Justice - droits fondamentaux Flashcards
Why did you choose to apply to the Banque de France and what are your motivations for this executive position?
First of all, generally speaking, my desire to apply to the Banque de France is rooted in my personal interests and my conviction that this institution is unique.
My attraction for public service and my commitment to the general interest are reflected in the missions of the Banque de France. My keen interest in economics and finance finds its place in this dynamic context, in constant interaction with current events. I’m also particularly attracted by the possibility of working immediately, from the next quarter.
Secondly, the Banque de France is unique in my eyes. It stands out for its constant innovation, its quest for operational excellence and its ability to anticipate and meet the major challenges of our time. Firmly rooted in France, it also plays a crucial role on the European stage. I am convinced that it is within this institution, recognised for its effective management and commitment to CSR, that I will find a diverse and stimulating working environment, conducive to exchanges with professionals from different backgrounds.
I feel fully prepared and operational for the position of executive, with a demanding educational background and significant experience in public institutions. I’m keen to take on a position of responsibility, where I can make the most of my dynamism, work capacity, curiosity and interpersonal skills. For me, this position represents an opportunity to develop my full potential, to become more technical, to progress and to learn, while giving the best of myself.I’m particularly interested in the functional mobility of the job.
What are the unique aspects of the Banque de France that particularly appeal to you?
The Banque de France is unique as an institution :
- As a central bank, it helps to define the eurozone’s monetary strategy and ensures that it is implemented in France on behalf of the Eurosystem.
- Continuum between the major European (global) issues and the concerns of economic agents on the ground. I find this fascinating. E.g.: single climate benchmark for companies.
- Prestigious. It allows you to work with highly qualified and renowned professionals and to access unique opportunities. This is also important for me, as I come from a modest background.
The Banque de France is unique as a model for public action :
- It has a significant and recognised CSR policy (one of the leading public institutions)
- It is open to progress, particularly generative artificial intelligence.
- The Banque de France innovates to improve its operational action: NGFS (2017), MNBC
The Banque de France is unique in the career prospects it offers its senior executives:
- Functional mobility: suits my generalist profile, my ability to adapt quickly and the variety of my interests
- Geographical mobility: linked to its links with the IOs, first and foremost in France.
How do you see the Banque de France compared with other European banking institutions? How do you think you can make the most of this difference?
The Banque de France stands out for :
- Its reputation. It is perceived as an expert institution. In France, it contributes to confidence (production of studies and statistics). Internationally, it launches initiatives to meet contemporary challenges (Nexus project, MNBC, NGFS).
- A driving force in the European fintech ecosystem. It supports innovation and start-ups in the financial sector, contributing to the development of the fintech ecosystem in France and Europe.
- Commitment. Financial inclusion and financial education. CSR policy.
I think I can highlight these distinctive differences of the Banque de France in several ways.
- Firstly, based on my training and professional experience, I have developed an in-depth understanding of economic and financial issues, which would enable me to contribute actively to the studies, analyses and projects initiated by the Bank.
- Secondly, having worked in international organisations and being particularly interested in sustainable finance issues, I am enthusiastic about the idea of participating in initiatives launched by the Banque de France in response to contemporary challenges. My experience at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, for example, has enabled me to develop a strong ability to work with different stakeholders and to manage complex projects, skills that I could put to good use at the Bank.
- What’s more, my curiosity about financial innovation and my interest in fintech are a perfect match for the Banque de France’s active role in the European fintech ecosystem. I am convinced that my proactive approach and willingness to learn could help to further strengthen the Bank’s position as a key player in this field.
- Finally, I fully share the Banque de France’s values in terms of financial inclusion and financial education. Having acquired a solid grounding in political economy and corporate social responsibility during my studies, I am ready to invest myself in these areas to contribute to the Bank’s social and educational mission.
In your opinion, what is the Banque de France’s most critical mission in the current economic climate?
In my view, the current economic context is characterised by uncertainty, the conflicts in the Middle East, the new rise in energy prices and the challenges posed by the ecological transition. To a different extent, the strong growth in the United States against a backdrop of very high key interest rates raises questions. The Banque de France’s most critical mission is undoubtedly that of financial stability. It is crucial to avoid another banking crisis, given the serious and widespread repercussions this could have on the economy as a whole.
