Gian Carlo Danieli joined AMFIE's team in November as Business Development Manager. His job is to continue the work of Gabriele Strupp, who recently retired.

We offer our warmest thanks to Gabriele who has given her support to AMFIE members over the past four years and wish her every happiness in her new life.

Tell us about yourself. Where did you grow up? What did you study?

I was born in France to Italian parents, and that has given me both cultures: French and Italian. I studied management, economics and finance at university in Nancy then Milan. With the reputation of Luxembourg's financial centre, it seemed natural to come and work here after graduating.

Where have you worked until now?

I began in 1998 in a Luxembourg-based French on-line bank, where I advised French savers, whilst at the same time developing a range of services aimed at Italian savers. I also tried auditing briefly, but quickly came to realise that it wasn't what I wanted to do. I was sorry to be leaving so fast and started again in private banking. I worked in a multinational team most of whose clients were resident in Europe, the Middle East, South Africa, Canada etc. I advised them on investments, on structuring their assets, and guided them a little through tax issues. I also advised investors on their plans for Lombard and real estate credits of the Equity release type. Throughout those 22 years of my career I was responsible for private client contact in various financial institutions. It has taught me to be attentive to the very specific needs and expectations of every individual who entrusts savings to me, finding the solutions which are right and advantageous for the client.

When I began talking to AMFIE my wish was to work in an environment which is more respectful of the individual than is the case in private banking. The sense of family and community and the aura of good will which surround AMFIE quickly persuaded me to make the break, for these notions are some way from the reality of modern banking, which is highly individualist and looking to short-term gain.

What do you like about the job?

I'm not even sure myself (laughs). Maybe the idea of making money grow out of nothing. Practically, it's the pleasure of doing something useful, providing expertise which brings additional income and security to the people I meet. As a rule, real trust and understanding come from meeting our visitors. It is really gratifying, pleasing, to feel the satisfaction in their words, after a phone call or a meeting.

You have worked on charity projects. Can you tell us about that?

There is a streak in me of charity worker, social worker and – increasingly – environmentalist. Very soon after I began working I felt the need to do something for those who had been less fortunate. I began with a Luxembourg association working in micro finance by supporting those involved in inclusive finance. The association helps microfinance institutes which do not have access to international financing, allowing them to acquire credibility to develop their projects. I brought them my expertise as a financier and sat on the financing analysis committee, then in audits.

I had the chance to teach English at orphanages in Indonesia: that was a real experience.

And right now I am working on a social cover project in Ghana, which involves registering new-born babies at the registry office, and registering the most deprived for sickness insurance.