Krancenblum, who co-founded IQ-EQ, has created and successfully managed several companies during his career. He also serves as an independent director on the boards of several real estate and private equity funds. He is additionally a director of several private companies. Krancenblum represents the industry as chairman of three professional associations: Luxembourg Alternative Assets Administrators Association (L3A), Investment Facilitation Forum and Luxembourg Association of Family Offices. He is also a member of the Luxembourg High Committee of the Financial Sector. In 2018, he was elected European Personality of the Year at the Funds Europe Awards.

Aurélie Boob: What is your favourite restaurant in Luxembourg?

:  for its very special atmosphere, which I like very much. It has always been an institution, and the food is good. It’s one of the few restaurants where I can go to dinner alone, which I usually never do.

What is your favourite spirit and how do you drink it?

As an aperitif, I like to drink a glass of , a bitter made from gentian and rhubarb. It’s an old-fashioned spirit that was originally meant to cure stomach aches, but I like it! Maybe because nobody drinks it anymore.

Do you like to cook? What is your speciality?

Not at all, I don’t cook. I was lucky enough to have been and to still be married to a very good cook. I like good restaurants. But when I’m on my own, I can eat a tin of sardines and corn chips, as long as it’s a really good tin! On the other hand, I have made a habit of not eating sugar at all for the last 8 years. No dessert and no sweet breakfasts.

Have professional dress codes become a thing of the past?

No, because they still exist, but they have changed a lot. New technologies, the new economy and confinements have changed things. Like many people, I used to wear the London bankers’ pinstripe suits in the past, they were our uniform. Today, no one wears ties anymore, even in law firms. But we still have codes like the jacket, or a certain type of shoes.

Are you a dress shoe or a sneaker man?

Here too, the codes have changed. Before, it was always dress shoes during the week and sneakers at the weekend. I used to have 30 pairs of city shoes, but now I realise that I no longer wear them. I mix it up with casual chic shoes from , for example.

What do you think is the essential accessory for any self-respecting wardrobe?

A beautifully made blazer. You can wear it with jeans or flannel trousers... it’s easy.

What is your favourite weekend look?

There’s no distinction between my weekend and weekday look any more, just as I don’t differentiate between my professional and private life. I might meet someone I know at the weekend, so taking care of your appearance is a sign of respect for others.

What is the place that you find most inspiring?

Israel, a small country with great cultural, historical, religious and landscape diversity. I go there four times a year and it’s also where my children have settled, so it’s very refreshing.

What do you do to de-stress?

I run or box. I do short distances, 10km and weekly boxing training. I’ve done a lot of combat sports in my life, including .

An expression that you hate?

‘Can I talk to you honestly?’ Because what does that mean the rest of the time?

To succeed in life is to... 

It’s very subjective, it’s hard to answer that. Someone once told me that it’s having your children around you the day you die. Being surrounded is not so bad.

A mentor?

I’ve never been a fan in my life. But some people have influenced me: a distant cousin in the USA gave me the desire to succeed financially. I’ve had some very nice encounters, my former partner with whom I set up , the former boss of Andersen , and clients I’ve worked with too.

What is the last very good book that you read and that you would recommend?

A book about the power of mimetic desire. That we do things by mimicry or by being contrary to others. It’s by Luke Burgis.

A film that particularly touched you and why?

by , the last part of his saga. Friendships, betrayals, it’s a film that makes me nostalgic every time.

What musical universe best defines you?

I’m very eclectic in terms of music. I listen to classical, house, but I don’t really like variety.

Is having a nice car your thing? What does the car mean to you?

I’m more interested in the interior choices of cars than the exterior. I’ve had some very nice cars, but my pleasure was in the choice of interior upholstery, the luxury that only I could enjoy more than the image.

An Insta page or account you particularly like to follow?

Design furniture, architecture accounts. Not one particular page...

What is the technology that doesn't exist, but that you wish you had?

‘Beam me up Scotty!’ Teleportation like in .

Originally published in French by and translated for Delano