Exploring the Frontiers of Finance: Solvay Students' Study Trip to London

A few weeks ago, our Advanced Master’s in Financial Markets students, accompanied by their Academic Director (and trusted mentor, might we add) Benjamin Lorent, completed one of the most pivotal trips of their careers so far – the London Finance study trip! Here is where you, an aspiring actor in the finance world, intersect theory and practice and explore the vast landscape of the financial industry with top-of-the-line professionals. So let’s dive into this year’s visit!

ICE Futures Europe & Reply

The trip began with a visit to ICE Futures Europe, where students witnessed the energetic trading floors and received an informative presentation about oil market mechanisms and price risk management. Following this, the students visited Reply, a consulting company specialising in financial services primarily around IT and AI. Here, they engaged in discussions on hot topics such as Artificial Intelligence, cloud technology, and ESG issues, and even visited various labs to observe the practical tasks being worked on. Drinks and networking at the end of the day gave them the time to discuss all about working and living in cosmopolitan London!

DWS, Culture, & LandyTech

The journey continued at DWS, a subsidiary of Deutsche Bank, which offered various presentations covering real estate, Xtrackers (heralded as the future of asset management), ESG and climate risks, and infrastructure. There was a special focus on the application process within the company, and we were happy to hear that our students found the presentations “high-level, very interactive, and inclusive.”

Accompanied by Professor Yves Dermaux, the students also toured the city, observing the blend of old and modern architecture, which gave them a cultural perspective of London as a financial hub. A visit to LandyTech, a fintech company founded by Professor Gregory Chouette, centred around candid and relaxed discussions of the fintech industry in London, revealing the challenges and opportunities for a growing company.

Lazard, Jefferies, & Alumni Wisdom

But meetings with industry leaders weren't limited to offices! At Lazard, students discussed the role of investment banking and its challenges with the Managing Director, a Solvay alumnus, who also elaborated on the typical day of a trader: an intensive yet comprehensive job!

This was complemented by a visit to Jefferies, where an AMFM alumnus presented on the typical day-to-day tasks and ongoing deals in investment banking, with a nice view from the office overlooking the Gherkin. Our students were also happy to hear first-hand of the journey of an alumnus from Brussels to London, and take a piece of practical wisdom on just what that entails!

Moody's &  Canary Wharf

The trip concluded with a visit to Moody's, where students attended presentations about the various roles within a rating agency and the current challenges they face, such as regulation and ESG factors. The discussions were highly technical but incredibly interesting, shedding light on the fact that a rating agency involves more than just 'assigning a letter' to a company or country. 

Lastly, our students were excited to visit Canary Wharf, a leading global financial district, famous for its cluster of some of the tallest modern commercial complexes! 

Your Turn

Are you motivated to start your own journey into the dynamic and exciting world of finance? As our alumni will tell you, financial markets are a rewarding but complex spectrum of activities. We will give you a toolkit of understanding and practical training to thrive in any of the finance roles you aspire to conquer.

See you on the next tour!

Solvay Brussels School’s Advanced Masters have been developed to create a breed of ‘out-thinkers’ ready to tackle the continual changes of the business world. These postgraduate programmes confer Advanced Master's degrees in focused areas for Master's students with no or some professional experience. They are designed as full-time programmes for one academic year and represent 60 ECTS each.

With a placement rate of 3 months even before graduation of nearly 90% for our graduates in finance, discover how our Advanced Masters can help you launch your career!

> The Advanced Master in Financial Markets:
This programme has been designed to give its participants the tools they need to understand how the financial markets work in practice, with courses given by an unparalleled cast of senior practitioners and highly respected academics. Evening and Saturday classes. Includes a 3-month internship.