Every Wednesday, interesting personalities from the world of finance and beyond share their personal preferences in our section Backstage.

What is the first thing you do in the morning?

I’ve always done the same thing for years: I get up, empty the dishwasher and make breakfast for my family. I always do that! Even if I have to be at the airport at 6 a.m.

What ist he best thing about your job?

That I get to work with really great people and meet fascinating people. With our approach, many customer relationships are very close and I am always fascinated and happy about the impressive people I get to work with.

A moment that changed your life?

There are many moments! But especially the moment when I met my wife 40 years ago. And the moment when I was commissioned to sell Berenberg Bank Switzerland, of which I was CEO, and was then able to buy it together with well-known Swiss and German entrepreneurs. That was a unique opportunity for me to realize a dream and build the bank I really believe in. At the time, I had to make a very quick decision and do a lot of convincing. And that decision changed my life a lot.

Which cars do you drive? What is your favorite?

I have a company car, which I simply need. But I much prefer riding my electric bike, my Stromer ST 2. I love riding through the Zurich Oberland.

What advice would you give your 20-year-old-self?

The same advice I give to every 20-year-old. You have to find your passion! You have to do what you’re passionate about! Don’t chase the money, chase your passion. My passion is to be able to advise and support great people. That makes me very happy. I only realized that when I had the opportunity. Sometimes you have to be patient until you find your passion. For me, it was always a great interest in people.

What are you particularly proud of?

Of my family and Bergos.

What was your biggest defeat?

In the past, before Bergos, I once had to realize that I was unable to implement my vision in a professional context. Realizing that was a defeat. The fact that my approach and strategic goals were simply not shared felt disappointing. But in the end, I learned so much from it and it has brought me to where I am now.

What is your favorite wine?

I love champagne, but rather unknown vinter champagnes that you don’t get everywhere. I also really like white wines. After all, I come from the largest wine-growing region in Germany.

Are you currently working on a project?

Yes many! We are currently very active in expanding our Private Markets Offering, which will bring a very exciting new dimension to our offering. I am also closely involved in the reorganization of our Multi-Family Office. Here we particularly want to take the needs of the next generation into account. Younger people often have very different needs to their parents and we want to respond to this clearly.

What would be the biggest surprise for someone taking over your job for a day?

How much fun my job actually is! How much I laugh, how many funny moments I have with my employees and, of course, how much fun I have with customers.

What is your personal motivation?

To have a happy family and to create a truly exceptional bank.

What are you afraid of?

I am afraid of illness and family misfortunes.

Your favorite watch brand?

I don't have one! I usually wear my Apple Watch. I don't think bankers should attach so much importance to these kinds of signs. If you like watches, great! But wearing just one because you want to show status, I think that's really stupid.

What do your employees value most about you?

I had to ask my team! And I was very pleased to hear that they say I have a great sense of humor, can-do attitude and light-heartedness. I've also heard that my positive, solution-oriented and de-escalating way of dealing with problems is very much appreciated - which of course makes me happy! Even though I know what I want, nobody really needs to be afraid of me or my reactions. I enjoy my work and know that there is usually a solution - you just have to want to find it.

Your best Investment?

Financially, I can’t say for sure yet, but emotionally: buying the bank!

Peter Raskin ist CEO und Partner der Zürcher Bergos Bank. Der 56-jährige begann seine Karriere im Jahr 2000 bei der BHF Bank AG, wo er von 2005 bis zur Ernennung zum CEO bei der Berenberg Bank AG im Jahre 2009 als Mitglied der Geschäftsleitung tätig war.