IQ-EQ, an international group specialising in investor relations services, has strengthened its management team in Luxembourg by announcing on Wednesday 17 June the appointment of Frédéric Ullens to the post of managing director for the Grand Duchy, with effect from 15 June. This appointment is by no means insignificant. Luxembourg remains one of the European pillars of the fund and private asset management industry, a market in which competition between fund administrators, custodians and specialist service providers is constantly intensifying. By appointing a seasoned executive to lead the business, IQ-EQ is clearly signalling its ambitions for growth in the financial centre.

Frédéric Ullens brings over 25 years’ experience in the world of funds and private assets. Before joining IQ-EQ, he headed up a global private assets business at Caceis. Throughout his career, he has managed international platforms, supported growth initiatives and overseen integrations in highly regulated environments. He replaces Diana Senanayake for Luxembourg, who had roles at the European level, and who decided after 30 years in the financial industry to devote herself to personal projects.

A market of critical importance

In Luxembourg, he will be responsible for setting the subsidiary’s strategic and operational direction, whilst ensuring its financial performance and growth. He will also be responsible for maintaining risk management and compliance frameworks – issues that have become central to a sector facing increasing regulatory pressure.

“Luxembourg is a market of critical importance to IQ-EQ,” emphasises John Legrand, the group’s deputy group CEO and regional CEO for Emea. According to him, Frédéric Ullens’ international experience in private assets and his ability to lead complex organisations make him “an excellent choice” to drive the company’s next phase of growth.

With a presence in 25 jurisdictions and a workforce of over 6,500, IQ-EQ manages more than $950bn worth of assets. The group’s clients include fund managers, sovereign wealth funds, pension funds, family offices and multinational companies. Luxembourg remains one of its main centres of operation in Europe.