One of Europe’s youngest banking execs enjoys answering emails on vacation: ‘It’s less about switching off and more about switching perspective’

wealth Series, The Good Life, shows how new leaders spend their time and money out of work.

Today, we meet Bianca, visitors, the 33 -year -old chief official in Bunq, one of the fastest growing digital banks in Europe.

Zwart’s story started with a simple decision to study Spanish at the university.

“Not because it will lead to a specific function or strengthen my CV.” luck. “I just wanted to do something I really enjoyed. In a world focused on clear functional paths and practical options, I felt it was a refreshing thing.”

Perhaps it is surprising that the experience led her to work in a bank immediately after graduation – they needed multi -language employees. But the task in the summer of 2015 has opened its eyes to the reality of industry: you earn money from the money of others, so customers who do not treat major accounts are dealt with as “unrelated”, and the money that carries their money is placed.

After hearing randomly about Bunq, a more modern digital bank in a position, the millennium looked for the jobs there immediately after the meeting and delivered its notification after just weeks.

This bold jump took it in 2016 from the function of supporting the front lines in starting a 30 -person running to the smallest strategy officials in European banking history.

Her rise was fast and unconventional: She moved from the Lead team to Head of PR to launch two of its own projects, before it flourished to BUNQ in 2022 after a “successful” exit.

Besides the founder Ali Niknam, ZWART helped expand the Bunq range from a start -up company in Amsterdam to the second largest new bank in Europe, with more than 700 employees and 17 million users on the continent. More than 20,000 people are applying to work in the company every month. The role of ZWART is placed in the center of this growth-with the following American expansion in its list of tasks.

The Young Exec says. She itself has become an example of living outside the borders, and she divides her time between Rome and Amsterdam.

But wherever she is in the world, her routine remains consistent: she wakes up “early to be a mockery”, she refuses to wear an hour (“I do not need a time symbol of urgency that is linked to my wrists”)) and relaxation by learning new languages. She can already speak 5.

Zwart tries to spend a good time of everything, but he admits that it often leads to responding to emails “from better -looking places.” But she believes it is part of a piece of high flying function.

“Frankly, I love it,” she added. “For me, it is less than suspension and more about the perspective replacement.”

Financial affairs

luck: What is the best investment you bought ever?

My OURA episode, which I bought randomly in New York City last year. I am very disciplined, I love sport, and I always fade-so I had something literally telling me to calm down **** down was a change in the game. I am still very stubborn to listen always, but I am recovering seriously now, and this has made me more intelligent about how training and comfort.

And the worst?

AB wheel for my gym. I used it once, I fell on my face. Sure, it is designed as a scraping. Small wheel, no support, all pressure on the lower back and nothing on your actual absolute value. Certainly it was not invented by a person who had the absolute value … or sympathy.

What are your living arrangements such as: the luxury apartment in the city or the sprawling suburbs?

I divided my time between Amsterdam and Rome (in addition to which city ends up to work). I thought I wanted more space, so I moved slightly outside the city (still just riding a 20 -minute bike from the office). It turns out, I miss the noise. So I am now looking to return to Amsterdam.

How to move to work?

Like a real Dutchman, I am married to my bike. Rain or sunlight, we are in this together.

Do you carry a portfolio?

I wander well with my phone. Otherwise, it’s my Bunq Metal card. The best part? With every 100 euros you spend, you help grow a tree!

Are you investing in stocks?

Yes, through multiple platforms, among Bunq stocks!

What is the personal financial advice that you will give to your 20 -year -old self?

The compound attention is your friend. Start this work sooner, not later.

What is the only subscription that you cannot live without?

Tadis. There is a lot that happens every day, and everything remains outside my head. It is basically my second mind. It is worth every year.

Where is your wish?

I really don’t wear an hour. Even without notifications, it still adds noise. This is a constant reminder of the extent of your delay, and the extent of the speed of the day. My mind actually extends over the deadlines – you do not need a specific symbol of the urgency associated with my wrist.

Necessities

How do you get daily coffee repair?

I have Italian Mocha at home. It is some calmness and beauty at the beginning of the day, especially when everything else moves incredibly quickly.

I love the Italian method of drinking coffee: quick spo it in the bar, standing, no nonsense – pay 1 euros while you are outside. When I am in Rome, I adapt completely with that. But when I am in Amsterdam, I turn into a more “northern Europe” style: the longest coffee, more milk, usually something.

What about eating while moving?

Perhaps I like to eat while continuing to work a lot. I am a lollipop for efficiency, so in Amsterdam I often take it on the movement – I saw something at the station and I continue to move. In Rome, slow down, sit and enjoy the meal.

In Rome, there is this spot called Sano, Più O Meno (“healthy, more or less”). It is a place run by the family that makes fresh sandwiches, salads and warm meals daily. The atmosphere is exactly what I need: more or less healthy, no pressure, good food. In Amsterdam, for the right sitting, my favorite is zoldering.

Where do you buy groceries?

Albert Higon, the Dutch store loves more. Or I ask for brittle, especially when I am among the trips. Recently, it was more like: one meal at home, then returning to the airport.

However, my favorite place to do a grocery is actually in New York City when I am there for BUNQ. Brooklyn Fare is a dream -800 type of snack that I have not seen before, colored coded shelves, everything is completely arranged.

How many times are you eating in front of Cook at home?

I eat a little – usually at least twice a week – but I also like to cook healthy things when I can. In Rome, it is common to go out for dinner during the week to catch friends or family, so I definitely picked up this habit. It is related to food, of course – but more than it is currently.

What will be the typical outfit for you?

When I don’t talk to the stage: jeans, hanging, large shirts. We are a real technical company – people wear everything that makes them feel comfortable.

Degenerate

How do you relax from the higher job?

Sports keep me sane. I did it at a high level: simultaneous swimming, kick, and now I manage a marathon. I usually work in the morning (and wake up early in a mockery), so after work I can already accommodate friends and my father, Nacho. I have recently re -restored my love to the trolls, like half of the planet.

I also like to learn new languages ​​(I speak five, although I am honest, they start sticking after four-I just go with any language that appears in my mind in the middle of the sentence). I love reading, even if I wish I had more time for that. Currently, I am in the middle of a “little life” by Hania Yanaghara – just a light reading, sophisticated … joke. But it is beautiful.

How do you treat yourself when you get an upgrade?

I usually end up with a new challenge to process. This is a reward version, something new for learning, building or discovering. It keeps things interesting and keeps me moving forward

Take a vacation with you, what is the next in your holiday list?

Dolumite, Italy. Walking long distances during the day, a spa in the evening. I was never, so I really look forward to it. After that, I will go to Korasaw to attend a wedding. One of the privileges of many international friends: turns weddings into small adventures.

I am everything about exploring new places – there is still a lot that I haven’t seen. No vacation house (yet); I love the freedom to stay in this step. I travel a lot to work too, so I will attend a friend often and turn it into a small adventure. Work during the day, explore the city at night – it’s a very good preparation.

How many days of annual leave takes a year?

I try to spend a suitable vacation, but in reality, I often answer emails from the best -looking places. It comes with the job (frankly, I love it). I find that changing the scene gives me new ideas and helps me focus. I am not great to sit anyway. For me, it is less than suspension and more about a perspective switch.

Fortune wants to hear from the leaders in the form of their “good life”. Contact: Orianna.royle@fortune.com