Fimodo chats to Max Wolf, global project finance in Germany (KfW-IPEX-Bank).
What do you do?
I am a member of a dedicated financial modelling team within KfW IPEX-Bank, a global provider of long term debt finance. As an internal consultant I support our loan originators with financial modelling services. In that role I focus on modelling Project Finance transactions whenever the Bank is mandated as Modelling Bank for a transaction. In this context I work together with Project Finance Sponsors, other lending institutions as well as providers of insurance cover like ECAs. Estimating appropriate debt levels, structuring different financing options into an optimal financing package and convincing risk analysis are my key responsibilities as a modeller.
Why did you start to work in financial modelling? / What was your first job?
I got into modelling in my first job as a trainee for European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, 5 years ago. After seeing various departments as a trainee of KfW IPEX-Bank, I am in the modelling team for three years now.
What did you study and how does it help you in financial modelling?
I did a Bachelor Degree in European Business and a MSc in Economics and Philosophy. While a sound education in formal disciplines such as econometrics or microeconomics should give familiarity when dealing with numeric topics, a modeller needs some accounting and plain common sense – or even a philosophical education – to focus on what’s relevant to a specific audience.
Describe a typical day?
Not even half the day you sit in front of your double screen and develop spread sheet models. – It is all about communicating ideas with people you are developing the models for as well as your peers to evaluate your approach. I sit in a lot of meetings and conference calls and manage to travel a bit as well. When it comes to acquiring a new mandate for the Bank, I present our financial modelling services to our clients.
What is on your agenda for 2009-2010?
After more than 3 years of dedicated modelling work, I will move to become an assistant to the Bank’s supervisory board.
What is your favourite financial modelling trick? Why?
Press F5 and quickly find hard wired constants or violations of line consistency – on other people’s models 
How are financial models used in your organization?
Financial Models are primarily used for quantitative risk analysis, as well as debt sizing and structuring financing
Do you have any hidden talents?
I will keep them hidden and try to surprise people