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Interview with Albert Gallegos, ISFB lecturer in financial planning, pensions and Swiss taxation
Mr. Gallegos, you are a lecturer at the ISFB, where you teach financial planning, pension planning and Swiss taxation. Can you tell us about your experience as a lecturer?
Since starting my career at ISFB 16 years ago, I've had the privilege of combining my passion for teaching with my expertise in financial planning, pensions and Swiss taxation. My rich and varied professional background has enabled me to develop a deep understanding of these fields, thanks in particular to my previous experience in two banks and insurance companies, as well as my academic training in law and finance.
Speaking at ISFB means sharing with students not only theoretical knowledge, but also practical case studies drawn from my own professional experience. This symbiosis between theory and practice proves to be a powerful learning vector, enabling students to grasp the complexity and interdependence of the subjects covered. My main aim is to prepare them to face the challenges of the financial world with confidence, by giving them the tools and strategies they need to navigate successfully in this world.
My experience at the Institut has taught me the importance of adaptability and continuous updating of my knowledge. As the financial field is constantly evolving, it's crucial to stay at the forefront of the latest trends, legislative changes and technological innovations. This enables me not only to enrich my courses, but also to effectively advise industry professionals during tailor-made training sessions.
The diversity of course participants' profiles also enriches the teaching experience. From recent graduates to seasoned professionals, each brings a unique perspective, creating a dynamic and interactive learning environment. This interaction fosters richer exchanges and a deeper understanding of the subjects covered, enabling everyone to leave with a broader vision and deeper knowledge.
In addition, my dual experience in the banking and insurance sectors has enabled me to develop a holistic approach to financial planning. This means that my courses are not limited to a single aspect of finance, but encompass a global vision, including tax implications, pension strategies, and best practices in wealth management. This holistic approach is essential for training professionals capable of providing comprehensive and personalized financial advice.
Each course is a new adventure for me, an opportunity to inspire and train the next generation of financial professionals, equipped to navigate the ever-changing economic landscape.
Can you tell us about your academic and professional background?
I am a Swiss lawyer with a Master's degree in International Law from the University of Lausanne, a Peruvian lawyer with an MBA from HEC-Unil Lausanne and a Certificate of Entrepreneurship from the University of Neuchâtel. I hold the title of "Certified Wealth Management Advisor" (SAQ Swiss Association for Quality). I also obtained a Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in Mergers, Acquisitions and Company Transfers from the Canton of Vaud School of Engineering and Management.
As well as being a lecturer at the ISFB, I regularly publish articles (Bilan, PME Magazine, Le Temps and Tribune de Genève) on financial issues and run seminars and conferences. I'm also an expert in the examinations for the Swiss federal diploma of financial advisor.
I am Director in charge of the "Wealth Solutions" Business Unit at BCGE. I am also a member of the Foundation Board of the BCGE pension fund and of the Investment Committee.
Finally, I am co-author of the book Le guide de votre prévoyance and have just published a book entitled : Le guide de vos finances personnelles.
You recently co-authored a book with Mr. Fontecave. What are the key points?
Yes, my co-author and I have published a book on personal finance. Finance concerns us all, whatever our income. We regularly have to make financial decisions that affect our present, our future and those around us.
This guide answers the questions that arise from time to time, and illustrates them with concrete examples:
- How do I manage my budget?
- How can you put aside money for a rainy day?
- How to invest for the long term?
- Should I reduce my work rate?
- Can I reduce my taxes?
- What are the advantages of cohabitation versus marriage?
- What to do in the event of divorce
- How do I plan my retirement and estate?
We've combined the fundamentals you need to know about pensions, taxation, investments, real estate, matrimonial and inheritance law with practical tools to help you make informed decisions.
Our credo is that, just as you don't need a degree in automotive engineering to drive a car, you don't need to know everything to achieve financial freedom: this book gives you the keys!
Part of your job at the ISFB is to provide customized training for the Institute's members, while another is to work on the Continuing Education Certificates. How do you distinguish between the two, and how do you go about it?
Indeed, within the ISFB, my mission can be broken down into two main areas, each enriching and complementary. On the one hand, working with the Institute's members on tailor-made training courses enables me to adapt to the specific needs of each professional, offering a personalized learning experience directly applicable to their context. It's a unique opportunity to forge close ties with members and make a significant contribution to their professional development.
On the other hand, taking part in the Continuing Education Certificates gives me the opportunity to reach a wider audience, sharing fundamental knowledge in financial planning, pension planning and Swiss taxation. These sessions, structured around specific modules, enable essential knowledge to be disseminated to a diverse group of professionals, enriching their skills and practice.
These two forms of involvement complement each other harmoniously, enabling me to make my own contribution to continuing education while remaining at the heart of developments in the Swiss financial sector.
Strategic Business Area 1
Continuing Education
The Institute aims to maximize the collective and individual skills of the banking ecosystem in French-speaking Switzerland. It trains specialists in technical fields as well as in managerial and interactional skills.
The training program offers different types of training in Wealth Management, Asset Management, Retail & Corporate Banking, Support & Back-Office, Legal, Risk & Compliance and Management.
