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Porthos to D’Artagnan: "You, boy, are arrogant, hot tempered and entirely too bold. I like that. Reminds me of me" |
THERE IS A thin line between supreme self-confidence and arrogance. And where arrogance would normally be seen as an unwelcome characteristic, in the world of fund management, self-confidence – having the courage of one’s convictions – is a prerequisite. As a trader in a London investment house says: "All the fund managers in our place are completely full of themselves. But then again, that’s what makes them successful."
Raphael Kassin, the new head of emerging markets fixed income at Credit Suisse, is clearly well endowed with self-confidence. But his clients, and his peer group, will see this as very much a strength.
Entirely at ease in front of the photographer’s lens, Kassin is not shy of the spotlight. Although many large fund houses have gone out of their way to emphasize the benefits of teamwork and a collective, inclusive decision-making process in their investment culture, the star fund manager, as embodied by Kassin, is still very much alive and well.
Given his track record over nine years at ABN Amro, which he left in April, he has no reason for self-doubt.