MONTERRA embodies an innovative, tailor-made approach to wealth management. Founded by Stéphane Desvernay and three partners, this Monegasque asset management company meets the expectations of an ultra-demanding clientele.
Are you a pure product of finance?
Yes, I am. I started out as an equity analyst in Monaco, before moving to Paris to acquire more skills. My idea from the outset was to come back to the Principality with a wealth of experience to put my skills to work for Monaco.
In Paris, I joined Indosuez, where I worked for three years, mainly in charge of major private clients. Then I joined Amundi, where I spent seven years managing a diversified offering for LCL customers. At that time, I supervised funds with a significant volume, totalling more than €7 billion. In 2013, the opportunity arose to return to Monaco to work for a major Monaco bank. Finally, in 2018, with my partners Xavier Midorge, Nicolas Traineau and Jérémy Perrot, we decided to launch our own management company, MONTERRA.
Why did we do this?
We wanted to create a totally independent management company, offering a tailor-made approach and total flexibility to meet our clients' needs. Our aim is to offer truly personalised management solutions, free from the constraints of large financial groups.
What is MONTERRA's DNA?
We define ourselves as ‘artisans of financial luxury’. The term ‘craftsman’ is important to us, because it reflects the precision and customisation that we bring to each client relationship, and for which we are always available, as if in a five-star hotel! We offer unique services, such as a free chauffeur service for our customers, who can easily come to our offices.
Independence is also fundamental. Our capital is 100% owned by the founding partners, which allows us to make investment choices without depending on an external group.
What about your international development?
We recently opened a financial investment consultancy in Paris, where we currently have three employees, and we are planning to expand into the Middle East. The aim is to develop our presence beyond Monaco and become a key international player.
Nevertheless, you have chosen to establish MONTERRA's headquarters in Monaco.
I grew up here, and I've always felt a deep connection with the Principality, which I consider a family. I think Monaco is an exceptional place to attract UHNW clients, with a unique environment and a very high level of luxury infrastructure. The Monegasque ecosystem enables managers like us to offer high-quality financial services that are perfectly suited to the expectations of those moving to the Principality.
You recently attended the Super Investor Event. Why is this private equity event important for MONTERRA?
It's a major event for those involved in private asset management. It's a unique conference because it brings together different profiles in private finance: managers, institutional investors as well as data providers and distribution platforms for financial products. This diversity is rare, and it gives us a privileged opportunity to exchange views with all the key players in this asset class.
In practical terms, what are the advantages for MONTERRA of taking part?
It's essential to keep abreast of the latest innovations and trends in our sector. For example, SuperInvestor gives us access to distribution platforms, which play a central role in putting us in touch with private finance clients. By taking part, we can discover investment solutions that are still little known, and even anticipate regulatory developments or opportunities that are emerging in the field of private assets.
What's more, the conference attracts professionals from all over the world, including the United States and the major European financial centres. This enables us to meet experts and decision-makers who we would only be able to meet if we travelled to several continents, which saves us a great deal of time and makes us more efficient.
Finally, hosting this event in Monaco raises the profile of the financial centre, enhancing our appeal as a centre of expertise in private asset management. It's an opportunity to introduce Monaco to players who may not yet have had a complete picture of it, and who may come back with the idea of developing business relationships here.
One of the highlights of the conference?
Yes, the presence of Thierry Henry, a football legend and former AS Monaco player. He came to share his experience of life after football and his approach to investment. He spoke about his transition to wealth management and his investment choices, providing an inspiring insight into how a top sportsman can approach the world of finance. This type of testimonial adds a human dimension to the conference, in addition to the high-level professional exchanges.
