Noel
Member of Secretariat, Basel Committee on Banking Supervision
Working at the Basel Committee's Secretariat puts you right in the centre of things. I arrived at the BIS in the immediate aftermath of the financial crisis and since then have been heavily involved in the development of various aspects of the Committee's post-crisis reforms, known collectively as Basel III. The core of this work involves organising and participating in the various working group meetings at which the reforms are developed, and drafting and presenting papers to help members reach agreement.
The job involves a fascinating mix of understanding technical policy issues, navigating national politics, and dealing with people with a wide spectrum of interesting backgrounds and personalities.
The job involves a fascinating mix of understanding technical policy issues, navigating national politics, and dealing with people with a wide spectrum of interesting backgrounds and personalities. Although the work can sometimes be challenging, it is motivating to be able to work in the area of banking/finance that has a clear focus on developing policy for the public good.
At the BIS you work with people from all over the world, who are experts in their respective fields. This creates an environment that is both stimulating and fun. Basel itself has a unique balance: it is a cosmopolitan city in the heart of Europe, has its own quirky Swiss culture (visit during the Basel Fasnacht if you want proof!), and is within a short drive or train ride of the stunning Swiss Alps, which has some of the best skiing and hiking in the world.
Find out more about what life is like in Basel.