On Monday, June 18th, 2007, the Swiss CFA Society celebrated CFA Institute’s 60th birthday at the Kongresshaus in Zurich. While the weather was stunningly beautiful, the event in the heart of Zurich was well attended. At 5.30 pm, Julien Froidevaux, CFA, founding member and SCFAS’ President, opened the event pointing out today’s activities and size of the CFA Institute as well as the Swiss CFA Society, being the largest CFA Institute Society in continental Europe with currently 1581 members, its mission and vision to be a leader in fostering the highest level of knowledge, professionalism and integrity in the investment business. SCFAS’ Past President, Christian Dreyer, CFA, then challenged a panel of three icons of the Swiss financial sector - Patrick Odier (Senior Partner, Lombard Odier Darier Hentsch), Prof. Dr. Thorsten Hens (Director of the Swiss Banking Institute, University of Zurich) and Prof. Dr. Manuel Ammann (Director of the Swiss Institute for Banking and Finance, University of St. Gallen) – with questions regarding Financial Innovation and Higher Education in Switzerland. The audience was highly attentive to what these experts had to say.
Following the panel, Dr. Giuseppe Ballocchi, CFA and SCFAS’ Vice-President, introduced SCFAS Financial Innovation Prize. Strategic purpose of this prize is to bridge practice and academic theory, and to contribute to the world standing of the Swiss financial market place. Moreover, the prize will reward contributions fostering practical innovation in finance in Switzerland. The winner will receive a cash award of CHF 5000 and the work will be presented at a special SCFAS Professional Development Seminar.
Julien Froidevaux closed the official part of the celebration and led over to the gathering together, surrounded by a delicious and rich dinner buffet.

Welcome and Introduction by Julien Froidevaux, CFA, SCFAS President.

 
 
Podium debate on Financial Innovation and Higher Education in Switzerland with Patrick Odier (Senior Partner, Lombard Odier Darier Hentsch), Prof. Dr. Thorsten Hens (Director of the Swiss Banking Institute, University of Zurich) and Prof. Dr. Manuel Ammann (Director of the Swiss Institute for Banking and Finance, University of St. Gallen). Moderation by Christian Dreyer, CFA, SCFAS Past President.

The audience carefully listened to what the panelists had to say regarding Financial Innovation and Higher Education in Switzerland.

Presentation of SCFAS' Financial Innovation Prize by Giuseppe Ballocchi, CFA, SCFAS Vice-President.

Closing Remarks by Julien Froidevaux, SCFAS President.

After a highly interesting event, a rich cocktail buffet was much appreciated by the
participants.