There are many ways to start a career in structured products, and a variety of different views of what are good products. In a series of interviews, SRP asks market practitioners to reveal their thoughts about the market and the path they have taken to become part of it.

Anthony Van Impe, head of product management, Deutsche Bank Belgium answers the questions.

What sells better in the Belgian market, protected or non-protected products?
Belgian clients are looking for full capital protection products. In our current offer, non-capital protected products are always difficult to position with regards to funds and equities for retail clients.

What was your first job?
My first job was financial advisor for high network individuals in a Deutsche Bank branch.

What subject did you study in higher education?
Master's degree in Economics (option: finance).

Are structured products complex investments?
Structured products allow us to meet most client needs (income generation, capital protection, leverage...). I consider structured products to be complex investments. If risks are well explained and understood, [then a] structured product is a key investment in all portfolios.

What is the main benefit of buying a structured product?
A structured product can meet all the needs of clients. There is always a structured product solution in all market conditions.

What is the best structured product you have ever seen?
Autocall Phoenix (with leveraged put) is always a nice story for the clients.

Bonus certificates are also very attractive in terms of the story.

Bicycle or taxi?
My preference is running but I did my first triathlon this year... so bicycle.

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