Full steam ahead into the future

2025 was a year full of changes and uncertainties – economically, geopolitically and technologically. How stable is the finance and insurance sector in such a turbulent world?

I believe the most important message, first and foremost, is this: yes, the world has become a more turbulent place, but there are firm anchors. Our task as the largest independent Financial Services Provider is to be one of those anchors. We deal with life’s most fundamental issues: retirement provision, security and financial planning. There is no room for experimentation here; stability and trust are what count.

But that does not mean standing still. We realised early on that we wanted to actively shape change. That is why, in recent years, we have consistently focused Deutsche Vermögensberatung (DVAG) on resilience and adaptability. This applies to our financial advice, our technology and our unique culture.

What matters in the end is this: we are there for people, even when times are uncertain. Living up to that trust, day in, day out, is my primary responsibility.

Deutsche Vermögensberatung (DVAG) celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2025. What does this anniversary mean?

Half a century of our company's history fills me with pride and gratitude. Over these five decades, we have supported millions of people through many stages of life and provided them with financial security. This is a great success and, at the same time, a responsibility.

For me, this anniversary is certainly an occasion to look back, but also – and even more so – a new beginning. The question is not: what have we achieved? But rather: what can we learn from 50 years to ensure the next 50 years are also successful? Three things are crucial to me in this regard. Firstly our values: reliability, trust and expertise. Secondly, having the courage to constantly reinvent ourselves. And thirdly, taking responsibility, for our clients, partners, financial advisors and society.

This anniversary shows that sustainable success only arises where tradition and the future are considered together.

Trust is your core asset. How can trust be secured in uncertain times?

Trust does not develop overnight, nor is it a given. Particularly in the finance and insurance sector, where the focus is on pension provision, financial planning and financial security, trust must be rebuilt every day.

We do this on several levels. Firstly, through continuity: we have supported many of our clients for decades, often across generations.

Secondly, through transparency: we do not just talk about opportunities, but also about risks. This is the only way to build credibility. And thirdly, through proximity: despite all of the digitalised solutions available, personal contact remains key for us. Especially when markets are turbulent, people need someone who listens, explains and outlines prospects.

For me personally, trust is the most valuable currency. Once it is lost, it is difficult to regain. That is why it is the foundation of everything we do.

Our financial advisors are considered the heart of the company’s success. What makes their role so special?

Our financial advisors are the foundation of our business model. Their contribution to our success cannot be measured in numbers alone. They know their clients and understand what matters to them. This continuity creates a depth of relationship that is exceptional in the industry.

What makes us special is and always will be our holistic financial advisory approach to providing comprehensive financial advice. Our advisors do not think in terms of individual products, but in terms of people's life circumstances. They support young people as they start their careers, young families with financial planning, and older generations as they secure financial protection for their life’s work. This way of thinking across all life stages is part of our DNA, and it is only in this way that we can offer solutions that truly fit people’s lives. We combine a strong company with independent entrepreneurial personalities. Our financial advisors are firmly rooted in their local communities, understand the realities of people’s lives and can simultaneously draw on the company's full strength and experience. This combination of entrepreneurial responsibility and a strong community is unique.  

To me, they are therefore more than just advisors, they are ambassadors for our values, trusted partners in financial matters and a key factor in DVAG’s long-term success. Their contribution to society will remain crucial in the coming decades.

How do you create a corporate culture that embraces change whilst providing stability?

That is one of the greatest leadership challenges. Culture cannot be imposed, it must be lived. We rely on the principles of clarity, dialogue and continuity.

Clarity means that everyone in the company knows what we stand for. Dialogue means that we listen, take feedback on board and involve people. And continuity means that managers lead by example in what they themselves expect. This creates an environment in which change is not something to fear, but rather opens up opportunities. Because those who feel they are part of the change also help to drive it forward.

What role does the younger generation play for Deutsche Vermögensberatung (DVAG)?

A key one. On the client side, they bring new expectations. The younger generation wants digital services and quick solutions, but at the same time, personal financial advice at key moments in life. This generation no longer distinguishes between ‘online’ and ‘offline’, they want to seamlessly combine both.

As a company, too, we face major challenges here. Young talent expects purpose, flexibility and opportunities for development. That is why we invest in modern working environments, in continuous professional development and in genuine career prospects. This is the only way can we remain an attractive partner. At the same time, this change opens up new opportunities for us, as the younger generation brings new ideas, new energy and a different perspective. This enriches us as DVAG and makes us fit for the future.