After weeks of rigorous learning, the time finally arrived for our LL.M. International Finance students to embark on a memorable three-day trip to Paris, marking the culmination of their Legal and Management Training Program. This journey not only solidified their academic achievements but also provided an opportunity to explore the historical and cultural richness of one of the world’s most iconic cities.
The journey began with the students leaving Frankfurt on the ICE train, heading toward the heart of France. Upon arriving in Paris at Gare de l’Est, they were welcomed by the grandeur of one of the city’s historic train stations. Gare de l’Est, which opened in 1849, is not just a transportation hub but a testament to the architectural evolution of Paris.
As the students stepped out of Gare de l’Est, the excitement was palpable. Their first landmark was the Arc de Triomphe, one of the most recognizable monuments in Paris. Commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte after his victory at Austerlitz in 1805, the Arc stands as a symbol of French national pride and military achievement. The students marveled at the monumental scale of the structure and its intricate reliefs, each telling a story of France’s military history.
Exploring the Beauty of Paris: From Champs-Élysées to the Eiffel Tower
The weather was nothing short of spectacular, with clear skies and sunshine gracing the students’ exploration of Paris. They strolled down the famous Champs-Élysées, often regarded as the most beautiful avenue in the world. The avenue, lined with luxury boutiques, cafés, and theaters, led them to the magnificent Eiffel Tower.
Here, they embarked on a Batobus tour along the Seine River, taking in the beauty of Paris from the water. The boat journey allowed them to see many of the city's famous landmarks, including Les Invalides, which is home to Napoleon Bonaparte’s tomb. Les Invalides has long been a site of military history and is now a complex of museums and monuments, dedicated to the military and the veterans of France.
The Batobus continued past the Musée d'Orsay, a former railway station transformed into a world-renowned art museum, the Louvre, and Notre Dame Cathedral, where they had the rare opportunity to visit the rebuilt Notre-Dame, marveling at the resilience and beauty of this historic cathedral after the tragic fire in 2019.
An Evening to Remember at Kong Restaurant
As the sun set, the group gathered for an exclusive, unforgettable dinner with ILF Alumni who had traveled to Paris to reconnect. The dinner was hosted at a stunning restaurant situated at Pont Neuf. Known for its contemporary design and breathtaking views of the Seine and the city’s skyline, Kong is one of Paris’ most iconic dining venues. The students enjoyed a delectable three-course menu, savoring exquisite cuisine in a setting that perfectly matched the elegance and grandeur of Paris.
We are incredibly grateful to all the Alumni who joined us, taking the time to reconnect and share in this joyous occasion. Your presence added a special touch to this already unforgettable experience.
A Day of Learning and Networking
The next day, the students were off to explore the professional side of Paris, starting with a visit to the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA). Mr. Daniel Mendes provided the students with an in-depth overview of the Authority’s role, its mandates, and its priorities within the context of European financial markets regulation.
Later, former lecturer of the ILF, Dr. Klaus Loeber, focused on the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) in the financial sector, and ESMA’s CCP related activities. Tessa Bode provided valuable insights into the use of AI in the provision of retail investment services and its implications for investment services. It was an interesting session, helping students understand the intersection of law, technology, and finance in modern regulatory frameworks.
After a delightful French lunch break filled with delicious crêpes, the students made their way to Dentons’ Paris office, where they participated in a lecture on Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A). Dr. Ralf M. Nitschke, an expert in the field, led the students through a case study and role play, allowing them to step into the shoes of both buyers and sellers in an M&A transaction. The session was not only informative but also a lot of fun, proving that law can be both intellectually stimulating and enjoyable. We sincerely thank Dr. Nitschke for igniting the spark of excitement in our students.
Exploring the Modern Side of Paris: The European Banking Authority
On their last day in Paris, the students visited the modern skyscraper landscape of Paris, La Défense, which is Europe’s largest purpose-built business district, an area that contrasts the city's historic charm with contemporary architectural innovation. They were warmly received by Ms. Anne Tiedemann at the European Banking Authority (EBA). Ms. Tiedemann, a key figure at EBA, plays a pivotal role in overseeing the regulation and supervision of the EU’s financial institutions, ensuring stability, integrity, and transparency within the financial sector.
She generously took the time to provide an overview of the EBA’s operations, offering the students the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the important role that the EBA plays in shaping Europe’s financial regulations. Her insights were invaluable, and we are deeply grateful for her time and dedication to educating the next generation of legal and regulatory experts.
A Farewell to Paris: Students’ Next Steps
After a short break, half the group headed back to Frankfurt, while the others took the opportunity to enjoy a well-deserved semester break in Paris, further immersing themselves in the city’s culture and history.
A Final Word of Gratitude
This unforgettable experience in Paris marked the end of an incredible journey for our LL.M. international finance students. The combination of academic learning, cultural exploration, and professional networking made it an enriching and meaningful trip. We are grateful for the memories created, the friendships formed, and the valuable lessons learned along the way.
A special thanks to all the alumni, lecturers, and professionals who contributed to making this trip a success. Your continued support and engagement make all the difference, and we look forward to more opportunities to reconnect in the future.
