|
THE RETURN TO DUBROVNIK
NeMa, the leading European Network Management conference of the securities services industry returned, for the third time, to Dubrovnik this year between the 14th and 16th of June and, once again, gathered together the most prominent names in the business. Among the more than 500 international delegates and in addition to the customary participants from global custodians, broker-dealers, agent banks and technology providers, regulators, stock exchanges and CSDs were represented as well.
NeMa is a very special occasion for the Global Securities Services team of UniCredit, which, together with HSBC, has been the joint lead sponsor of the event for over a decade now. There is truly no better forum to keep the business abreast of key industry and macroeconomic trends, to discuss business development targets and to network and exchange feedback, views and ideas with our clients.
In the form of panel discussions, special focus lunch roundtables and presentations, NeMa created the perfect environment for sharing views on a wide range of topics - from essential ones on Network Management models and functions, due diligence processes and costs, to innovative discussions on technology and, in particular, blockchain. The focus on risk and regulations - with discussions on liability, asset safety, and contingency - has become an ever growing feature of the event, especially during the pre-conference summit, which enjoyed record participation this year.
During the conference UniCredit once again had great visibility, not only through the presence of our sales teams, but also thanks to several speaking slots. Susanna Scheffold, UniCredit's Global Head of Securities Services since August 2015, had the opportunity to make an impactful introduction of herself to NeMa's participants. Susanna delivered the Keynote Address in the morning of the second day of the conference, directing the attention of the audience to UniCredit's home markets in CEE and provided a primer in navigating through the risks and the challenges of the region.
The first day of the conference was chaired by Günter Schnaitt, Head of GSS Austria, who, in his opening remarks, welcomed the delegates with an insightful exposé on the evolution of the conference since it was last held in Dubrovnik five years ago and how its focus has shifted - from topics on network management, services and pricing, to risk, regulation and technology. Later, during the same day, Julia Romhányi, Head of CEE GSS, hosted a CEE Roundtable discussing the increased regulatory challenges the industry faces, the most efficient client servicing models, the least disruptive market entry possibilities for investors in CEE and the future of SEE Link.
The contribution of UniCredit to the high level of professional discussions started already on the pre-conference Risk Summit day when Michael Slavov, Global Sales & Relationship Manager, took part in a panel discussion on contingency network arrangements.
UniCredit's presence was further strengthened by Paolo Spada, Head of CEE GTB, who added great value to the interaction with our clients, which, this year, was larger than ever before. As with every year, NeMa proved itself , once again, as the premier forum for this industry to discuss and conduct business. The positive feedback received from clients and the deep appreciation of UniCredit GSS’ position and support in CEE makes us look forward to a successful year for our business and, of course, to NeMa in 2017.
Evening social events during NeMa served as less formal, however equally important, venue for networking among conference participants. As joint lead sponsors, UniCredit and HSBC have for many years had the tradition of hosting an open reception for all participants during the first evening of the conference. In 2016, the Revelin Fortress, built in 1462 as an addition to the wall surrounding the famous Old City of Dubrovnik, provided a spectacular and refreshing venue for relaxing and enjoying the beautiful panorama after an intense day spent in the conference facilities.
The end of this year’s conference was tinged by a surprise announcement: Andrew Barman, NeMa's founder and director since its establishment sixteen years ago, bid his farewell to all participants. We would like to thank him once again for the twelve years of excellent cooperation and wish him all the best for his future endeavors.
Andrea Karpati
Head of Secretariat
UniCredit Global Securities Services
|
