Position: Senior Asset Management Specialist, External Fund Management
I am working in the asset management section of the Bank, where we manage funds for the BIS itself as well as reserves for various central banks. My tasks range from the framing of the investment process and the design of asset management products to the marketing of BIS asset management services to central banks and international institutions. Basically, I do everything except the actual portfolio management, and I find the variety very stimulating. Unlike in large institutions where you would have your niche being a narrow expert, I can get the full picture and see processes from beginning to end, though that means that you need to be very flexible.
What's more, we're the only institution where central banks can meet to exchange views and experience, and we've become increasingly global in our approach. While, from the outside, it may seem that all central banks are the same, they do, in fact, vary significantly in their priorities and needs. I've worked on a variety of exciting projects here, but I think the most significant was developing a central bank committee to discuss reserve management issues - I was involved in the project from scratch, and now it's really coming together.
I also love what Basel has to offer. I once read that it has the most museums per capita of any city in the world, and it's also very rich in terms of concerts and culture. We host the world's biggest art fair and the biggest watch and jewellery fair, so there are always lots of interesting people visiting the city. I also live just five minutes from the French border and 10 minutes from the German border, so my Saturday grocery shopping or the family excursions on Sunday may happen in any one or all of the three countries.
As for relocating here, that couldn't have been simpler. My husband is working in Zurich and I was working in Frankfurt before I joined the BIS. When we moved to Basel the BIS had a dedicated team to help us find an apartment and settle in.
"Here you can get the full picture and see processes from beginning to end. I find that variety very stimulating."
Sandra Haasis
Senior Asset Management Specialist,
External Fund Management