In collaboration with the European Central Bank, the Banque de France must continue to work on anchoring inflation expectations to stabilise the bond market. In a context where inflation rates are volatile and monetary policies are under strong pressure, it is crucial to maintain market confidence and ensure price stability over the medium term.
The Banque de France must play a role in promoting the diversification and consolidation of the French universal banking model, which has proven its resilience in the past. This also means continuing to advocate full application of the Basel III standards, which aim to strengthen regulation, supervision and risk management in the sector.
Furthermore, with recent events linked to the takeovers of troubled banks, such as JP Morgan’s takeover of First Republic Bank, UBS’s takeover of Crédit Suisse, and HSBC’s takeover of SVB’s UK subsidiary, it is imperative to keep a close eye on the potential creation of systemic banks that could pose risks to global financial stability. The Banque de France must therefore play a monitoring role and intervene if necessary to prevent any systemic risk.
Finally, the issues associated with the ecological transition also represent a major challenge for the Banque de France. It must integrate these issues into its financial stability strategy, by encouraging green investment and contributing to the development of standards and regulations that support the transition to a more sustainable economy.
In conclusion, the Banque de France’s financial stability mission is more crucial than ever in the current context. It requires a global approach, integrating the monitoring of banking risks, the management of inflation expectations and the consideration of environmental issues.
The Banque de France is at the heart of Europe. How do you see its role in the post-Brexit context and the European Union’s current economic challenges?
Post-Brexit:
- Strengthening the Paris financial centre: With the loss of direct access to London-based financial services, the Banque de France has a role to play in promoting Paris as a viable and attractive alternative. This means working closely with regulators, businesses and other stakeholders to improve the financial infrastructure, incentives and business climate.
- Business re-orientation: helping businesses navigate the new economic landscape.
- Supporting Financial Innovation: helping the development of the Fintech ecosystem in Europe, by supporting French start-ups.
EU Economic Challenges:
- Balancing inflation and growth: soft landing
- Crisis response: The Bank must remain agile and ready to respond quickly to crises, whether due to oil price volatility, tensions in the Middle East or other external shocks.
- Supporting the Ecological and Digital Transition: leading by example: sustainable assets and helping businesses and sectors to adapt to the new realities.
The Banque de France is an institution at the heart of European economic issues. How do you plan to contribute to its influence and mission within Europe?
Reminder of the central role of the Banque de France in European economic issues:
- Member of the European Central Bank (ECB): The Banque de France plays a key role in implementing European monetary policy, contributing to the financial and economic stability of the euro zone.
- Regulation and Supervision: It supervises banking and financial institutions in France, ensuring the smooth operation and stability of the financial system.
- Production of Analyses and Statistics: The Banque de France carries out studies and provides economic data that are essential for assessing the economic situation in France and the eurozone.
- Promoter of Financial Innovation_: The Banque de France supports innovation in the financial sector, particularly through its involvement in the fintech ecosystem and digital currency projects.
Contributing to the influence and mission of the Banque de France in Europe :
- Expertise in Economics : Use my in-depth knowledge gained from my training and professional experience to contribute to analyses and decisions on monetary policy and financial stability.
- Promoting Financial Stability_: Working closely with other European institutions to strengthen the resilience of the financial system and promote best practice in regulation and supervision.
- Supporting Financial Inclusion and Education_: Contributing to the Bank’s programmes and initiatives aimed at improving access to financial services and strengthening financial education.
- Support for Innovation Projects_: Actively participate in the Bank’s financial innovation initiatives, contributing ideas and support for the implementation of new technologies and the improvement of financial services.
- Representation and Communication_: Represent the Banque de France in various European forums and meetings, helping to promote its values and expertise, and thereby strengthening its influence and image at European level.
The Banque de France is both a national institution and a major player within the European Union. How do you plan to navigate between these two roles and responsibilities?
The Banque de France plays a crucial role both as a national institution and as a major player in the European Union, and it is essential to navigate skilfully between these two responsibilities if we are to contribute effectively to its success.
