Bernard Colla, Senior Advisor

Bernard, how long did you stay at Avantage Reply? When did you leave?

I stayed for 2 years and I left in January 2016.

What was your role? Which office did you work for?

I was a Senior Manager in charge of projects related to banking regulation such as ECB Stress Test, SSM, the bank recovery and resolution directive (BRRD), market risk and Asset Liability Management (ALM).

I was based in Brussels; however my projects were mostly abroad (Luxembourg and London).

Bernard, what accomplishments make you the most proud?

The development of ECB Stress Test Infrastructure for two clients of Avantage Reply.

What did you really like in your role at Avantage Reply?

It was able to learn about new and different topics and to help clients on specific issues where we can offer them real added value.

According to you, what differentiate Avantage Reply from other consultancies?

Avantage Reply has consultants with more experience, while the other consultancies primarily use more junior consultants.

Is there a corporate value you really appreciated at Avantage Reply?

Direct access to Senior Management and open discussions.

What led you to your current line of work? Did your background at Avantage Reply help?

Directly no, because I started to work in another business sector. Indirectly yes, I had the opportunity to see some links between banking regulation and insurance regulation and the experience with Avantage Reply helped me a lot to make this link.

What does a typical day look like for you? What do you most look forward to?

Currently, it’s mainly management of planning and control activities. A typical day provides the time and opportunity to study new topics, especially in the balance sheet management space and to discuss the potential consequences of new development in the banking industry, with colleagues.

What skills did you acquire at Avantage Reply that have helped you throughout your career?

Deep knowledge on banking regulation.

What was one of your most important experiences at Avantage Reply?

A project with a large bank where we helped the bank based in Luxembourg to join the SSM.

What advice do you have for former and/or current consultants and staff?

Keep up with new developments in the technology and risk & regulation space.