Martine Capus: Networking is Everything

For Martine Capus, networking is everything. She is Deputy Head of Operations Oversight at Amundi in Luxembourg and sits on the board of several Amundi funds. Additionally, she is actively engaged as an Ambassador with Fondsfrauen in Luxembourg and was named "Role Model of The Year" in October 2023. She views networking as an investment from which all involved parties benefit. In this interview, she explains what aspects to pay attention to when networking.

Martine, as Deputy Head of Operations Oversight, you oversee operational processes at Amundi Luxembourg. Can you tell us what your responsibilities include?

As deputy department head, I share responsibility for the professional and operational management of the team as well as ensuring efficient work processes. I support the team with complex technical questions and take responsibility for central regulatory and operational processes. My areas of responsibility include, in particular, the review and monitoring of annual and semi-annual reports as well as close coordination with the funds' external auditors. Additionally, I ensure compliance with regulatory and compliance requirements, including through the review of the completeness and legal compliance of SFDR reports as well as continuous monitoring of relevant EMIR and SFTR regulations.

Our team is responsible for a broad range of operational and regulatory tasks. These include, among other things, the management and oversight of service provider relationships as well as ensuring coordination with internal and external stakeholders. The diversity of our areas of responsibility requires a high level of professional expertise, cross-functional collaboration, and solution-oriented action.

I can imagine that! For these tasks, you need to know the legal rules and industry standards precisely. How do you stay current?

Our directly responsible Luxembourg regulator, as well as other national regulators, regularly publish changes to circulars and other important notices on their websites. Law firms and Big Four companies regularly organize events or training on various topics, which I attend regularly. Beyond that, I am very well networked. In your network, you can exchange ideas on various topics and learn and implement best practices.

How important is a sustainable network to you?

It's everything. A strong and sustainable network is a decisive success factor. Building and maintaining relationships requires time, continuity, and commitment to your network, both internally and externally. In the long term, you reap the rewards, and the investment pays off.

This applies to both sides, because a good network is based on reciprocity: you benefit from the experience and support of others while you yourself contribute knowledge, helpfulness, and trust to collective success. It is balanced give and take, from which all involved parties benefit sustainably.

How do you network?

For over 20 years since the beginning of my professional career, I have consciously and continuously invested in building and maintaining my network. I regularly attend various professional events and networking events to learn from others, gain new perspectives, and deliberately expand my network further. Particularly at the beginning of my career, there were very few women at these events; they were underrepresented. This experience all the more reinforced my commitment to actively seek out exchange, provide support, and build a strong professional network.

How do you decide which events to attend?

That varies; either because the topic interests me or because I'm invited or want to support the organizer.

You are certainly noticed in the market. Not least for that reason, you were nominated by many as "Role Model of The Year." What do you do to be seen?

Great question, especially since I have a large network that I have cultivated for over 20 years. I also engage with great passion and high personal commitment and tremendous energy with Fondsfrauen. There I work as Ambassador for Luxembourg. I organize many networking events for Fondsfrauen in Luxembourg and have built a steadily growing network over the years. I am known for my discretion and reliability. I still belong to a generation where when you give your word, you keep it. And it is precisely this attitude that characterizes my collaboration with colleagues, business partners, and my entire network.

It may sound superficial, but what you wear also plays a role in visibility within the industry. I remember wonderful photos from our summit where you sat in the first row in a green dress. What considerations do you make about your outfit when you attend events?

I am a colorful person and like to symbolize femininity, often through striking accessories. But still, I pay attention to the event's theme, the expected participants, and adapt accordingly, while remaining myself and authentic.

What tips would you like to pass along to our readers for their personal development?

Networking is very important. Building and maintaining a network takes time, but it is a wonderful and meaningful investment in yourself. Ask questions; remain curious and authentic!

Thank you very much for these insights and these very personal tips!

Foto: Toni Hofmann

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