As a national institution, the Banque de France’s mission is to ensure financial stability, supervise the banking sector and contribute to the smooth functioning of the French economy. This requires a thorough understanding of the French economic, social and political context, as well as the ability to work closely with other French institutions and market players to anticipate and respond to the country’s specific challenges.
At the same time, as a major player within the European Union, the Banque de France contributes to defining and implementing monetary policy in the eurozone, in close collaboration with the European Central Bank and the other national central banks. This requires a broader perspective, an understanding of European issues and the ability to work within a multilateral framework.
To navigate between these two roles, I am committed to:
1. Continuously Inform and Educate Myself: Staying up to date on economic developments, both at national and European level, and understanding the specificities and synergies between the two levels.
2. Develop a Bifocal Vision: Cultivate the ability to think and act from both a national and a European perspective.
3. Foster Communication and Collaboration: If my duties allow, work closely with colleagues and partners at national and European level, promoting an open exchange of information and effective collaboration.
4. To be Adaptable and Proactive: To be flexible and proactive in meeting requirements.
5. Contribute to European Integration: Actively participate in initiatives aimed at strengthening European integration.
How would you define the role of a senior manager at the Banque de France?
A central role in carrying out the tasks of the Banque de France. There are many different types of executive position, but what they all have in common is that they have major responsibilities. There are several key aspects to the role of senior manager:
- Managers: They also play an important role in supervising, training and developing teams, thus ensuring that the Banque de France has the skills and knowledge it needs to fulfil its mission.
- Innovation and adaptability: risks related to climate change, technological innovations and regulatory changes.
- Policy-making: Senior managers contribute to the development and implementation of monetary and financial policies, both nationally and internationally.
- Representatives : They represent the Banque de France in various forums and working groups, and liaise with other regulatory authorities, the financial sector and the general public.
In summary, the role of an executive within the Banque de France is multifaceted, requiring a combination of technical, analytical and managerial skills. They are at the heart of the effort to carry out the Banque de France’s missions, while adapting to the changes and new challenges of the financial world.
What do you see as the main tasks and responsibilities of a senior manager at the Banque de France?
The role of a senior manager at the Banque de France can be seen in several key dimensions:
- Technical and analytical expertise:
- Mastery of Specific Subjects: Executives must have in-depth expertise in their respective fields, be it banking supervision, internal audit, financial market supervision, or other specialised areas.
- Analysis and Evaluation: They are responsible for analysing risks, evaluating internal control systems and examining the financial situations of the institutions supervised or projects in progress. - Management and leadership skills:
- Team Management: They manage teams, organise work and train and develop their staff.
- Decision-making: They play a crucial role in making important decisions, based on their analyses and assessments. - Communication and interpersonal relations:
- Effective Communication: They must be able to communicate clearly and effectively, both in writing and orally, with a variety of stakeholders.
- Relations with senior management: They interact regularly with the senior management of the supervised institutions, as well as with the governing bodies of the Banque de France and other authorities. - Sense of Responsibility and Integrity:
- Ethical Responsibility: They must demonstrate irreproachable integrity and a strong sense of responsibility, ensuring financial stability and consumer protection.
- Commitment to the Bank’s Objectives: They are committed to the missions and objectives of the Banque de France, and contribute to its role in maintaining financial stability and regulating the banking and financial system. - Adaptability and Continuous Learning:
- Regulatory and Technological Watch: They must remain constantly informed of regulatory and technological developments and best practices in their field.
- Adaptability: They must be able to adapt quickly to changes and new situations, and to carry out assignments in a variety of contexts, including internationally. - Contribution to Strategy and Policy:
- Influence on Policy and Regulation: They actively participate in the development of standards and policies, both nationally and internationally.
- Strategic Analysis: They contribute to strategic analysis and decision-making within the Bank, providing insights and informed recommendations. - Social Responsibility and Commitment:
- Promoting Sustainable Finance: Some positions, such as the Sustainable Finance Specialist, play a key role in promoting sustainable finance practices and contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals.
- Commitment to Society: They help to strengthen public confidence in the financial system and protect the interests of consumers and citizens.
In summary, the role of an executive within the Banque de France is multifaceted, requiring a balance of technical expertise, management and leadership skills, communication abilities, integrity, adaptability and commitment to the social and economic objectives of the Bank and society as a whole.
