Florence Tournier is Head of Europe for the Strategic Equity division at Churchill Capital, where she has been working for 20 years in the equity markets sector, particularly with hedge funds. Her professional career has been accompanied by a strong philanthropic commitment: she is co-chair of the Sohn Monaco Investment Conference, an event that combines financial excellence with support for pediatric cancer research. After attending the London edition of the conference in 2016, she decided, together with her colleague Justin Hilber, to create the Monegasque branch of the Sohn Conference, which held its first edition in 2017.
We were immediately attracted by the analytical depth of the format. In around ten minutes, each manager presents an investment idea with such precision that you feel you are entering their mind, like an instant analysis engine. This is rare and valuable in this field. And then, the strong philanthropic focus made us want to bring this model to Monaco, with its active financial ecosystem and strategic location between Milan, Paris, and London.
Yes, it’s the fifth edition in Monaco and will take place all day at the Yacht Club des Monaco.
We invite renowned managers, both men and women, from all over Europe. Recognized in the world of finance for their expertise and the relevance of their analysis, they bring valuable insight through their investment ideas on the economic, social, and environmental developments and challenges shaping our societies.
There is no set theme, although trends can sometimes be identified. This year in New York, for example, the desire for diversification – particularly in favor of emerging markets – and the impact of US foreign trade policies were recurring themes. The unique feature of the Sohn Conferences, and therefore also of the Monaco event, is that the ideas presented and topics discussed are only revealed on the day of the event. These presentations – broadcast live by Bloomberg – can sometimes cause share prices to rise or fall, depending on the ideas presented!
It is rare to see managers of this caliber speak publicly about a specific idea in such detail, allowing us to understand their approach and methodology. It is a privilege that they are willing to share. These ideas can provide a new angle of analysis, reinforce a line of thinking or, conversely, refute an idea. The opportunity to meet these managers and engage in further discussion during various highlights of the day is an added bonus of the conference.
Sohn Monaco embodies the meeting of finance and philanthropy, for a concrete and lasting impact. This conference appeals to a sense of community, brought together here around a cause that affects us all, to advance research. We have already raised over €345,000 thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, donors, and participants.
All funds raised at the conference are donated to pediatric cancer research projects. Over the years, Sohn Monaco has supported the work of INSERM/C3M at Nice University Hospital on lymphomagenesis and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the ITCC consortium of researchers in Paris, and the Scientific Center of Monaco.
We make sure that the conference incorporates both dimensions throughout the day: this year, for example, 10 fund managers will present their investment ideas. These presentations will be interspersed with contributions from several special guests, who will talk about their inspiring careers, their experiences and their commitment, providing a personal reminder of the Sohn Foundation’s primary mission.
We are delighted to receive the High Patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II every year, who will honor us with his presence at this 5th edition. The Minister of Finance is also part of our panel of speakers. This mark of confidence allows us to continue this wonderful adventure.
There are currently nine Sohn Conferences on five continents, and we are proud that Monaco has joined the list of these major cities. Its geographical location and growing financial center make it a destination of choice that we are happy to promote.
The AMAF has supported Sohn Monaco since its first edition, demonstrating that finance can and must serve the common good. By communicating with its members, the AMAF enables us to place Sohn Monaco on the agenda of financial institutions as an event not to be missed.
It is indeed our desire to develop these synergies and build bridges between members of Monegasque society. We also attach great importance to welcoming a key player from the Principality to the stage before each of our financial speakers: medical institutions (CHPG), economic institutions (AMAF, AMFiD, MEB, MWFI), social institutions (Think Tank, SheCanHeCan, Pink Ribbon) and educational institutions (IUM, ISM).
