Robert Van Kerkhoff (BNP Paribas): Growth, Technology Sustainability in both UCITS & private capital
Robert Van Kerkhoff, head of Luxembourg, Ireland & the Channel Islands for the securities services business of BNP Paribas, explains the group’s 2025 strategy, which is all about driving growth, technology, and sustainability.
How would you describe your professional journey?
It’s been an incredible journey, spanning multiple countries and roles, each enriching my global perspective on financial institutions. I began my career as a risk manager at the options exchange in the Netherlands. Fresh out of university, I found myself navigating the bustling trading culture of Amsterdam. I even had to venture into the open outcry to instruct traders to reduce their exposure, a scenario unimaginable!
In 2002, I joined Fortis Bank. After several years leading the Risk department, I shifted gears to become Deputy COO and later COO for Fortis Spain and Portugal. This period abroad was a fantastic experience, where cultural dynamics played a pivotal role. When BNP Paribas acquired Fortis in 2009, I transitioned to the Securities Services division in Spain. This move marked the continuation of my international journey within a global bank. Three years later, I relocated to Paris as Deputy Head of Operations for Asset and Fund Services, followed by four years as Head of the Netherlands for Securities Services.
In 2019, I took on the role of heading Securities Services in Luxembourg, with regional responsibility over Ireland and the Channel Islands. This chapter has been yet another exciting journey, allowing me to connect with diverse professionals in a vibrant ecosystem.
To sum up, my journey has taken me from CRO to COO to CEO!
In addition to my daily responsibilities, I serve as a board member of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange and the Luxembourg Alternative Administrators Association (L3A).
What are your main goals?
Over the years, we've secured a leading position in the Luxembourg market by leveraging our global foot- print and capabilities. Now, we're poised to enhance our standing with an ambitious, proactive strategy plan for 2025, focusing on three core pillars: Growth, Technology, and Sustainability. Our journey in Luxembourg began with activities in the UCITS space, followed by the establishment of Corporate Trust Services to support both the issuance and administration of corporate debt. This service is now crucial in the issuance of Social and Green bonds. Over the last years we've ventured into Private Equity.
Growth
In the Private Capital space, we are committed to further developing our core platform and automating as many manual processes as possi- ble, which are still prevalent in this market. Our PE franchise had fewer than 30 staff, and today, we've grown to around 300 private capital experts. This entrepreneurial spirit has propelled us to a leading
position in the alternative market, growing at a pace of 40% per year.
Technology
We are partnering with Fin- Techs to provide marketplace solutions that facilitate data sharing among multiple actors, creating efficiencies previously unattainable. Our goal is to collaborate with top players, combining our business expertise with their technology to deliver state- of-the-art products for our clients.
Sustainability
ESG is everywhere, and asset managers are seeking compliance solutions and even creating innovative products to help them achieve climate goals. Our ambition in Securities Services is to be the leading positive-impact asset servicer and the partner of choice for large financial institutions. We aim to be a trusted partner for our clients. By integrating ESG into every layer of Securities Services to manage risk, and to make sure that we take informed decisions around sustainability. We also want to be a transition accelerator for clients and play the role of strategic connector. In Luxembourg, we attach im- portance to renewing our ESR label, which reflects our commitment to being a socially responsible company.
FACTS & FIGURES
Birthday: 26-01-1970
Nationality: Dutch
Languages: Dutch, English, Spanish, German and French Hobbies: Theatre, cinema and sports
MY FAVOURITE
Cities: Amsterdam, Madrid and Grave Restaurants: Tapas and Japanese
Places: On a boat in the Amsterdam channels Books: My Left Foot (book or movie are both great) Music: All kinds of music from Jazz to Flamenco Artist: Lita Cabellut
COMPANY
BNP Paribas, Luxembourg Branch, Securities Services Business
POSITION
Head of Luxembourg, Ireland & the Channel Islands for the Securities Services Business of BNP Paribas