I started my career in the financial services industry at a very young age. At the age of 22, because I was fascinated with finance, I worked for a listed investment company and learned the ropes. After two years, I felt I had gained enough experience to strike off on my own. A very bold move, I must say. And so at 24, I established my own company.
I wish I could say that it was easy for me. Well, it wasn’t. I was very young so despite possessing the technical know-how to succeed in the field, I had to prove my mettle. The biggest challenge was in convincing potential retail and corporate investors that I was very good at project financing, fund management, and the design of investment products. My efforts paid of eventually. Business poured in and in no time, I was focusing on market throughout Europe and Asia.
Sometimes I look back and wonder what would have happened if I did not have the courage to start my own company. Would I have succeeded in climbing the corporate ladder?
Just a few years after I started my investment firm, I began dreaming of building a network of consulting firms that cater to the unique needs of investors regardless of wealth. So in 2001, armed with gumption and years of experience, I worked on achieving that vision and INNOVATIS was born.
The desire to excel coursed through my veins and in a short time, I successfully founded and co-founded different INNOVATIS entities in different territories. These independent companies offered diversified services such as management of regulated investment funds, strategic development for investors, and the trading of fixed income and other products.
In 2011, I founded INNOVATIS (Suisse) AG, a global asset investment firm that utilizes a unique approach to financial consulting. A one-stop service center for qualified investors, the investment boutique offers combined services of asset management and structuring of financial products. The investment team at INNOVATIS (Suisse) AG always has client’s specific needs and requirements in mind as they create personalized portfolios and/or develop tailor-made financial products.
During interviews, I often get asked what advice would I give to a wealth advisor or an asset advisor who’s just starting out in the business. First, do not stop at getting a degree and working at an investment firm. Groom yourself to be your own boss someday. Think like a CEO but be prepared to work harder than anyone in your firm. Moreover, do not be afraid to innovate. Remember, to do well in this field, a wealth advisor must have the ability to innovate financial solutions for clients when needed. And more importantly, be professional at all times and always treat clients, partners and colleagues with respect. Being successful isn’t just about having a profitable business or a high-paying job, it is also about integrity, reliability, and honesty.
Erwin Lasshofer is an expert in the financial services industry. He is the founder of INNOVATIS (Suisse) AG and the sole owner of INNOVATIS GmbH Austria. Lasshofer currently plays an active role in supervising the INNOVATIS investment team.