In the section Backstage, interesting personalities from the financial sector and beyond provide insights into their personal preferences every Wednesday.

What do you do first in the morning?

I start the day very early with a workout: either a run outside or a HIIT Ride at home. It’s my ritual to get going… and to earn my first coffee!

What is the best part of your job?

Honestly, what I enjoy most is the intellectual stimulation. Finance is like a window opened to the world — every day brings new macro trends, company stories, and puzzles to solve. It keeps the brain sharp and never gets boring.

A moment that changed your life?

The birth of children, without question. But if I had to pick a professional one: the day I decided to leave Société Générale to found Axiom in 2009. It was a leap into the unknown, and the best career bet I ever made.

What cars do you own? Which is your favorite?

Right now, I don’t own a car — we manage perfectly without one in Paris. But I’ve always loved cars… I used to have a Mercedes G-Class, which was a beast and enormous fun. My favorite memory is probably off-roading in one — though these days, my running shoes are still the vehicle I use most!

What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?

Work hard, but stay intellectually curious — read widely, question everything. Take calculated risks when it matters, and above all, stay focused: don’t scatter your energy. And yes, start investing early… even if it’s just €50 a month. Compound interest is magic, and time is your best friend.

What are you particularly proud of?

Building Axiom since 2009 with an exceptional team, staying independent, and being present in Switzerland from day one. Seeing clients trust us for so long makes me really proud.

What was your greatest faliure?

The fraudulent collapse of Banco Espírito Santo. We had trusted the published balance sheets and Pillar 3 disclosures, which turned out to be misleading or outright false. It was a painful lesson in due diligence and counterparty risk. That said, it led to a deep overhaul of our risk and investment processes — we’re much stronger because of it.

What is your favorite wine?

Vosne-Romanée Les Brûlées is probably my favourite terroir right now. It has that signature Vosne elegance, silky tannins, but with a unique personality — refined, mineral, and full of depth. When I want to treat myself, that’s where I go.

What projects are you currently working on?

We’re really focused on growing our flexible fund, which draws on all of Axiom’s credit and financials expertise to deliver stable performance across market cycles. It’s about combining our best ideas into one vehicle that can adapt and perform whatever the environment. And personally, still training for the next Ironman… family negotiations ongoing!

What would be the biggest surprise for someone taking over your job for a day?

They’d be surprised to see how much time I spend listening, and talking to people rather than staring at screens all day. The best ideas often come from a conversation over coffee… or a glass of Burgundy.

What is your personal drive?

The desire to build something lasting for my children, my team, and our clients. And also, I admit, the pleasure of taking on challenges.

What are you afraid of?

Not being up to the task. Professionally, I fear missing a real opportunity out of excessive caution… or out of excessive confidence, for that matter. Balance is fragile!

What do your employees appreciate most about you?

I hope they’d say I’m approachable, that I really listen, and that I don’t take things too seriously when it’s not necessary. And maybe also that I sometimes bring very good bottles for after-work drinks…

Your best investment?

Investing early in Axiom… and in a few Burgundies that have aged beautifully!

David Benamou served as Deputy Director of the Structured Capital Finance division at Société Générale from 2000 to 2011. Prior to that, he worked in the bond issuance division at CDC Marchés, where he was responsible for drafting bond prospectuses. He holds a master’s degree in economic and tax law as well as a master’s degree in law and international business management from ESSEC. Since 2009, Benamou has been a shareholder and co-founder of Axiom Alternative Investments.