How do you think your role as an executive can positively influence the activities of the Banque de France?
I’m convinced that my academic and professional background puts me in an ideal position to have a positive influence on the Bank’s activities and to play an active part in its development in a constantly changing economic and financial environment.
1. Leadership and decision-making: My career path has equipped me with solid knowledge and a rigorous working method, which will enable me to exercise leadership and make informed decisions.
2. Adaptability to change, flexibility, ability to learn quickly: My professional experience has prepared me to evolve in constantly changing environments. I therefore believe that I can embrace and promote a culture of innovation and flexibility within the Bank.
3. Communication and external relations: My command of several languages (French, English, Spanish, German) and my experience at the Permanent Representation of France to the UN in Geneva, where I worked on all cross-cutting issues and helped organise major conferences, will enable me to maintain and strengthen the Banque de France’s relations with its external stakeholders.
- In the long term, as a teacher by nature, I can see myself being fully involved in skills development and talent management within the teams.
- Lastly, I am fully committed to BdF’s social and environmental responsibility: My particular interest in sustainable finance, as well as my daily commitment to global issues such as climate change, make me ideally placed to contribute to the Banque de France’s social and environmental responsibility initiatives.
As an executive at the Banque de France, how would you contribute to innovation within the bank?
As an executive manager at the Bank of France, my contribution to innovation would be crucial in strengthening existing initiatives and fostering the creation of new innovative solutions. Here are several areas on which I would commit:
Strengthen and Support Existing Initiatives: Active Involvement in "The Lab": I would directly involve myself in the activities of the Open Innovation center "The Lab", participating in meetings, sharing my expertise, and contributing to the development of innovation strategies. Support for Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) Projects: I would work closely with teams responsible for CBDC projects to optimize cross-border payment processes and interbank operations. Promote Collaboration and Exchange: Strengthen Ties with the Innovative Ecosystem: I would ensure that we maintain strong and productive relationships with startups, research centers, and other key players in the innovative ecosystem. Facilitate Interdepartmental Communication: I would work to break down silos between different departments and encourage a culture of sharing and collaboration. Encourage an Internal Culture of Innovation: Training and Skill Development: I would ensure that our employees have access to continuous training to stay at the forefront of the latest technologies and innovation methods. Recognition of Innovative Contributions: I would establish reward systems to recognize and celebrate employees' innovative contributions. Ensure Adherence to Principles of Responsibility and Ethics: Promotion of Trustworthy AI: I would ensure that we adopt a responsible approach to artificial intelligence, preventing discrimination and adhering to ethical principles. Commitment to CSR: I would work to integrate principles of social and environmental responsibility into all our innovation initiatives. Play an Active Role Internationally: Participation in International Initiatives: I would represent the Bank of France in forums and international initiatives related to innovation, sharing our experience and learning from other central banks. Development of Strategic Partnerships: I would seek to establish bilateral partnerships with other international financial institutions to collaborate on innovation projects. Support Experimentation and R&D: Encouragement of Experimentation: I would create an environment where experimentation is encouraged and failure is seen as an opportunity for learning. Investment in Research and Development: I would ensure that sufficient resources are allocated to R&D to develop new innovative solutions.
In summary, my contribution as an executive manager would focus on strengthening existing initiatives, promoting collaboration and exchange, encouraging an internal culture of innovation, adhering to principles of responsibility and ethics, actively participating internationally, and supporting experimentation and R&D. These actions would help position the Bank of France as a leader in innovation in the financial sector.
- What is your vision of innovation within an institution like the Banque de France?
Overall, innovation at the Banque de France is a strategic priority, integrated into all aspects of its operations. It aims to continuously improve its services, anticipate future challenges, and play an active role in transforming the financial sector. The emphasis on responsibility, collaboration, and commitment to emerging technologies positions the Banque de France as a key player in financial innovation, contributing to the stability and efficiency of the financial system while considering the social and environmental impact of its activities.
