Summarize your academic and professional background.

My name is José Luis Cordero Durán. I was born and educated in Madrid, where I graduated in Finance, Banking and Insurance from the Complutense University.

My first professional experience was also in Madrid, as an economic-financial analyst in a company mainly dedicated to the management of financial assets and real estate. I worked directly with Ms. Petra Mateos-Aparicio, Professor of Financial Economics and Vice President of the Spain-U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and formerly Chairwoman of Hispasat.

I had the opportunity to participate in nationwide projects, collaborate on economic studies and business conferences, and above all, learn directly from someone with such an extensive and successful career. I carried out tasks related to accounting and taxation, feasibility analysis, and financial projections with a high degree of autonomy. She always instilled confidence in me, taught me everything she could both personally and professionally, and encouraged me to be brave and take on new challenges.

Before that, and while completing my studies, I worked for several years as a private tutor in economics, mathematics, and English.

In January 2025, I joined PwC Luxembourg as a Junior Audit Associate, where I participated in audit projects for large-cap clients. Currently, my curiosity has led me to explore new professional areas, and this coming September I will join Alter Domus Luxembourg as a Fund and Corporate Services Officer.

At what stage of your academic or professional journey were you when you decided to participate in the “Introduction to the Luxembourg Financial Market” program?

It was at the end of my second year working at Altkoca S.A. At that time, I was considering pursuing a master’s degree in Financial Analysis and Banking Management at the Carlos III University of Madrid, while continuing to work.

What motivated you to enroll in this program?

Firstly, the idea of settling in a country with an ecosystem that encourages talented and hardworking people to progress, with a stable economy and a business-friendly environment. Secondly, the tax and salary system allows workers to save.

I saw Luxembourg as a kind of time machine — a place where, if I worked hard, I could achieve in 5–10 years what in Spain I might not even dream of until after 20 years of my career.

The Chamber of Commerce program interested me so much that the very next day after learning about it, I discussed it with my boss, Ms. Petra Mateos. She once again showed her confidence in me and encouraged me to “get on board.”

I also had the advantage of having a relative who has lived in Luxembourg for many years — my cousin Juan Carlos Durán, who has been working at Banque de Luxembourg since 2007. He had always recommended that I try an experience abroad. Surely most of my family and friends would have preferred me to stay, but once I realized the opportunity was too good to pass up, they supported my decision as well.

What would you highlight about the training component? Was there any session, topic, or speaker that had a particular impact on you?

I would highlight not only the opportunity to visit the offices of several private firms and public institutions that collaborate with the program, but also the variety of topics covered in the sessions.

We learned about the basics and the differences between the various types of funds operating in Luxembourg, the main factors to assess in an audit, the functioning of banking and its many branches, and the wide range of jobs that exist within the financial world.

We were also given insights into how Luxembourg’s economic ecosystem works, its particularities and competitive advantages compared to other countries whose economies also rely heavily on banking and finance, and how its different players (banks, funds, regulators, auditors, management companies, etc.) interact with each other.

I especially enjoyed the lecture by Jordi Catalá, Executive Director of Julius Baer. He explained how the banking sector works, the different types of banking, and his specific role after many years of experience in private banking in Luxembourg for the Swiss firm.

After the training, you completed an internship in Luxembourg. Where was it and what were your responsibilities?

I started at PwC Luxembourg as a junior auditor. After a few weeks of training — where we were taught about the job and the laws and regulations we needed to comply with — I joined the audit teams I had been assigned to, supporting them with client engagements.

How was it adapting to an international environment like Luxembourg? What challenges and lessons would you highlight?

At first it was a bit overwhelming for me, since I not only had to adapt to a completely new work environment (I came from a small company structure, which had nothing in common with a Big Four, and I had never done anything like auditing), but it was also my first experience living alone and abroad.

However, after a few months I would say I adapted perfectly. Both local residents and people from other countries — not to mention the large Spanish community in Luxembourg — are always willing to help. Thanks to this, I was able to integrate quickly and feel at home in no time.

To what extent has this experience influenced your future plans?

It has undoubtedly had a huge impact. When I arrived in Luxembourg, I didn’t know how long I would stay. At some points, I even considered returning to Spain after my first six months, or even earlier. Today, I plan to stay many years, perhaps permanently, as I believe this is an ideal place to settle and build a professional career.

Do you think this experience has changed your view of the European financial sector or your professional expectations?

It has undoubtedly had a huge impact. When I arrived in Luxembourg, I didn’t know how long I would stay. At some points, I even considered returning to Spain after my first six months, or even earlier. Today, I plan to stay many years, perhaps permanently, as I believe this is an ideal place to settle and build a professional career.

What advice would you give to a student or young professional who is considering participating in the next edition of the program?

If you like numbers and finance, and you are curious and professionally ambitious, I would strongly encourage you to apply. I believe the Chamber of Commerce initiative is an excellent training opportunity that can open the doors to joining teams at leading companies in their respective sectors.

Moreover, it’s an experience that doesn’t tie you down. If after a few months you discover it’s not for you, you can always go back to square one — but with the experience gained.