L-R: Pierre Gramegna, Minister of Finance; Benjamin Cole, Fordham University Professor;
Credit: MFIN
During his financial mission to New York, from 16-18 April 2018, Luxembourg Finance Minister Pierre Gramegna dealt with the topics of FinTech, investment funds and sustainable finance.
In the context of his visit, Pierre Gramegna had interviews with senior executives of major US financial groups to discuss with them their development strategy in Europe and the role that Luxembourg can play in this context.
The minister also had a meeting with Adena Friedman, CEO of Nasdaq, to discuss the current challenges facing the financial markets, particularly with regard to regulatory developments and changes brought about by the development of FinTech. Similarly, he had a working lunch with Professor Benjamin Cole of Fordham University, for an exchange of views on virtual currencies and blockchain applications in the financial world and beyond. In addition, Pierre Gramegna made the closing speech of the Empire Startups Fintech Conference, in which he highlighted the role of Luxembourg as a European hub for young innovative companies.
Another major theme of the mission was sustainable finance, a field in which Luxembourg's financial centre has been established in recent years as a key player. Pierre Gramegna had an interview with Elliott Harris, Under-Secretary-General for Economic Development and Chief Economist of the United Nations, for an exchange of views on the challenges of climate finance and financing the transition to sustainable development. He also spoke with Rockefeller Foundation officials about opportunities to develop new avenues for financing projects in the field of social impact investing across Luxembourg.
Finally, Minister Gramegna gave the opening speech of the conference organised by Alfi as part of their traditional "New York Roadshow", dedicated to professionals in the fund industry. In this context, he particularly highlighted the close links between New York and Luxembourg.
