News

Alumni: Federico Merlin Casarini – Master in European Economic and Financial Criminal Law

  • Faculty of Law, Economics and Finance (FDEF)
    30 January 2025
  • Category
    Law
  • Topic
    Alumni, Law

Meet Federico Merlin Casarini, our recent graduate with Master in European Economic and Financial Criminal Law (Class of 2023). Prior to joining the University of Luxembourg, he earned his law degree from the University of Trento (Italy) with an impressive score of 108 out of 110.  His passion for the economic aspects of law led him to Deloitte Luxembourg, where he currently works as a Financial Crime Analyst following his graduation.

We had the opportunity to speak with Federico, who shared valuable insights into his academic journey, discussed his transition from the Italian to the Luxembourgish education system, and explained his role in financial crime prevention.

Federico, why did you choose to study economic and financial criminal law?

After studying law in Italy for five years, I wrote my thesis on money laundering and informal banking systems. It was love at first sight. I wasn’t ready to immediately start working after my Italian degree, so I looked for Masters programmes. When I found this programme at the University of Luxembourg – taught in part by experts from the Court of Justice of the EU – in a new country with the opportunity to learn a new language, it felt perfect.

How did you discover the University of Luxembourg’s Master in Economic and Financial Law?

I was exploring opportunities worldwide – Europe, South America, China. A friend who was considering the Masters program and is now also in Luxembourg told me about the University of Luxembourg. We ended up attending the same Master’s degree together.

What career paths are available after completing this Master’s degree?

There’s a stereotype that law graduates have three career paths: judge, notary, or lawyer. However, my experience at Deloitte proves otherwise. One of my first professors in Italy said that law is social engineering, and after years of study, I agree. Law gives you the tools to interpret the world and be flexible in your career choices. Though Deloitte is my first professional experience, I’ve learned that legal education opens doors to many sectors, including private industry.

Federico at Graduation Ceremony

What does your current role as a Financial Crime Analyst involve?

My work varies by client project. Currently, I focus on ongoing monitoring. I need to stay current with legislation, CSSF circulars, and regulations. I create PowerPoint presentations and training materials for clients and analyse legal entities and natural persons to ensure their business models align with their transaction patterns and money flows. We use open-source research to build comprehensive profiles and verify that the information provided, including sources of funds, is accurate and compliant.

How does studying law in Luxembourg differ from studying in Italy?

The main difference is the practical approach. Italian education is more theoretical – you study textbooks and that’s largely it. In Luxembourg, we participated in practical projects like moot courts, where we simulated trials including one about environmental genocide. We also studied unique topics like the economic impact of laws and regulations, which would be unusual in Italy for a law degree.

You achieved a score of 108 out of 110 in your Italian degree. How did you manage this?

It took me seven years instead of five to complete my degree. About a year was dedicated to writing my thesis, as my professor wanted it to be thoroughly researched. The COVID-19 period actually helped – with lockdowns, we could focus entirely on studying. I think it’s important for students to know that taking extra time to complete your degree isn’t a problem, especially in Luxembourg where education is relatively affordable compared to Italy. While I felt guilty about taking longer, it worked out well – I completed another Master’s degree and secured a good job.

What advice would you give to the current students?

Don’t be afraid to try new things, even if you’re uncertain about the outcome. When I chose the University of Luxembourg and later Deloitte, I wasn’t entirely sure they were right for me. I’m still discovering what I’m best at, but taking these chances led me to where I am today. It’s normal to feel anxious about life changes, but remember that change is gradual.

Is there anything you’d like to share with prospective students?

I hope that by sharing my experience, readers can empathize with the challenges of finding their path. It’s important to remember that we’re all human beings trying to figure things out, even when it’s just text on a website. The human connection matters, even in professional settings.