Nicolas Chanut is a bit of a philosopher in an industry where philosophy is not particularly strong currency. If he were not the head of Exane, the largest and one of the last independent brokerages in Europe, Chanut would probably spend his life just thinking.

"What is important for me in life is an endeavour to understand some of the world around us. I like people, I like listening and discovering about them. Nine times out of 10, even with the most boring people, there is something fascinating if you look for it and are prepared to listen. I think if I was not working at Exane I would spend a great deal of my time travelling and reading."