is unique at Clearstream and shows the importance of this new business area. The special set up guarantees direct interaction and short communication paths, connecting the various work processes and making them more tangible. The employees of the strategically important team coordinate the number of funds that are accepted into the system, perform daily transactions, and manage the relationships with the clients.

With their mix of dynamic and experienced people from different backgrounds, Investment Funds is prepared for new challenges, also on an international level. That is why the plan to expand even further into the growing Asian market is met with such enthusiasm and thirst for action!

Two questions to Philippe Seyll, Head of Investment Funds Services

Which are the challenges that lie ahead of your team?

In 2007 the new post-trade settlement system (CFF) will be implemented. It will change the way we work with our clients, especially transfer agents. The implementation will take time and effort, and it is crucial for the success of the new platform that we stay in constant dialogue to ensure that our clients are satisfied and see the benefits of choosing Clearstream as their partner. The opening of new markets and the migration of new customers are part of the continuous challenges of our day-to-day work.

Can you describe one specific job profile?

Let’s take the example of a relationship manager: He or she takes care of existing clients, both order issuers (distributors) and order handling agents (transfer agents). Each relationship manager is in charge of a number of clients in a specific region, like Italy, German speaking countries or Ireland. This is why our team speaks over ten different languages: we need this diversity in order to communicate with our customers. The role of a relationship manager is to maintain a close relationship with the client and to develop and foster the existing business. He or she acts as an escalation point for any issues and additionally interacts with both other Clearstream departments and customers, by means including meetings, telephone conferences and customer visits.

Two questions to Juliette Bernard, Head of Investment Funds Operations

How would you describe the atmosphere in your team?

We are composed of business experts as well as junior staff. This balance allows for very efficient training and natural growth. With more than ten different nationalities, we are a multicultural team, which is a personal enrichment for each team member. We work in a dynamic environment, favouring personal initiative and increasing responsibility in relation to experience and capability. Here, you will find a true challenge, a stimulating work environment and a promising career opportunity.

What advice would you give applicants who wish to join your team?

Apart from being keen to work in a dynamic, international and fast moving environment, applicants should embrace new challenges and be open for changes. They should be service-oriented, have excellent communication skills and be reliable team players.