António Neto da Silva
Academic Qualifications
- Degree in Economics, Faculty of Economics, University of Oporto — Graduated top of class.
- MA (Distinction) in Contemporary European Studies (Economics), University of Reading, United Kingdom.
- Certification in Corporate Governance, specialization in Modern Governance in Banking, INSEAD Executive Education, Fontainebleau (July 2018 – September 2019).
Current Roles
- CEO, IFB – The Portuguese Institute of Banking (since July 10, 2017), part of the Portuguese Banking Association (APB).
- Ambassador for Portugal, INSEAD International Directors Network (IDN).
- Professor, IFB Advanced Executive Education – teaching Modern Corporate Governance of Financial Institutionsand Sustainability in Finance.
- President, AAPEUA – Portugal-US Friendship Association.
- Partner, DSMG - TDS – Top Driving Solutions.
- Vice-President, International Relations Commission of the Sociedade de Geografia.
- Honorary President, PROESPAÇO – Portuguese Association of Space Industries.
Political and Diplomatic Roles
- Secretary of State for Foreign Trade, Portugal (April 1990 – October 1991).
- Chief negotiator of the Ford-Volkswagen AutoEuropa project (€3B investment).
- Led foreign investment projects exceeding €50 million.
- Represented Portugal in international trade negotiations (Uruguay Round, EC Council of Ministers).
- Headed national image campaigns abroad (USA, Japan, UK, Belgium, Spain).
- Chairman, Committee for External Relations, Trade Policy, and Cooperation, Economic and Social Committee of the EEC and EURATOM (1988–1990).
- Member of the Bureau, Economic and Social Committee of the EEC and EURATOM (1986–1988).
- Shadow Minister for Economy, Tourism and Environment (PSD) 2007-2008
Corporate and Entrepreneurial Career
- Founder & CEO, Financetar – Financial, Business and Real Estate Services S.A.
- Founder & Chairman, Deimos Engenharia S.A. (2002 – February 2017) – engineering firm serving ESA (European Space Agency) and NASA.
- Member of the Board of Directors and President of Financial Committee, EUROSPACE – European Association of Space Industries (Paris) (until June 2017).
- Chairman, PROESPAÇO – Portuguese Association of Space Industries (2002–2017).
- Co-Chairman, AED – Portuguese Aeronautics, Space and Defense Federation (2016–2017).
- Partner, AMAL Group – Metal Works for Oil Industry (Tunisia, Libya, Algeria) (2010–2012).
- Founder & CEO, portugaloffer.com – prominent business portal (1996–2016).
- Organizer of syndicate of investors & CEO, Clínica Particular do Porto (1992–1995).
- Founder & Chairman, SOCIFA S.A. (1988–1990).
- Manager, SML – Textile/Clothing company (1985–1988).
- Vice-President, TRADINGPOR – External Trade Company of Portugal (1984–1985).
- Economic Consultant, IPE – Portuguese State Holding Company (1986–1988).
Banking and Finance Roles
- Non-Executive Director, Board of BANIF – Banco Internacional do Funchal (2014–2015).
- Member, Corporate Governance Committee and Audit Board, BANIF (until August 2015).
- Member, Fiscal Board of BANIF (2007–2014); Consultative Board (1992–2003).
- President, Fiscal Board, Companhia de Seguros Açoreana S.A. (2015–2016).
Academic Contributions
- Professor, Portuguese Catholic University – Institute of European Studies (1995-2002): post-graduate, Master and PhD degrees on:
- Sustainable Development
- Regional Problems and Policies in Europe
- Professor, Portuguese Catholic University – Institute of Political Studies (2003–2014): post-graduate, Master and PhD degrees
- Geopolitics, Sustainable Development, and European Integration.
- Lecturer, Nova SBE – Executive Program: Sustainability for Boards.
- Professor, Faculty of Economics, University of Oporto (1976–1984):
- Courses on Project Evaluation, Economic Integration and International Institutions.
- Executive Director, Postgraduate Program in European Economics – Portuguese Catholic University (Oporto).
- Visiting Professor, IESF – Institute of Financial and Business Studies.
- Member, Consultative Board of IESF.
Industry & Policy Involvement
- Deputy Chairman, CIP – Confederation of Portuguese Enterprises GM.
- Member, CIP Council for Industry – Head of the Commission on FDI and Competitiveness.
- Member, CIP Presidents' Board.
- Representative of CIP, Consultative Committee for European Integration (until 1983).
- ICEP (Foreign Trade Institute of Portugal) Vice-President 1983-1984
- Member, General Board of COTEC, International Business Innovation Network.
- Deputy Chairman, Business Angels Club.
- Deputy-Chairman, Clube Via Norte.
Media and Publications
- Regular Columnist Semanário Expresso (1980-1990)
- Resident Commentator, "Económico TV" – Political Economy (2014–2016).
- Columnist, Diário Económico and Semanário Económico.
- Speaker, regular participant in national and international conferences:
- e.g. The Economist Lisbon Summit, Estoril Political Forum.
Selected Publications:
- O Triplo Conflito – Globalização, Fundamentalismo Islâmico e Desenvolvimento Sustentável, Booknomics, Lisboa, 2007.
- Teoria e Prática da Integração Económica (co-author Luís Rego), Porto Editora, Porto, 1984.
International Distinctions
- Knight, Order of the Polar Star – Kingdom of Sweden.
- Chevalier, Order of Ouissam Alaouite – Kingdom of Morocco.
Political Engagement
- Member, National Council, Social Democratic Party (PSD) (1998–2002).
- Speaker, Conservatives for Europe Congress – Conservative Party, UK (1988).