Marian Ștefănescu, Mirabaud Group

Your career has taken you to the leadership of Mirabaud in Switzerland. What are the key moments or decisions that shaped your professional journey?

Looking back, the key moments in my career were always linked to decisions to step outside my comfort zone. Moving from Romania to Switzerland was certainly one of them. It allowed me to experience one of the most sophisticated financial ecosystems in the world and to understand what true private banking means at the highest level.

Another defining decision was to focus on building long-term relationships rather than chasing short-term transactions. In private banking, trust compounds over time just like capital does. This philosophy shaped my professional path and ultimately led me to my current leadership role.

Mirabaud is one of the oldest private banks in Switzerland. What differentiates Swiss private banking culture from other financial centers?

Swiss private banking is built on three fundamental pillars: stability, discretion and long-term thinking. Clients come to Switzerland not only for investment performance, but also for institutional reliability and a culture that respects confidentiality and continuity.

What differentiates Mirabaud in particular is its entrepreneurial heritage. As a privately owned partnership, the bank has preserved a culture where decisions are taken with a generational horizon rather than a quarterly one. This creates a natural alignment with the mindset of entrepreneurs and families we advise.

Romania is increasingly attracting international investors. From your perspective, what makes Romania appealing today for wealth management and investment?

Romania today combines several elements that are increasingly rare in Europe: economic growth potential, entrepreneurial energy and a new generation of internationally minded business leaders.

Over the past decade we have seen the emergence of sophisticated entrepreneurs who are building regional or global businesses. As their wealth grows, their expectations regarding international diversification, wealth structuring and succession planning also evolve. This creates a natural bridge between Romania's entrepreneurial ecosystem and Swiss private banking expertise.

In private banking, trust is everything. How do you build long-term relationships with clients in a world that is becoming increasingly digital and fast-paced?

Technology can support relationships, but it cannot replace them. In private banking, trust is built through consistency, discretion and intellectual honesty over many years.

My approach is simple: understand the client's life story, not just their balance sheet. Wealth decisions are rarely purely financial; they are deeply connected to family, legacy and long-term aspirations. When clients feel that you truly understand these dimensions, relationships naturally become long-term partnerships.

Looking at the next decade, what major trends do you see shaping the wealth management industry globally?

Several structural trends will shape the industry. The first is intergenerational wealth transfer, which will redefine how families think about governance, succession and values.

Second, we are seeing increasing demand for global diversification and institutional-quality advice, especially from entrepreneurial clients.

Finally, technology and artificial intelligence will transform how information is processed and portfolios are managed. In an increasingly complex world, the role of the trusted advisor will become even more important, as clients value clarity and judgement.

Behind every successful executive, there is a personal story. What values or influences from your family or early life have shaped the way you lead today?

I grew up in Romania in a period of profound transformation. Experiencing both uncertainty and opportunity at a young age taught me the value of discipline, resilience and long-term thinking.

My family also instilled a strong sense of responsibility and integrity. These values remain central to how I lead today. In finance, reputation is built slowly and can be lost very quickly. Leadership begins with setting the right example in terms of ethics and consistency.

If you were to give one piece of advice to young professionals in Romania who aspire to build a career in international finance, what would it be?

Invest in depth, not only speed. The financial world moves fast, but true expertise takes time to develop. Learn languages, understand global markets and most importantly cultivate curiosity. International finance rewards people who are able to connect cultures, ideas and perspectives. Romania has an extremely talented generation of young professionals, and those who combine ambition with patience will go very far.

A more personal question: when you step away from the world of banking, how do you recharge? Are there hobbies, books, or passions that keep you inspired?

Balance is essential in a demanding profession. I recharge mainly through sports and time in nature, which help me maintain clarity and discipline.

I also enjoy reading about history, philosophy and long-term thinking, subjects that offer perspective beyond day-to-day markets. Spending time with my family is equally important, as it reminds me that success is not only measured in professional achievements but also in the quality of the life we build around them.