Béatrice Coquelin from La Palme Partners is our Advisor of the Month

Graduate of Paris Dauphine University with a Master's degree in Management and a Master's in Financial Markets, Béatrice worked as a portfolio manager for individual securities at Worms, CIC Asset Management, and as head of thematic investing at La Française Investment Managers. She has developed comprehensive expertise in developed countries, emerging markets, and also commodities or  alternative investments for institutional investors. This versatility allows her to select diversified investment solutions and create customized portfolios for high-net-worth individuals.

What initially drew you to wealth management, and how has your motivation evolved as the  industry has changed? 

I was shocked by the lack of competent advice free from bias and conflict of interest. It also  quickly seemed clear to me that very few active managers were beating the indices. My main motivation has always been capital preservation. I observe a lack of genuine  objectivity, diversification, and perspective. 

While the industry has evolved with new products such as ETFs and structured products, I have  remained focused on helping investors contain portfolio volatility across all market cycles. 

Early in your career, what obstacles or unexpected challenges shaped your professional  approach the most? 

To discover that the consensus is very often wrong, to avoid to listen to the forecasters who talk  their book.  

Not to take for granted that “next year equities will go up by 10%, but there will be volatility”. Forget about currency risks. 

When assessing markets today, which trends or shifts do you believe advisors often overlook  but shouldn’t? 

Of course, as of today, AI is assessed by most of advisors but not the potential risks that this  revolution may bring. Very short term the Oracle problems could be the start of a tech crash  when Americans have never had a bigger exposure to stocks. The layoffs as a lot white collar  jobs become redundant should be a concern. What would happen if unemployment rates shot  up to 10% in western economies ? 

Are there emerging investment themes or structural transformations — from demographics to  technology — that you think will define the next decade? 

The population aging and AI are two structural transformations that will shape the next decade.  The end of globalization and resurgence of protectionism will also impact global trade with  winners and losers.  

We could be facing a major paradigm shift with a significant rebound in commodity prices  while portfolios are overexposed to equities and the US market. 

There are other high-performing asset classes better suited to the current environment ! 

Beyond financial knowledge, which personal qualities or behaviors do you think truly elevate  an advisor’s impact on clients? 

Empathy is paramount to understand the needs of one's client, even those they cannot express. The ability to recognize one's mistakes and learn from them. Hubris is a capital sin for a  financial advisor. Avoid perpetuating past trends with a "rearview mirror" type of management. 

In an era of fast-moving information, what tools, resources, or routines help you stay sharp  and ahead of market developments? 

Reading the news online before starting my working day, CNBC on when at the office and  attending conventions. It is necessary to have different sources of information.  

When you disconnect from work, what activities or passions help you recharge and bring  balance to your routine?  

I enjoy sports, especially horseback riding, which is a lesson in humility and requires discipline  and patience—two essential qualities for a financial advisor. You have to adopt the right  reflexes, adapt to circumstances, and manage the forces at play. 

Which potential shift or event in 2026 do you think will be the most interesting to follow from  an investment perspective?  

Imagine the improbable. 

What if a crypto crash destabilized global finance? 

A come back of Russia to international trade. 

A recovery in the yuan or yen would have a considerable impact on the markets. 

What advice would you give to young professionals about building trust and credibility early  in their advisory careers? 

To have a mix and different approaches to build a diversified portfolio with a global and relative  analysis allow to avoid costly pitfalls. To win is already to avoid losing.

Dare to say "I don't know" when it's true. Build a network of reliable people, avoid the others. It's better to know how to search and find than to believe you know everything.