As the founder of ProFin Partners, Myriam Ouahla Deblanc describes herself as "the hippy of structured products and derivatives" – bringing a more artistic, intuitive approach to a highly technical field. And in an industry dominated by complex mathematics and rigid structures, her human approach certainly stands out.
After working at Conmmerzbank and Royal Bank of Canada, Myriam founded her own firm in 2009 following the Lehman crisis. Her realization then remains central to her philosophy today: financial services isn't just about pricing – it's about expertise, advisory, and understanding human needs.
In our chat, Myriam shares insights from her multicultural background (growing up in Tunisia with a European mother and Tunisian father) and how it shapes her approach to client relationships across different cultures and markets.
What I found particularly interesting in this discussion were Myriam's perspectives on the generational shift in investing. With most of her clients around 55-60 years old, she's witnessing the challenge they face with the next generation who want Bitcoin, futures, VIX plays, and private market access – all without the paperwork and delays of traditional wealth management.
As she puts it: "The next generation is changing... little commitment, little time. They want it now, quick, at a good price, and then they move on to the next investment." This creates a fundamental contradiction with today's regulatory environment that demands extensive procedures and documentation.
For professionals in wealth management and asset management, this episode offers valuable insights on balancing human intelligence with artificial intelligence, the changing nature of client relationships, and how to prepare for the wealth transfer ahead.
Key Topics Covered
How bringing an "artistic approach" to derivatives and structured products creates better investment solutions
The psychological aspect of portfolio analysis and restructuring
How cultural backgrounds influence investment approaches and risk tolerance
The generational shift in investing habits and expectations
Why regulation is creating a "ticking boxes" mentality that often misses the point
The growing appetite for private markets and alternative investments
Balancing technology and automation with human judgment and creativity
About Our Guest
Myriam Ouahla Deblanc is the founder of ProFin Partners, a boutique advisory firm specializing in bespoke derivative and structured product solutions. With over 25 years in financial markets, she worked at Commerzbank and headed structured products at Royal Bank of Canada before founding her own company in 2009. Her approach combines mathematical rigor with intuition and cultural sensitivity, serving professional and institutional investors with a focus on quality over quantity. Fluent in multiple languages and with experience across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, Myriam brings a truly global perspective to her work.
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