We view organisations as trees. In nature, roots provide anchorage in the ground and a solid foundation for the growth of a strong tree. In an organisation, appropriate and sound financing should lay a similarly solid foundation. The trunk and branches of a tree ensure that water and nutrients are absorbed and spread throughout the entire tree. This corresponds to IT tools that facilitate the efficient flow of money and resources throughout the organisation. The leaves and fruits of the tree, the yield of hard work, can also be found in organisations. The result of all efforts is the revenue and profit. In this metaphor, the financial department functions as a gardener, overseeing the health of the tree so that it can yield a full canopy of fruits every year.
We understand that a tree can only thrive in a healthy environment, and the environment can only be healthy if the tree contributes to it and leaves light and space for others. For an organisation, this is no different. A sustainable economy can only emerge and businesses can only flourish if we look beyond money. Therefore, treasury should involve more than money management. The transition to a sustainable economy is a significant challenge. We believe treasury can and should play a prominent role in this transition. Facing the challenges of tomorrow from a solid foundation is indeed what treasury entails.
It is not always easy to make balanced decisions in the complex financial world. Certainly not if the most up-to-date knowledge and skills are lacking within a company. That is why we ensure with our service and tools that every company always has the right knowledge, tools and data at its disposal. In this way we make it possible for every company, from a small non-profit to a large international company, to make balanced treasury decisions.
AFM license
We have a license as an investment firm from the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM). This means, among other things, that our operations, integrity, and the expertise of our directors, as well as the financial situation of our company, meet the requirements set by MiFID II and the Financial Supervision Act (Wet op het financieel toezicht, Wft). Our services also comply with ESG legislation. Naturally, as a license holder, Ilfa constantly monitors and ensures that the organisation meets and continues to meet all requirements. You can find our license and more information about what an investment firm entails on the AFM website.
Ilfa and the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR)
We assist companies and institutions in setting up and executing their treasury tasks. Part of this involves hedging currency and interest rate risks that arise in regular business operations. Financial instruments such as FX and/or interest rate derivatives can be used to hedge these financial risks. Ilfa only supports its relationships in this process if the instruments (including derivatives) are used defensively. Ilfa does not support parties that engage in financial instrument transactions with the sole purpose of making a profit.
FX and interest rate derivatives as instruments have no favourable or unfavourable effects on sustainability. The contracting party of these instruments may incorporate sustainability to a greater or lesser extent into their operations in the short or medium term. This makes a contracting party more or less suitable as a counterparty if our client also wants to make their treasury activities sustainable (indirect sustainability risk). In addition, the creditworthiness of the counterparty may decrease if it does not comply with applicable laws and regulations, including SFDR. Ilfa alerts its clients to this indirect sustainability risk when entering into or revising the relationship, in addition to more regular financial risks, and will monitor sustainability based on recognized ESG ratings if the client includes this in our mandate.
All Ilfa team members receive a fixed compensation (whether hourly or not). Achieving investment results, whether sustainable or not, is irrelevant to compensation. Bonuses are only awarded in exceptional situations or business results, where, in that case, the entire team shares. After all, successes are achieved together as a team.
Irma founded Ilfa in 1995. Her expertise lies in solving complex financial issues that involve various forms of financing. Irma is adept at making connections and creating a positive atmosphere.
Gerard's strength lies in asking probing questions, collaborating, and simplifying complex situations. He views financial issues as a challenge, and once they are clarified, Gerard works purposefully without losing sight of the customer.
Jean Pierre is an expert in understanding and analysing problems. He believes that you can help if you understand the client's world and challenges. Solutions are developed in collaboration with the client, not just by listening but also by thinking and challenging.
Renee's strength lies in making complex processes understandable by reducing them to simple examples. Quick adaptation to and alignment with the current situation makes it possible to achieve a predefined goal.
Frank is skilled in modelling and analysis, combining these strengths to integrate content and money. With his models, he shows executives what they don't know yet, bringing the numbers to life.
Jan is an expert in finance, treasury, and risk consulting. Treasury-linQ, Jan Rietveld's company, has been connected to Ilfa for many years through an affiliated agency. This collaboration has intensified, as Jan now also works under the name of Ilfa.
Kris is responsible for sales of Treasury Metrics. As a connector, he translates customer needs into system developments. From his past, he has extensive knowledge of financial markets and products. Kris is not satisfied until the customer is truly helped.
Jeroen is the head of the Treasury Desk. He is responsible for the daily processes we manage for clients and is the main contact person for substantive questions about figures and daily operations.
Roy has been a member of the Treasury Desk for over 5 years and has gained considerable experience in the field of treasury. Alongside Jeroen and colleagues, he manages daily and monthly processes for clients.
Joran is a member of the Treasury Desk. Alongside Jeroen and colleagues, he handles daily processes for clients. Additionally, he is involved in transactions and the setup of our treasury management software.
As a software developer, Filip has been responsible for the development of Ilfa software for almost 20 years. He is currently working hard with colleague Jan to develop the Treasury Metrics system.
Jan is a software developer and has been involved in the development of the Ilfa software for more than 10 years. He is currently working hard with colleague Filip on the development of the Treasury Metrics system.
Rowan is responsible for marketing activities and communication at Ilfa. From drafting newsletters to designing and managing the website, she strives to reflect Ilfa's identity and values in all aspects.
Noud is responsible for the internal financial administration within Ilfa. He also supports foundation Steenvlinder INC in the day-to-day running of the financial administration and the Treasury Desk in recurring processes.