Driven by her passion for finance and human connection, Perrine Colpaert joined the CMB Monaco Graduate Program to begin her career in a dynamic environment focused on learning and innovation. Here’s a look back at an ambitious and promising journey.

• Can you tell us how you shaped your career plan before joining CMB Monaco?
  I’ve always been drawn to mathematics, economics and people. Finance, and especially wealth management, quickly became the obvious choice: a field that offers a complete view of wealth and how it’s managed.
  I chose a master’s degree in Wealth Management through a work-study program in Paris to explore its financial, tax and legal aspects while broadening my perspective. Two experiences stood out for me: one in private banking, working closely with bankers and clients, and another in asset management, focused on portfolio construction and allocation.
  These experiences gave me strong technical foundations and my first real exposure to client relationships. My constant desire to learn, combined with the wish to return to the South, naturally led me to the CMB Monaco Graduate Program.
• What convinced you that CMB Monaco was the right place to start your career?
  The conversations during the recruitment process were decisive. They were kind, stimulating and reflected the bank’s values.
  CMB Monaco is a human-scale organisation that encourages integration, autonomy and learning. I was also attracted by its culture of innovation and by the importance placed on motivation and potential rather than just academic or professional background.
• How would you describe the spirit of the Graduate Program in three words?
  Learning, challenge and kindness.
• What has been the most stimulating part of your journey so far?
  Without hesitation, the Morning Meetings: internal gatherings open to all employees. Preparing and presenting a topic to the entire bank is both demanding and highly rewarding. It helped me improve my public speaking, stress management and discipline.
  More broadly, switching between different missions, teams and exams has taught me how to stay organised and prioritise effectively.
• What have you learned about the role of a private banker through your rotations?
  In the Sales Management department, I realised that client relationships are built over time. The best successes come from patience and rigour.
  During my second rotation in Investment Advisory, I discovered the private banker’s role as a true conductor, someone who relies on trust and the expertise of their partners. I also learned how essential credit mastery is - an aspect of wealth management I had previously underestimated.
• How did your managers and colleagues support you?
  Integration at CMB is very well structured, with a buddy system that pairs each newcomer with a colleague to help them settle in, and a mentoring programme that lets you choose the skills you want to develop.
  Day to day, the teams are approachable and supportive. In a human-scale environment, curiosity and initiative are real drivers of growth.
• Can you share a project where you brought your own personal touch?
  I’m currently working on a cross-department project between Investment Advisory and Credit, designed to offer a combined solution for a specific client segment. This initiative strengthens collaboration between departments and promotes a holistic approach to wealth management.
• What qualities are essential to succeed in this program?
  Motivation, adaptability, rigour and curiosity are key. You need to be eager to learn and willing to take initiative, to go further than what’s expected.
• What advice would you give to someone hesitating to apply?
  If you want to learn, grow quickly and gain a complete understanding of the profession, this program is for you. It’s not a standard position; it requires involvement and genuine motivation.
  So if you’re ready to invest yourself, be authentic and highlight your personality - that’s what will make the difference.