MILE Alumni Profiles: Eugene Skrynnyk

Where are you working and in what capacity?
I work as a Director at Geneva Management Group based in Geneva, Switzerland. My main focus is serving a portfolio of high net worth clients who are entrepreneurs, business leaders and wealthy families. I also play a key role in the implementation of international tax regulations such as the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) and the OECD Common Reporting Standard (CRS) within our business.

What is your background?
I was born and completed high school in Ukraine, and was also raised in Canada, where I finished my undergraduate studies in Commerce & Finance at the University of Toronto. Following several years of work experience, I did the MILE programme and also studied towards the Chartered Financial Analyst designation through the CFA Institute. To date, I have worked in Toronto, Johannesburg and Cape Town (including projects in Africa), Zurich and currently, Geneva. 
Over the last 15 years I have specialised in financial services and also focused on key regulatory affairs relevant to the sector.

Why did you choose to take part in the MILE programme?
I was looking for a degree that could complement my advanced financial qualifications and experience but give me more of a legal background and mindset. It was a privilege and pleasure to complete MILE 6.

How important would you say MILE was in getting you to this point in your career?
MILE was more of a non-complementary addition to my educational background. My intention was to join and work for a UN institution in the future. However, I ended up staying in the private sector and MILE was useful for enabling me to join UBS and subsequently rejoin EY (formerly Ernst & Young) and focus more on legal and regulatory affairs.

What were for you the key aspects of the programme?
I was very interested in an advanced qualification in international economic law and was impressed by the strength of the visiting professors and faculty.

What advice would you give to current or potential MILE students?
MILE is the right gateway for professionals looking to explore career opportunities in trade or with the UN. My advice to all successful and bright students is to network a lot, to keep in touch with fellow MILE students and colleagues after graduation, and to contribute all together to the prosperity and development of a better world.

What plans or ambitions do you have for the future?
One day I would like to be the president or CEO of a large company or otherwise become the president of Ukraine, my home country.