Risk is Luc Neuberg’s specialty--since 2005 he has been a member of the steering committee of the Association of the Luxembourg Fund Industry’s risk management working group. He was CEO in charge of risk management at BCEE Asset Management from 2006 to 2019. He was also CEO of Fortis Investment Management from 2003 to 2006. FCI is his latest challenge: launching on the market of a range of transparent financial indices complying with the European Benchmark Regulation (BMR).
Marc Fassone: What is your favorite restaurant in the country?
Luc Neuberg: It all depends on the guests or the circumstances. That being said, Parc Le’h in Dudelange is one of my favorite places, because it allows you to both discuss professionally in complete discretion and also to dine with your family. The advantage is that there is a beautiful terrace, a fireplace and various atmospheres in the room. I appreciate its various facets and its menu. In general, I like cozy settings that are conducive to a pleasant lunch or dinner.
What is an essential dish on a menu?
I am more salty than sweet and I like to finish my meal with a great cheese, especially if you have the great wine to go with it.
What is your favorite cocktail and how do you take it?
In general, I’m not a cocktail person, I prefer good spirits without mixing. That said, if I had to choose, it could be a mojito, a cocktail that can be very refreshing.
Champagne or crémant?
Crémant. I must admit that I always have a bottle of Luxembourg crémant at home in the fridge, as crémant always goes very well in all circumstances with a salad, foie gras or cheese. In general, I like Poll-Fabaire.
What do you think is the best beer in Luxembourg?
I hardly drink beer, but if I had to choose, I would choose a fresh Battin.
What is your favourite spirit and how do you take it?
I really like pure spirits. It ranges from Whiskey to Cognac, but I have a predilection for marc, especially when they tell a story, a terroir. My preference for drinking them is accompanied by a very good cigar. Unfortunately, this is not always possible, nor very family friendly.
Do you drink coffee or tea?
From morning to night, I always have a cup of coffee next to me. However, the coffee at the end of the meal is always a special moment of relaxation.
Let’s talk about wardrobe. Are you more tailor-made or ready-to-wear?
Both. I have tailor-made and ready-to-wear clothes in my wardrobe. But when I buy ready-to-wear, I always stop by my tailor for the necessary alterations.
What is your style? Chic or casual?
That also depends. I always say, when in Rome, do as the Romans do, and if we go to the circus, we can even be a clown. I have two coaches who are uncompromising: my wife and my daughter. They correct me absolutely ruthlessly, even when to go to sleep... For me, the most important thing is to feel good while being in style. This is the reason why I avoid certain places, like the beach. It’s a style that absolutely doesn’t suit me and in which I don’t feel good. I am more clubs than beaches.
What do you think is the essential accessory for any self-respecting wardrobe?
Cufflinks are essential for the business-suit outfit.
Do you prefer a tie or a bow tie?
The bow tie is for a tuxedo! For 40 years, I have been tied with a double Windsor knot. I’ve never changed: I always tie the same knot, symmetrical, formal and absolutely essential.
Do you prefer a mechanical watch or a connected watch?
Mechanical, of course, we must be able to hear the spiral, the spring... And, what’s more, if it’s a Breguet, it’s even better.
Are you city shoes or sneakers?
Shoes should be Richelieu. Without hesitation, I prefer leather shoes that I have all maintained at the ML shoe repair shop in Bereldange. A true artist.
For important meetings, what do you wear?
A three-piece suit. It’s like armour to me. Besides, it’s very classy.
What’s your favourite weekend look?
Linen shirts and canvas pants.
What do you think is an unforgivable fashion error?
I would name two. The first is a pocket on a shirt, a concept that I have never understood, and the second is an out of place outfit, such as a clown outfit outside a circus.
What’s the last piece you added to your wardrobe?
Linen pants.
What is your favourite destination to get away from it all?
The Alps, winter and summer alike. I frequent the Swiss Alps and the French Alps without having a favourite spot. What I like are all the possibilities that the mountain offers: a relaxing market… and the absence of crowds.
What’s the best travel memory you’ve brought home?
This was a trip I took with my wife to the Monument Valley Navajo Reservation. It remains one of my fondest memories.
Where are you looking forward to returning to?
Tokyo, for its cultural, gastronomic and technological wealth.
And what do you read there?
I have a favourite book that has been my bedside book for decades: Umberto Eco’s Foucault Pendulum. I have suggested it to many colleagues. It seems that this book is more masculine than feminine. I like it a lot, it is complex… I appreciate Umberto Eco, his semiological approach and his research work for all his novels.
What’s the last great book you’ve read that you recommend?
On my daughter’s advice, I reread Camus’s The Plague. It remains a classic.
What’s your soundtrack?
In terms of soundtrack, I’m very, very eclectic, depending on the mood. I really like jazz and love Miles Davis, whom I had the opportunity to see play on his last tour through Antwerp. Besides that, I love pretty much every artist in Live Aid 1985. Fortunately or unfortunately, I’ve been stuck in that musical era.
What’s the last piece of music you downloaded?
It is Mozart’s requiem conducted by Karajan. It’s certainly the rockiest version of the Requiem.
What is the object that you will never part with?
There are two that never leave me: a fountain pen and an iPad mini. It may sound contradictory, but I love writing in ink on paper and I love the ease of access to information that the internet provides.
Which technology could you not live without?
Hot water. It may sound funny, but you realise that when you run out of hot water, life takes on another dimension.