Strengthening Industry-Academic Ties in the Global Finance Sector
The Monaco International Investments Forum (MIIF) held its 4th edition at the prestigious Yacht Club de Monaco, bringing together a community of over 400 attendees, including investors, global industry leaders, UHNWIs, innovators, and family office executives. The two-day forum, which took place from March 13th to 14th, served as a dynamic platform for networking, discussions, and investment opportunities. Day one was primarily focused on building connections and included pitching sessions where participants had the opportunity to showcase innovative projects and ideas.
IUM Representation at MIIF: Bridging Academia and Industry
IUM was proudly represented at the MIIF by Dr. Guido Mantovani, Head of the Economics & Finance Department, and Dr. Gregory Moscato, Director of the Master in Finance program. These two distinguished professors are dedicated to connecting academic excellence with real-world finance and investment practices. Their presence underscored IUM’s strong commitment to experiential learning and active engagement with the global financial community.
On Day 2, the morning session featured Educational Conferences, where Dr. Gregory Moscato served as moderator for a high-level panel discussion on the theme: “Bridging the Gap Between Private and Public Markets.” This session explored how impactful investments can be shaped in the private sector and how investors can strategically navigate both markets.
Key speakers included:
- Fredrico Ceresole (Goldman Sachs) – who provided deep insights into global market dynamics and their implications for private investments.
- Gilles Ohana (Euronext) – who discussed the renewed appeal of public markets as exit strategies for investment funds.
- Mathieu Perfetti (Société Générale Private Banking) explained how private banks structure investments for high-net-worth individuals.
- Tony Ihander (Action Ventures Europe) addressed the complexities and challenges of investing in private markets.
In the afternoon, a thought-provoking session focused on Innovation and Risk Profiles in Private Equity: Dr. Guido Mantovani discussed the cultural differences in innovation across North America, Europe, and Asia, emphasizing how these distinctions influence financial strategies. The panel, moderated by Mrs. Rossella Sighinolfi (Sieger Partners), also featured:
- Ms. Carlotta de Franceschi (HPS Investment Partners, LLC)
- Mr. Davide Chichero (International Chamber of Commerce)
Key Takeaways and Educational Value
Some important takeaways from the forum include:
- A growing reliance on American and Australian capital for seed financing in Europe.
- The impact of risk aversion among aging European investors on investment strategies.
- Emerging challenges in sectors such as the cruise industry, which were explored in the context of private investment.
These insights are not only crucial for industry professionals but also serve as valuable learning experiences for students, demonstrating how theoretical knowledge is applied in real-world financial decision-making.
IUM’s Commitment to Industry Engagement
Participating in MIIF reinforces IUM’s position as a global institution that prioritizes practical, hands-on learning. Our professors’ involvement in such a prestigious event showcases the depth of our academic expertise, the international network IUM is part of, and our ongoing collaboration with the finance industry. IUM is proud of its faculty’s contributions to global discussions and is committed to preparing students to thrive in an interconnected financial world. Events like MIIF not only enrich our academic community but also affirm the real-world relevance of IUM’s education.
Updated 18 April 2025