WHAT WE DO
We provide the services of a private bank and institutional asset manager. We execute financial tasks analogue to a merchant/investment bank. We act as a think-tank when it comes to issues of financial markets and wish to inform our customer base in the field of our insights and those of leading opinion makers.
To outline all these activities in 1 sole word is virtually impossible. The best way to describe our drive is to focus on focus : Focus on families and their wealth and how to preserve wealth under difficult circumstances ; focus on family enterprises and their next generation approach, focus on institutions with a long-term outlook (charities, pension funds etc).
HOW DID ECONOPOLIS ARISE ?
Crises are challenges. Econopolis took the challenge generated by the present financial crisis. Above all, crises are important as they lead to intellectual reflection and changing attitudes for the better. The financial sector urgently requires innovation in the practical sense of the word while the mission statement should go back to its origins. Econopolis hence considers its mission as being a craftsmanship : it requires technical tools, vision and psychological skills. A dedicated group of staff members ensures that the future of finance will develop differently and for the better.
HOW DIFFERENT IS ECONOPOLIS
We execute tasks on behalf of clients who prefer not to be serviced in a standard fashion. It therefore entails tailor-made solutions by which Econopolis differentiates itself from traditional – “old” – asset management in 3 fields
“Slow”
Economics of speed has been one of the major triggers behind the current financial crisis. Speed can have different faces – for example debt accumulation – which eventually leads to unsustainable and uncontrollable systems. We therefore prefer to focus on the turtle approach and leave the hare for what it is. A slow approach is not synonimous for immobilism nor for lingering or hesitation. On the contrary, slow implies well considered, thoroughly analyzed, well negotiated and with respect for core values. We aim at rediscovering the slow aspects of life and consider it to be a vital strength, allowing families to enforce their ties with their heritage.
“Personal approach”
In order to service our clients as they deserve, we require a sufficient amount of time through dialogue. Size and volume are no priorities in our approach. We prefer to service a smaller client base because it facilitates the personal approach. And we believe that this is a better and more comfortable way of doing business.
Honesty – Transparency
In executing our tasks, clients share the benefit of full knowledge at any point in time. We also anticipate on potential conflict of interests by staying as close as possible to our client base in continuous dialogue. All costs linked to our services are clearly pointed out a priori. We do not receive fees from third parties on behalf of client portfolio operations. “Ethics” is therefore not a hollow word, it is in fact our primary motive.
ECONOSHOCK
The best selling novel Econoshock (Geert Noels, 2008) encapsulates the main philosophy behind the Econopolis project. The book thoroughly analyzes the problems the global economy is currently facing and reaches out for solutions tackling these issues, by this preparing the world for the coming decades. Six shocks are currently changing our world in a fundamental way. Econoshock explains what is happening and where we are going. Its main conclusions are the building blocks of the Econopolis initiative and its asset management, investment advice, strategic consultancy and media operations.