Difficult stock markets? It all depends on which assets we are talking about.

In August last year, Crédit Agricole Indosuez Wealth Management announced an agreement to acquire a 75% stake in Degroof Petercam. The €1.5 billion operation was led by Jacques Prost, a banker with over 35 years' experience who is no relation to former race car driver Alain Prost!

After studying at Sciences Po in Paris, specializing in financial markets, he joined Paribas Bank (which had not yet merged with BNP) in 1988. In 2000, he joined the Crédit Agricole Indosuez group in Italy, where he became responsible for structured products. In 2018, he was named CEO of CA Indosuez Wealth Management. He has the typical profile of a private banker with polite speech.

His tastes follow his classic style. He claims to have a "passion" for Italy and its olive oil and, as a native Burgundian, for Burgundy wines. He also enjoys "literature, philosophy and classical music." In other words, he presents himself as a lover of "good things".

In this interview, he talks about the Crédit Agricole - Indosuez deal to acquire 75% of Degroof Petercam and how it will reposition the company in Europe. He also says that Belgian customers will retain their interlocutors but will be able to take advantage of the enhanced offer. He reflects on the future of the banking sector and the merger of Degroof Petercam with Crédit Agricole. It also emphasizes that Degroof Petercam clients will have access to Crédit Agricole's international network and shared expertise in asset management and ESG regulations.