You are originally from Mauritius and studied at an English university. Why this choice?
Cliffton Stricker - I studied at the University of Wolverhampton, in England, but at a distance. It was a thoughtful choice, because I wanted to access international law, a reference legal system that is highly respected in Mauritius, in Europe and around the world. To evolve in international finance and compliance, having a background in international law is a real competitive advantage. At the same time, I also have a family, so my decisions cannot be impulsive. I wanted to advance academically without destabilizing my family balance.
Hence the decision to leave Mauritius at the end of 2022 to settle in Luxembourg. Why this choice?
I didn't know much about Luxembourg before. But my brother was already there, so I had a “human anchor” to observe reality on site. The more I analyzed, the more I realized that it was one of the most structured countries for investment funds.
And then, on a personal level, Luxembourg offers something that few countries offer simultaneously: opportunities, stability, long-term visibility. Today, I am a cross-border worker, I live in France and I work in Luxembourg. I have found a very healthy balance: a stable family life, and only a few kilometers away, a very demanding and very stimulating professional environment.
Did you have problems finding accommodation when you arrived?
Yes, like a lot of people. The housing market in Luxembourg is very complex and requires a lot of patience. Fortunately, having already lived in France in 2022, it was easier for me to relocate there. Housing is more accessible there. Sometimes the only challenge is the journey, but in the end, it's a compromise that works well for me.
What were your first impressions of Luxembourg? What surprised you the most?
The first thing that struck me was the architecture and the order. Everything is clean, quiet, organized. We have the impression of being in a “small capital”, almost intimate, but which nevertheless plays a major role on the global financial scene. This contrast between small size and international impact is quite astonishing.
Then I was struck by the diversity and cultural openness. It is a very discreet country, but incredibly international: in a café, you can hear five different languages. This diversity gives incredible human wealth, we meet people from all over the world, with very different backgrounds.
What surprised me the most was the mix of a compact and extremely structured country with such international exposure. You can live in a quiet city, with green spaces and quiet neighborhoods, and at the same time be at the heart of financial and regulatory decisions that have a European and global impact. It is a very rewarding human and professional experience, and something that I did not expect before arriving.
Did you meet locals quickly?
I mainly met expatriates, like many people who come to work in Luxembourg. It is even a surprising point: getting to know real Luxembourgers requires time, because they are not the majority in daily experience. The country attracts a lot of foreign talent, which makes multicultural encounters very frequent.
In everyday life, meetings are multilingual. I hear a lot of Portuguese and Spanish, sometimes Mauritian Creole, which creates a very international atmosphere. To meet more locals, I had to take advantage of visits and activities outside my professional environment: for example during cultural outings or trips across the country. In the context of work, the majority of contacts remain with expatriates.
Despite this diversity and this predominance of expatriates, I have never had any unpleasant surprises. Luxembourg remains a stable, respectful and highly organized country, which facilitates integration even in an international environment.
You spoke French and English when you arrived. Did it help you integrate?
Yes, French and English are the two keys here. They allowed me to integrate naturally. Luxembourg is an international country, so these two languages are more than enough to work and live. I don't speak Luxembourgish yet. But I am open to learning it gradually.
In June 2023, you leave Luxembourg to return to Mauritius, before returning at the end of 2024...
There was a mixture of two things: the family aspect and the opportunity to refocus. I also took advantage of this period to reorganize myself professionally, continue my training, and remain active in my activities. It was a necessary break, but in continuity with my long-term project.
My career here was not over. Luxembourg remains one of the best environments to evolve in AML (anti-money laundering) and fund compliance, with high standards and a strong European exposure.
On a personal and family level, the country offers stability, security and quality of life, while allowing me to stay close to France thanks to my status as a cross-border worker. Returning here was therefore a well-considered choice, combining professional ambition and family balance.
Did you find similarities in the way of working in Mauritius and Luxembourg?
Mauritius and Luxembourg share an important point: seriousness and professionalism. In Mauritius, the work is very rigorous, while remaining relational and flexible, which allows you to adapt quickly and develop solid human skills. Luxembourg, for its part, provides an even more formalized structure, with strict procedures and direct exposure to complex financial instruments and international standards.
The two experiences are complementary: Mauritius gave me rigor and a sense of relationships, and Luxembourg allowed me to deepen my technical skills in a sophisticated international environment.
Do you see yourself staying in Luxembourg for the long term?
Yes, it is a possibility. Professionally, Luxembourg remains consistent with my goals: a stable, structured, and stimulating environment, ideal for continuing to evolve in my field.
Personally, it is a safe and organized country that offers a pleasant living environment and solid prospects for my family. Of course, life can always surprise us, and all decisions depend on professional and personal development. But for now, Luxembourg is a place where I can both build my career and ensure a sustainable family balance.
