A meeting with... Jérôme Dawans

What convinced you to join Orea Capital?

Orea Capital is a dynamic and fast-growing company while still maintaining a human-sized structure.  Its management approach perfectly matches the philosophy I have applied for more than thirty years. It also meets the expectations of clients who do not wish to invest all of their assets in patrimonial funds.

Orea offers discretionary portfolio management through direct investments, with a bottom-up approach (thorough analysis of the companies followed), strong asset diversification, no complex products or derivatives, transparency in its service offering, as well as independence and objectivity.

On a more personal level, it is also a wonderful opportunity to join a new team whose experience I truly value, and to reconnect with Jonny Van De Casteele (with whom I started my career) and Roxane Lebrun.

What is the most meaningful client relationship you have built throughout your career, and why?

My greatest satisfaction lies in the loyalty and mutual trust I have built with families who have followed me for more than thirty years. I am always pleased when clients introduce me to the next generation, and when, over time, children and grandchildren also become clients themselves.

My independent and objective management approach has also allowed me to support many non-profit organizations, especially during difficult periods such as the financial crisis.

In your opinion, what do clients expect today from a private banker?

Beyond expertise and integrity, clients are looking for a private banker who supports them over the long term and who truly understands their needs and personal situation financial, patrimonial, and family-related.

Unlike large financial institutions where advisors often change rapidly, Orea Capital ensures continuity and stability through very low staff turnover and a forward-looking management philosophy.

What attracted you to supporting non-profit organizations, congregations, and institutions with patrimonial or philanthropic purposes?

The human aspect is essential. I have been supporting non-profit organizations for many years. While management teams may sometimes change, the underlying spirit always remains the same. I help them manage their assets with the satisfaction of seeing the positive impact this has on achieving each institution’s social and philanthropic mission.

Sound and disciplined management helps ensure the long-term sustainability of these organizations.

If your clients had to describe your approach in three words, which ones would come up most often?

Expertise: Throughout my career, I have held highly complementary roles as a relationship manager, portfolio manager, and legal-tax advisor. I will even add a new specialization at the end of June when I obtain my diploma related to the art market.

Intellectual curiosity: In line with the above, I am fortunate to work in a profession I am truly passionate about. Reading and continuous training allow me to closely follow developments in the financial sector in all its dimensions.

Discretion: Clients appreciate having someone who remains discreet regarding financial and personal matters. Just as with a notary, discretion is an essential quality that must always be respected. It strengthens the relationship of trust.

In an environment where everything is becoming more digital and faster, how can one still build a truly lasting and exclusive relationship with clients?

It is important to strike the right balance between digitalization — which remains a tool serving our activity — and the human connection that is essential to the success of our work.

Technological developments and the launch of a new website provide clients with all the information they need at any time.  Technology also allows us to save considerable time on administrative and follow-up tasks.

However, this should never replace regular personal meetings. I could not imagine onboarding a new client solely through an online account-opening process. A prior meeting remains essential in order to provide all the necessary information and to truly get to know the prospective client.