After gaining his banking qualification in Frankfurt, Germany  and a management qualification with a specialization in cooperative banking (MGB) Mr Eckerlin went on to amass 11 years' experience in the German banking sector, most recently as a branch manager at Skandinaviska Enskilda Bank (SEB) in Nordic retail and private banking. In 2004 he joined the Portfolio Management team at the International Trust Group. In 2005 he qualified as a certified Swiss Fund Officer (IAF). Mr Eckerlin also holds a number of other qualifications in the fields of portfolio optimization and portfolio construction methods, including courses in portfolio management from the University of St. Gallen and bond portfolio management from the University of Basel. Today, Mr Eckerlin is a member of the Portfolio Management investment committee at itag Portfolio Management Ltd, in addition to his primary responsibilities in securities trading and fixed income assets.