Yan Benevides from Exane Asset Management is our Sales Manager of the Month

 What reasons led you to dedicate yourself to the financial sector? What would you have chosen if not this one?

The decision to embark on a career in finance was deeply influenced by several defining characteristics and experiences, rooted in my upbringing and personal journey. Hailing from a small surf beach town in Brazil called Barra do Jucu, I was surrounded by the vibrant energy of coastal living and the creative influence of an artistic family. Despite this rich artistic environment, my passion for exploring the intricacies of finance and economics took root early on putting me quickly out my comfort zone.

At a pivotal moment during my high school, I was faced with a choice between pursuing engineering or medicine. However, a serendipitous encounter with a friend's investment training course and my entrepreneurship profile desire proved to be the turning point.

At the age of 16, I embarked on my investment journey, captivated by the interplay between societal trends and market dynamics. This early curiosity ignited a passion for understanding how these factors influence market prices, setting me on a path of exploration and discovery. As I delved deeper into financial markets, I realized that investment is not just a science, but an art form that requires a nuanced balance of fundamental value, quantitative analysis, and qualitative intuition.

These formative experiences rooted in both my upbringing and my early exploration of finance, and taste for challenge, took me to study in Paris after high school and ultimately shaped my decision to pursue a career in the financial sector. They instilled in me a deep appreciation for the artistry inherent in investment decision-making, as the art of making decisions in a universe of uncertainty.

Could you tell me the most difficult aspects of your job and also the most positive ones?

Riding the waves of market cycles can be both exhilarating and challenging. Navigating unpredictable market fluctuations while maintaining humility and a long-term perspective requires constant vigilance and adaptability. However, it's precisely these challenges that make the job so rewarding. Every market cycle presents an opportunity for personal and professional growth, honing our skills as investors.

Despite uncertainties, one of the greatest joys is making a tangible difference for our clients. And we're not alone in this endeavor; we're part of a team, navigating the waves together. Collaborating with like-minded clients and colleagues who share our fundamental values for excellence and integrity creates a supportive environment where we can thrive professionally and personally.

Additionally, the camaraderie and sense of purpose within our team are invaluable. Sharing a collective dedication for our passion in the investment industry unites us under one main goal: Exane Asset Management. Our philosophy has historically allowed us to serve our clients with a high degree of expertise, bringing them serenity in the long run. Together, we celebrate successes, navigate challenges, and continue to learn and grow as a team.

In your opinion, what are the key drivers for successful fund distribution?

At the heart of successful fund distribution lies the art of building genuine connections with our clients, grounded in trust and loyalty. We're not just about numbers; it's about open conversations that bring to light our values, investment philosophy, and top-notch services crafted to meet the unique needs of each client. Understanding the ebb and flow of the market is like knowing the players in a dynamic game. It's not just about reacting; it's about staying ahead. We dive into continuous market research, always ready to pivot and meet the evolving tastes of our investors with serenity, knowing we're prepared for whatever comes our way.

But, it's not all about the big picture. The small things matter too. Operational excellence is our secret sauce – smooth processes and a client service that's not just responsive but feels like a chat with an old friend. We believe in a seamless journey for our clients, making sure every interaction is as effortless as a Sunday morning. After all, successful fund distribution isn't just a business strategy; it's a human experience, and we're here to make it exceptional.

Could you highlight any topic on which investors should focus for the long term?

It’s important to highlight that Exane AM is entirely focused on a bottom-up approach and don’t engage in a macroeconomic outlook for the long term. However, in my opinion in the realm of long-term investing, three key themes—technology, geopolitics, and economic change—provides a robust framework for navigating market dynamics and identifying growth opportunities.

Firstly, advancements in technology, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and renewable energy, continue to drive innovation and shape future industries. Investors should prioritize sectors poised for transformative growth, as they offer substantial long-term returns.

Secondly, geopolitical events and shifts play a pivotal role in influencing market sentiment and economic landscapes. Monitoring geopolitical tensions, trade policies, and global alliances is essential, as they can impact currency values, trade flows, and investment strategies.

Finally, understanding and adapting to economic changes, including demographic shifts, monetary policies, and industry disruptions, are critical for sustained investment success. Recognizing emerging trends such as aging populations, central bank decisions, and disruptive technologies allows investors to capitalize on evolving market opportunities and build resilient portfolios.

By focusing on these interconnected themes, investors can position themselves to capitalize on long-term growth prospects while effectively managing risks in an ever-changing global market environment.

What is your advice to investors, how should they position themselves with the current environment?

In today's intricate economic and geopolitical climate, caution and strategic diversification are paramount for investors. Heightened uncertainty stemming from geopolitical tensions and economic shifts underscores the importance of adopting a prudent approach to portfolio management. Diversification across uncorrelated assets and strategies offers a means of mitigating risks associated with traditional market movements. Market-neutral strategies, such as long-short equity, provide a compelling avenue for achieving this diversification. By focusing on strategies designed to generate returns independent of market direction, investors can reduce exposure to systematic risk factors and dampen portfolio volatility.

Emphasizing caution does not imply a lack of opportunity; rather, it underscores the importance of rigorous risk management and prudent asset allocation. In today's dynamic environment, where market dynamics are increasingly influenced by geopolitical events and macroeconomic factors, maintaining a balanced and diversified portfolio is essential for preserving capital and achieving long-term objectives. Market-neutral strategies offer an additional layer of protection by providing decorrelation from traditional asset classes and market indices. This not only helps mitigate downside risk but also enhances the stability and resilience of the overall portfolio.

Ultimately, although we don’t give investment advice, we may recommend to exercise caution and prioritize diversification, thus consider incorporating market-neutral strategies into their investment approach. By embracing a diversified and disciplined approach to investing, investors can navigate uncertainty while pursuing their long-term financial goals. Market-neutral strategies offer a valuable tool for reducing portfolio volatility and navigating complex market conditions, helping investors to preserve capital and achieve sustainable returns over time.

What do you like the most about your city, Paris ? 

What captivates me most about Paris is its remarkable versatility, offering a seamless blend of urban dynamism and cultural richness. Whether immersing myself in the vibrant city life or exploring new culinary delights and artistic treasures, Paris continually surprises and delights. Additionally, its strategic location allows for easy escapes to diverse destinations, providing the perfect balance between city excitement and adventure getaways such as surfing when I have time. Paris is not just a city; it's a dynamic conglomerate of experiences that continually inspire and invigorate, making it a very nice place to be.

What is your favorite thing to do when you disconnect from the markets?

When I disconnect from the markets, my favorite thing to do is to prioritize spending quality time with friends and family. Also, I enjoy staying active by engaging in sports, particularly CrossFit, which helps me maintain both my physical health and mental well-being. Whenever possible, I go near to the sea, mostly for surfing I often escaping to destinations like the Basque Country, the Canary Islands, or Portugal. These activities allow me to recharge and reconnect with nature.