Head of legal | Julius Baer
Cyrille de Crozals
Head of legal | Julius Baer
What are the projects that you are most proud of working on over the past 12 months?
One notable project has involved preparing for the establishment of new EU branches, requiring extensive research, legal assessments, and strategic planning. My team’s expertise has been instrumental in navigating EU law and laying the groundwork for a successful launch.
As Chairman of the ABBL’s Legal Affairs Committee, I have been able to advocate for best practices and promote a collaborative approach to addressing the challenges faced by the financial sector. This role has enriched my understanding of the broader legal landscape in which we operate and has enabled me to engage in discussions that reflect the collective experiences of financial institutions.
How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crisis to ensure the organisation’s resilience?
One of the key elements in our strategy is open and transparent leadership. By leading by example, I foster an environment in which communication flows freely. This transparency not only builds trust within my team, but also encourages them to share their insights and concerns. During crises, it is essential that everyone feels empowered to voice their opinions and contribute to problem-solving. This collaborative spirit has been instrumental in helping us adapt to the increasing workload that often accompanies challenging times.
The introduction of artificial intelligence tools has been a game-changer in some areas, enabling the streamlining of selected processes and allowing us to handle higher volumes of work without compromising on quality or confidentiality.
Collaboration with other teams throughout the Group has played a significant role in our resilience. This interdisciplinary approach allows us to anticipate issues and develop proactive strategies, ultimately safeguarding the organisation’s interests.
Have you had any experiences during your career as a lawyer that stand out as particularly unique or interesting?
A particularly unique experience in my legal career was being asked to set up a subsidiary of my former employer in Monaco, even though I was still a young legal advisor. This challenge allowed me to demonstrate my organisational abilities and further develop my legal skills. As a French and German lawyer with both nationalities, it was an emotional moment for me. The responsibility I was given, and the trust placed in me by my superiors, were extremely motivating. It was not only a professional challenge but also a personal achievement that enabled me to expand my skills in an international context. This experience showed me how important it is to have confidence in your own abilities, and how enriching it can be to work in a multicultural environment.
What is a cause, business or otherwise, that you are passionate about?
I am passionate about working in an international environment where I can apply international laws to ensure legal compliance in cross-border business, particularly in the financial sector.
Moreover, working with different cultures and languages adds another layer of interest. Engaging with diverse teams, understanding different business perspectives, and finding common ground across legal systems makes my work both intellectually stimulating and personally rewarding. This intercultural exchange enhances collaboration and innovation, ultimately leading to more effective legal and business strategies.
By combining legal expertise with cultural awareness, I strive to support businesses in navigating international challenges, ensuring compliance, and contributing to a more transparent and reliable global financial system.
Head of legal | Bank Julius Baer Europe