For Michel Henry Verhasselt, the road to finance was anything but linear. Originally from Belgium and previously based in Germany, Michel began his academic journey studying Russian translation at the Université Libre de Bruxelles. Today, he’s specializing in FinTech within the Master in Finance (MiF) program at ESSEC Asia-Pacific, channeling a passion for logic, markets, and multidisciplinary into a fast-moving financial future in Singapore.

“The program’s practical focus and strong industry ties were key,” Michel says. “But just as importantly, it’s based in Singapore—a global finance hub where I hope to settle long-term.”

A Tactical Shift Toward Finance and FinTech

Before joining ESSEC, Michel gained experience in sales and marketing roles while trading his own capital on the side. This combination of professional exposure and personal initiative sparked his desire to deepen his financial skill set in a structured environment.

“I chose the fintech specialization because I enjoy both the technical and conceptual aspects of finance. I wanted to ‘future-proof’ my career while staying adaptable in an increasingly complex world.”

From hands-on projects to practitioner-led courses, Michel has found the MiF program both challenging and rewarding. “The highlights were the collaborative projects and access to industry leaders,” he adds. “The resources here are genuinely cutting-edge.”

Options, Arbitrage, and the Art of Valuing Uncertainty

Among his many interests in finance, derivatives—and particularly options trading—stand out.

“What fascinates me is the precision involved in valuing uncertainty,” Michel explains. “There’s a satisfying coherence to no-arbitrage pricing, and the markets themselves are multidisciplinary. In a way, they’re a live snapshot of our collective beliefs about the world.”

Looking ahead, Michel has his sights set on joining a proprietary trading firm or a discretionary hedge fund. If not, he’s prepared to continue trading independently at a self-sustaining scale.

Blending Logic with Creativity

Outside of finance, Michel brings a more introspective side to his journey. He enjoys writing poetry, studies Chinese when time allows, and draws energy from nature and art.

“I think creativity and finance are more connected than people assume,” he reflects.

On campus, he co-leads an options trading fund with two fellow traders, combining theory with market intuition. It’s this kind of practical application that he sees as essential to success.

Advice for Future Candidates

Michel encourages incoming students to take full advantage of ESSEC’s ecosystem:

“Don’t overlook the networking opportunities. Alumni, company visits, and industry seminars can be invaluable. More importantly, treat your coursework as a platform for real-world experimentation. The more hands-on experience you get, the more confident—and capable—you’ll become.”

Michel’s Singapore: A Personal Map

For hangouts, Michel recommends:

• Duxton Hill – for after-class drinks
• Bukit Batok Nature Reserve – for quiet walks and skyline views
• Led Zeppelin & Co. – a Hi-Fi café in Sim Lim Square with great ambiance

His go-to meals near campus?

• Subway for a quick bite
• Carrot cake and youtiao from One North’s local shop
• Ginger congee from the ramen spot upstairs

As for his favorite activities?

• Cycling at the Rail Corridor
• Walking through Singapore’s skyscraper-lined city center
• Exploring cafes and nature trails