The journey of Martin Legrand, team leader at Quintet

A programme that opens doors

Fresh out of university and unsure of the direction he wanted to take, Martin was attracted by the two-year Graduate Programme. It allowed him to discover different departments, gain practical experience and identify his strengths. He started his career in 2014 in the Depositary Bank Operations department, where he worked on the implementation of the AIFMD directive. He then joined the Asset Servicing department, where he focused on implementing new regulatory processes. He then contributed to the migration of Quintet's core banking platform to G2 (Lombard Odier), which allowed him to deepen his understanding of the firm’s internal workings and build a strong internal network.

From imposter syndrome to internal audit

“I am grateful to Quintet's HR team for their guidance and support throughout the Graduate Programme and beyond,” says Martin. When he was offered a position in the group's Internal Audit department, he initially doubted his ability to take on the role. “I felt too young and inexperienced,” he recalls. But his desire to grow took over. For two years, Martin conducted audits in several countries, immersing himself in the technical and regulatory complexities of the sector. This experience accelerated his career, allowing him to work with diverse teams and take on many challenges early on.

Building a team from scratch

In 2017, an internal transfer opportunity led Martin to become Head of Network & Depositary Bank Oversight, a position he still holds today. What started out as a one-person department responsible for depositary bank oversight has grown into a team of nearly 20 people, reflecting the rapid expansion of this area of the fund business. "None of this would have been possible without the listening ear, support and advice of my management team. I owe them a great deal. In just a few years, I gained skills in management, regulations, process design and more. It's a career path I could never have imagined," adds Martin.

Conducting leadership

Martin sees himself as a conductor, leading a team of talented individuals. “I'll never be as good as my musicians, but I know the music,” he says. His role is to identify and empower the right people for the right tasks, ensuring harmony and success in complex and constantly evolving projects. “My team is made up of experts who have been trained in-house as well as people we have recruited.” This diversity creates a team of the highest calibre, both in terms of performance and on a human and interpersonal level: an undeniable asset and a clear competitive advantage.

A decade of transformation and growth

After more than 10 years at Quintet, Martin has witnessed major transformations: new IT platforms, exponential growth in the alternative funds sector in Luxembourg and the expansion of teams to support this momentum. He proudly points out that Quintet is not just a private bank but also a trusted provider for institutional clients, offering a dynamic and multifaceted environment.

What does the future hold?

When asked where he sees himself in 5 to 10 years, Martin smiles: “I don't know, and that's fine with me. The environment is constantly changing, and I am confident that opportunities will arise at the right time.” His career at Quintet has been marked by continuous learning, trust and opportunities.