Having worked for over 25 years in top management positions for several banks and asset managers in Luxembourg. Patrick Weydert has recently joined the Faculty of Law, Economics and Finance (FDEF) as Partnership Development Officer for the Luxembourg School of Finance (LSF).
In his new role, Mr. Weydert will act as the main contact point between LSF and the local finance industry in order to, on the one hand, channel research and teaching output, and on the other hand, stay tuned to the evolving needs of the sector.
Due to his extensive experience as an industry insider and decision-maker, he understands very well the recruitment needs of banks, asset managers and other financial service providers. “For the public and private financial community, having highly skilled employees is an essential ingredient for a successful business,” he explains.
He also envisions strong links and strengthened cooperation with the numerous financial associations operating locally, including the Luxembourg Bankers’ Association (ABBL), the Luxembourg Insurance and Reinsurance Association’s (ACA), the Association of the Luxembourg Fund Industry (ALFI) and the Agency for the Development of the Financial Centre – Luxembourg For Finance (LFF).
Following the fruitful collaboration between FDEF and key members of the financial sector for the redesign of the Master in Finance and Economics and the Master in Wealth Management, Mr. Weydert plans to further enhance the partnership between the faculty and different industry actors in order to allow students to write master theses for the needs of specific companies, as well as to facilitate internship opportunities and offer graduates direct access to the local labour market.
“We also have to build new bridges on “life-long learning” and “executive education,” he adds, further explaining that LSF will play “a major role in disseminating the latest academic knowledge to the financial community in Luxembourg”.
Looking ahead, Mr. Weydert also seeks to increase the visibility of academic research carried out in emerging areas, such as green and sustainable fi nance or digitalisation, that shape the environment in which financial services operate today.
Since high-quality research and outstanding education are cost-intensive, Mr. Weydert emphasises that a key element of his work will consist in expanding the network of faculty partners that fund research projects, support endowed chairs and offer research grants.
“Talking to and working with the financial industry will have a positive impact on the fi nance department,” he comments, referring to “one common project” that is designed to “align the interests of academics and professionals working in the fi eld of fi nance in Luxembourg.”