The School of Economics and Management of the University of Porto (FEP) is proud to unveil the Bloomberg Finance Lab supported by Natixis — a cutting-edge facility designed to bring students closer to the realities of global financial markets using advanced technology. The inauguration took place during FEP Day, on 28 May.
This laboratory, funded by Natixis in Portugal — a center of expertise in financial services for the second largest banking group in France – Groupe BPCE – and now a premium sponsor of the School — is equipped with 12 Bloomberg Terminals, provided by the global leader in financial technology and information.
Users will have access to real-time financial and economic data, the latest market-moving news, and a wide array of analysis and simulation tools used daily by finance professionals across the world.
The primary aim of this initiative is to equip FEP students with practical skills that complement their theoretical education. Students will engage with the dynamics of financial markets, interpret complex economic scenarios, simulate investment operations, and test portfolio management and risk assessment strategies using technology widely adopted in the sector.
Additionally, students will have the opportunity to earn the internationally recognised Bloomberg Market Concepts (BMC) certification, which is highly regarded by employers worldwide.
The lab will also serve as an outstanding resource for faculty and researchers, offering access to essential data and functionalities for advanced studies in finance, economic modelling, applied economics, and capital markets.
Óscar Afonso, Dean of FEP, emphasises: “The inauguration of the Bloomberg Finance Lab marks an important milestone in FEP’s path of modernisation. It represents a strategic investment in educational quality and innovation, particularly in finance, and in the future employability of our students.”
“At Natixis, we strongly believe that fostering connections between the financial sector and the academia is essential to driving innovation and preparing new generations for the challenges of an increasingly global and technology-driven market. Our partnership with FEP in creating the Bloomberg Finance Lab is a clear demonstration of our commitment to talent development and to supporting hands-on, applied education. This investment also reflects our way of giving back to the academic community what we value most as a company: knowledge, curiosity and the drive to shape the future”, emphasises Etienne Huret, CEO of Natixis in Portugal.
Caio Gattai, Manager – Southern Europe, Bloomberg said “We’re pleased to support the School of Economics and Management at the University of Porto (FEP) in the launch of their Bloomberg Finance Lab. This new facility will equip students with access to the same cutting-edge financial tools and data relied upon by top professionals worldwide, enhancing the academic experience through real-world, practical learning.”
With this launch, the School strengthens its leadership in economics, management, and finance education in Portugal, promoting a rigorous, practice-based learning approach aligned with market demands.
The Bloomberg Finance Lab supported by Natixis will be officially inaugurated during FEP Day on 28 May. The full event programme can be found here.
About the School of Economics and Management of the University of Porto
The School of Economics and Management of the University of Porto (FEP) is one of Portugal’s most prestigious higher education institutions, known for developing leaders and professionals who have made a significant impact nationally and internationally. With a history spanning over 70 years, FEP boasts an alumni network that includes prominent figures in economics, management, politics, and other strategic fields, actively contributing to the advancement of both national and global organisations.
The School maintains close ties with the business community, offering students unique opportunities to integrate into the job market through internships, collaborative projects with leading companies, and an extensive professional network. FEP also plays a key role in driving social and economic impact through cutting-edge research and the training of professionals capable of addressing global challenges with an innovative and sustainable perspective.
About Natixis in Portugal
Natixis in Portugal is a Centre of Expertise with the mission to transform traditional banking by developing solutions for Groupe BPCE’s businesses, operations and work culture worldwide, driven by an innovation mindset, in a financial tech ecosystem.
Natixis in Portugal is part of the Global Financial Services division, where it applies technology for the development of financial expertise in its two global business lines – Corporate & Investment Banking and Asset & Wealth Management – and, transversally, for Groupe BPCE entities.
The Centre of Expertise, based in Porto, currently has more than 2,700 employees from over 41 nationalities, organised in three main departments: Information Technology, Banking Support Activities and Compliance. These teams work in an integrated, inclusive and transversal way, supporting and creating value for all the business lines and platforms of the group. Natixis in Portugal is the International Competence Centre (with an export orientation) which employs the largest number of people in the Porto district. The project in Porto is one of the biggest investments in Human Resources ever made by Groupe BPCE worldwide.
A disruptive mindset and a culture of proximity and agility identify Natixis Team and reflect the company’s mission to transform traditional banking at a global scale: a perfect match in the Portuguese dynamics and entrepreneurial ecosystem.
In 2025, Top Employers Institute has awarded Natixis in Portugal the Top Employer Portugal accreditation for the third time. This certification recognizes excellence in people practices, following the example of its head office, in France, who was certified Top Employer France for the nineth year in a row.
About Bloomberg
Bloomberg is a global leader in business and financial information, delivering trusted data, news, and insights that bring transparency, efficiency, and fairness to markets. The company helps connect influential communities across the global financial ecosystem via reliable technology solutions that enable our customers to make more informed decisions and foster better collaboration. For more information, visit Bloomberg.com/company or request a demo.
Bloomberg for Education offers a suite of education technology products and services that immerse learners directly into the financial markets and provide research and analytics across multiple industries. Universities around the globe use Bloomberg to bring the real world of finance into the classroom, providing students with access to the same information used by leading decision makers in business, finance and government. For more information, visit: https://www.bloomberg.com/professional/product/education/.