Anticipation and Adaptation: * Proactivity: The Banque de France is proactive in anticipating changes and future challenges, and adapts its strategies accordingly. It does not just react to changes but seeks to anticipate and shape them. * Digital Transformation: Commitment to digital transformation is essential to remain competitive and effective. This involves continuous modernization of information systems and the adoption of emerging technologies. Innovation Center and Collaboration: * The Lab: The creation of "The Lab" as an open innovation center illustrates the Bank's commitment to innovation. It is a space where ideas can be tested and developed in collaboration with various stakeholders. * Collaboration: The Banque de France emphasizes collaboration, both internally among different departments, and externally with startups, research centers, and other central banks. This collaborative approach is crucial for stimulating innovation and sharing knowledge. Focus on Emerging Technologies: * Blockchain and AI: Early adoption of blockchain and a focus on artificial intelligence demonstrate a desire to remain at the forefront of technology. This also includes experiments with central bank digital currency (CBDC) and the use of AI to improve various processes. * Cybersecurity and Data: Cybersecurity and data management are priorities, in line with the increasing use of AI and other technologies. Ensuring the secure and ethical use of these technologies is crucial. Responsibility and Social Impact: * Responsible Innovation: The Banque de France commits to responsible innovation, considering the social and environmental impact of its technological activities. This includes initiatives to promote gender equality and combat discrimination in the field of AI. * Financial Education: Innovation is also used to improve financial education, underscoring the role of the Banque de France in raising public awareness and education. International Vision: * International Collaboration: Innovation does not occur in isolation, and the Banque de France engages in international partnerships to share knowledge and work together on common challenges. This includes initiatives within the Eurosystem and with other central banks around the world.
Conclusion:
Innovation within an institution like the Banque de France is crucial to remain relevant in the rapidly evolving financial landscape.
Do you plan to bring innovations or changes to the Banque de France? If yes, can you give us a concrete example?
Innovation at the Banque de France reminds me of large-scale initiatives like the NGFS. At my level, it would be presumptuous to claim that I could implement an innovation of such magnitude immediately upon taking office.
However, on my own scale, I tend to innovate in my work. I always strive to increase efficiency and be optimal when possible. I also continuously seek to improve the quality of my work. I always aim for perfection and pay close attention to my colleagues’ remarks and the advice given to me for improvement.
For example, when I was at UNHCR, I innovated by simplifying the Excel form my team used to record ongoing fundraising campaigns. I did this simply by using cell filtering.
Furthermore, I like to integrate innovative tools into my work. I know that the Banque de France is currently experimenting with generative AI to improve its efficiency. If this innovation succeeds, I would be very excited to see how it could help me in my duties.
So, in this sense, I can bring innovation to the Banque de France, particularly within my team, by seeking, at my level, to make my work as effective as possible, potentially through innovation.
The Bank of France values innovation. Can you share an example of an innovation that you initiated or supported in a previous role?
- Macros to optimize UNHCR fundraising. Based on donor data collected via Google Analytics. Trying to better understand the “donor journey”.
Can you give an example of a situation where you had to innovate to solve a problem? How would this apply to the Bank of France?
- Simplification of the Excel spreadsheet that listed all ongoing fundraising campaigns. The problem was that the spreadsheet had become too dense, difficult to understand, and hard to navigate.
- Perhaps my functions at the Bank of France might lead me to simplify Excel spreadsheets.
- But to get to the heart of the matter, I apply this approach generally. I always strive to be as optimal as possible and create an easier and more efficient work environment for my team. I am always proactive in proposing innovative ways to improve the quality of my team’s work.
What reform or initiative of the Bank of France have you found particularly impressive in recent years?
- Leading the experimentation on CBDCs. Impressed by the work of the DIIF on cross-border payments, and by the “Jura” and “Marianna” initiatives at the BIS to experiment with the interoperability of wholesale CBDCs and cross-border payments.
- In my opinion, the interoperability of CBDCs at the international level is one of the most promising international cooperation projects today:
- (1) The chances of success are high given that all parties are interested in making their CBDCs interoperable.
- (2) The timing is right, as according to the BIS, 93% of central banks are experimenting with issuing their currency in token form.
- (3) The approach adopted is technical.
- The Bank of France is the initiator of this major project, which could improve cross-border payments through the use of multiple CBDCs on interoperable systems. This is a significant contribution to global financial stability, which is a public good. I find this particularly impressive.