Vontobel meets SDA Bocconi MBAs and alumni: exploring the future of investment management

In a panel hosted by the SDA Bocconi Finance Club, top executives from Vontobel shared insights on the dynamics of financial institutions and the long-term vision that drives investment decisions.

As part of the Finance Club initiatives, SDA Bocconi recently hosted an exclusive panel featuring top executives from Vontobel, offering MBA students and alumni valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of the financial sector while exploring a distinctive case study within the industry.

Held at the Ferrero Auditorium on the SDA Bocconi campus, the event opened with remarks from Professor Maurizio Dallocchio, who provided a sharp analysis of the changing landscape within the European banking sector. He highlighted the stark contrast between Europe and other financial markets, noting that while European banks remain a crucial pillar of enterprise financing, they no longer rank among the world’s top financial institutions in terms of market capitalization. “This,” he argued, “underscores the urgent need for strategic adaptation in an increasingly competitive and technology-driven industry.”

The discussion then turned to Vontobel, an international financial institution majority owned by the founding family, known for its long-term approach to investment management. Christel Rendu de Lint, Co-CEO and Head Investments, Lorenzo Palleroni, Head Private Clients Italy, and Andrea Gentilini, Head Quantitative Investments shared their perspectives on the firm’s model, which balances the stability and commitment of a family business with the agility of a listed firm needed to thrive in fast-changing financial markets. Their insights illustrated how Vontobel’s structure fosters sustainable, client-focused investment strategies rather than short-term gains. “Ownership, foresight and tenacity. These are the values that guide our company,” remarked Rendu de Lint, emphasizing how these guide Vontobel to maintain a long-term vision while adapting to market shifts, a principle that extends to the firm’s approach to innovation.

Highlighting the growing role of technology in shaping investment strategies, the discussion explored how AI-driven decision-making is increasingly supporting active asset management, enabling firms like Vontobel to offer customized investment solutions while maintaining human expertise at the core. Panelists stressed that while AI and automation can enhance efficiency, skilled professionals capable of interpreting data and making strategic choices remain essential. "AI is a powerful tool, but doesn't replace human judgment. It empowers professionals to make better decisions," noted Gentilini, reinforcing the firm’s commitment to combining technology with deep financial expertise.

Naturally, this led to another crucial theme of the discussion: talent. Speakers underlined the need for highly experienced professionals who can integrate technological advancements into client-centric investment strategies without losing sight of the human element. “We are, first of all, a people business,” stated Rendu de Lint, affirming that expertise and adaptability are the defining qualities of future industry leaders. Palleroni reinforced this perspective, stressing the importance of cultivating the next generation of financial professionals. “The challenge lies in adopting new technologies while ensuring that the right people can leverage them effectively,” he noted.

Palleroni also underscored the evolving expectations of clients, particularly in markets like Italy, where intergenerational wealth transfer and succession planning are reshaping the investment landscape. “Clients today, especially younger generations, seek more than just returns; they expect personalized solutions, transparency and a deeper connection with their financial partners,” he added.

The panel concluded with a dynamic Q&A session, where attendees engaged directly with Vontobel’s executives, exploring key trends, challenges and opportunities shaping the future of wealth and asset management.

Vontobel is a prime example of how a financial institution can successfully blend stability with innovation, leveraging the long-term thinking associated with its ownership structure with the agility needed to continuously navigate market shifts. By providing firsthand insights into its investment philosophy, structure model and approach to sustainable growth, the panel offered SDA Bocconi students and alumni a valuable opportunity to explore the strategic decisions that drive long-term success in finance.

Events like this support the mission of the Finance Club, one of 12 student-led organizations at SDA Bocconi, by creating opportunities for future professionals and industry leaders to connect through a wide range of initiatives.

SDA Bocconi School of Management

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