Based in Geneva, the Convention of Independent Financial Advisors (CIFA) is a non-profit foundation established in 2001. It aims to protect, both nationally and internationally, the interests of its 750 000 members whose activities represent almost 20% of total financial investments worldwide. Since 2002, CIFA has organized in Monaco an annual international forum which brings together experts and personalities to discuss world financial and economic news. INTERVIEW with Mr Jean-Pierre Diserens, CIFA Secretary General.
Could you describe CIFA’s mission in a few words?
To defend investor/saver rights as well as the financial intermediary professions serving investors/savers.
What is the purpose of your involvement in the United Nations?
To enforce the Investors’ Charter of Rights for which we are the protectors and custodians. This Charter evokes more precisely the fundamental property rights already described in the United Nations Charter and the Charter of Human Rights.
In this regard it should be remembered that all forms of expropriation are prohibited and that, for example, the automatic exchange of information currently proposed by the OECD is a precondition for the expropriation of savers’ assets.
We have come to the conclusion that states which are currently in default will not shy away from any form of illegality to maintain their way of life. At the United Nations Economic and Social Council, which is the supervisory authority for the Bretton Woods institutions (IMF, World Bank etc.), we can speak at meetings of the supervisory authority and the institutions. We are the only non-state, non-systemic financial sector organization in the world to have this prerogative.
You have chosen to hold your world convention in Monaco for 4 years now. Why is that?
Monaco seemed the ideal place to hold our annual Forum because of its unique location. After visiting a number of capital cities, in Monaco we found an atmosphere which fosters that freedom of expression and thought which unfortunately is disappearing at present in favour of the sole, politically correct thought imposed by a small number of international players. We are always delighted to return every year to spend three days in your wonderful Principality, and four days from next year (the Forum will be held from 31 May to 3 June 2016).
What do you think of the Monegasque financial centre?
The financial centre is of very high quality and it gives us great satisfaction to see it developing. It has major advantages, and we are certain it will be able to exploit them without being strangled by the requirements of cartels in countries in default.
