Riccardo Esposito, this year's Lugano Finance Forum is set to take place on November 19. There are significantly more sponsors and participating companies this year compared to previous years. What factors have contributed to this increase?

This year's Lugano Finance Forum attracts exceptional interest, with more sponsors and participants than in previous editions. This is due to two main factors. On the one hand, our marketing strategy has yielded extremely positive results.

On the other hand, the Forum, which is now an established event for the financial sector in Ticino, reflects the evolution of the local market.

In recent years, Ticino's financial sector has faced major challenges, such as the end of banking secrecy and the COVID-19 pandemic, which have had a negative impact.

«A modern art exhibition will provide the backdrop for the event»

In recent years, however, we have seen steady growth and, especially this year, a real acceleration in the sector, with several international companies opening branches in Lugano. This renewed interest has certainly contributed to the increase in sponsors and participants.

What is the target audience of the Lugano Finance Forum?

The target audience of the Lugano Finance Forum varies from year to year depending on the sponsors and participating companies. This year, with a strong presence of asset management companies, the Forum will focus primarily on an audience of qualified institutional and professional investors interested in the most innovative financial products and services.

We expect the participation of family offices, independent asset managers, private bankers, wealth managers, and consultants from Switzerland and Italy. We aim is to provide an opportunity for those who manage large amounts of capital to meet those who offer the best investment strategies, thus promoting high-level networking.

What are the highlights of this year's Lugano Finance Forum?

This year's main themes will be alternative investments, focusing on private markets and art as an asset class. A modern art exhibition will provide the backdrop for the event, offering a unique opportunity to explore investments in the art sector.

«It is also an ideal platform for creating new business opportunities»

In addition, we will discuss key topics such as real estate, the macroeconomic outlook for 2025 in the light of monetary policy, cryptocurrencies and trading. It will be a rich and insightful edition for investors interested in innovative strategies.

Why else should one visit the Lugano Finance Forum?

The Lugano Finance Forum has become a regular event on the agenda of many financial professionals, not only in Ticino but also in Switzerland and Italy. It is a unique opportunity to meet the key players in the asset management industry in a single day, engaging in quality networking and learning about the latest financial trends and strategies.

It is also an ideal platform for exchanging ideas and creating new business opportunities through direct contact with the industry's decision-makers.

In your opinion, what topics currently dominate the financial industry?

One of the main themes dominating the financial sector at the moment is the outlook for 2025, particularly at the end of the year when investors start to plan their future strategies.

Markets are going through a period of great uncertainty, with many assets at all-time highs but at the same time, there are major geopolitical risks, with several ongoing wars involving nuclear powers.

«In Ticino, I see an increase in professionals who decide to start their own business»

Other hot topics include interest rate cuts, defensive assets such as gold, and cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin, which are gaining ground as an alternative asset class. In addition, the upcoming US elections and their potential impact on the financial markets are hot topics.

How would you describe the current state of the Ticino financial sector?

Lugano and Ticino are experiencing a very positive moment. In recent years, the area has proven to be a solid base for the development of financial activities, both in the field of cryptocurrencies – where Lugano is one of the most advanced cities in the world – and in the traditional asset management sector.

The combination of new technologies and solid infrastructure makes Lugano an attractive hub for funds, banks, and financial services. It is no longer necessary to be physically present in major financial centers to operate globally, and this favors the development of the sector in Ticino.

What trends do you observe in the Ticino financial sector?

In Ticino, I see an increase in the number of independent professionals who decide to start their own business after gaining experience in large banks or asset management companies. These entrepreneurs find a favorable environment in Ticino, with a service-rich ecosystem, efficient infrastructure and a stable regulatory framework.

«This will be a crucial issue to monitor»

This creates a virtuous circle, with synergies between financial advisors, asset managers, and other players in the sector, fostering the growth of local financial activity.

To what extent do you feel the impact of the disappearance of Credit Suisse in Ticino?

The failure of Credit Suisse was certainly a major event, but I think it has now been absorbed by the market. On a political level, however, the question of «too big to fail» remains open, as the merger with UBS has created a bank of enormous size that is closely linked to the fate of the Swiss financial sector.

This will be a crucial issue to monitor, as it involves the government and the financial system in ensuring the stability of the sector without having to intervene again with public funds.

What do you aim to achieve with the Lugano Finance Forum?

The objective of the Lugano Finance Forum is clear: to consolidate Lugano's role as a financial hub of reference. A few years ago, we changed the name of the event from Lantern Fund Forum to Lugano Finance Forum, precisely to highlight the region and the opportunities it offers.

«One of the guests I would very much like to invite is Sergio Ermotti»

We work closely with the local authorities to promote the Canton Ticino as a focal point for investment and the international financial sector.

Who would you most like to invite as a keynote speaker to the Lugano Finance Forum?

One of the guests I would very much like to invite is Sergio Ermotti, CEO of UBS and a native of Ticino. Being able to have a leading figure like him would add great value to the Forum, as he also represents the excellence of the local financial sector.

What events are you planning for 2025?

We already have several important events on the calendar for 2025. In March, we will host the third edition of the Lugano International Real Estate Forum, a very successful event focused on real estate investment.

In Italy, we are planning our «FULL INVESTORS», events dedicated to a group of asset managers and qualified investors, following the exclusive format that has given us excellent results in the past.

Finally, in November we will be holding a new edition of the Lugano Finance Forum, which we hope will continue to grow thanks to the positive trend we have seen this year.

Riccardo Esposito is an economist who initially pursued a long career as an equity analyst in the investment banking sector of several major European financial institutions. In 2009, he founded Finlantern, a network of more than 50,000 financial professionals from Switzerland and Italy. Throughout the year, various events and forums are held under this framework. The Lugano Finance Forum is the most important one.