A life in tech
Michel André, CIO of Banking Circle, speaks to Digital Bulletin about how ‘accidentally’ falling into a role in financial services more than 20 years ago as led to a rich and varied career
The five words I would use to describe myself are: Energetic, passionate, and a pragmatic technology leader.
A drive and desire to learn new things attracted me to technology originally. I thought that using technology to solve problems for businesses and people would mean that I would be on a continuous learning path — and thankfully, that’s proven to be the case!
Technology is evolving every day and my role means I’m exposed to so many advancements. I truly love figuring out ways of applying new tech to business problems as it means I’m on that journey to lifelong learning.
My first few roles — probably more by accident than by conscious decision — led me into financial services in varying shapes and forms. I even founded my own software company at one point where I headed up strategy and sales alongside consulting a range of clients in the financial services industry.
In turn, I discovered FinTech and found that working at financial services companies with technology at the core of their business and operating mode was my sweet spot. So those early days shaped my career in the sense that it proved I could bring my technology skills into the world of financial services and FinTech.
I’ve met a lot of people who have inspired me throughout my career, and they all typically share the same traits. They are very competent, intelligent and able to make quick and smart decisions in their area of expertise. I also really admire those who have the practical pragmatism to move things forward and apply their skills.
I would say I am definitely a driven and ambitious person and I have chosen to move companies for various reasons throughout my career, where I’ve had some long and short tenures. Switching companies has seldom been because of a particular plan, and has been based largely on opportunities showing up along the way.
I always want to be learning and expanding my horizons, which is why in the past I’ve jumped at the chance to do something new. This led me to many different opportunities and experiences that have been helpful in shaping me as technologist and it’s why I’m ultimately in a role I thrive in today.
There is quite a broad palette of skills needed to be a successful CTO. First and foremost, you need technical competency and an understanding of the technology landscape, then it’s knowing how to apply technology to business challenges that becomes really key. The combination of business sense and technology skills is crucial to success.
You also need to be a strong leader. Having good communications skills coupled with integrity and independence helps a lot. Your team will look to you for answers so if you’re equipped with sound managerial skills and the ability to work both strategically and tactically and link all parts together, you’ll be a successful mentor.
Soft skills such as communication, mentoring and leadership are critical to be able to drive and build technology in a business, and they are just as important as technical competency. Not only do soft skills help manage a team effectively, but they also help instil a large degree of trust across the whole organisation, from board level to interns.
This is crucial because as a CTO you’re making decisions that keep the company running and you need to reassure people that you’re making the right choices. That is largely achieved with knowledge paired with humbleness and listening skills.
I think it’s a given that the pandemic will accelerate digital transformation and change the way we interact in business and society at large.
From running a company, to keeping connected to friends and family in our day to day lives, we have all been forced to adopt digital tools and they are here to stay. In particular, the reduction of travel and face-to-face meetings is likely to be a lasting change as hybrid work becomes the norm. All this is possible because of increased digitalisation and the amazing tools at our fingertips.
In the payments space specifically, digital transformation is thriving. As a direct result of the pandemic, customers are becoming more demanding and their expectations for real-time payments, particularly cross border, and a range of services, from lending through to foreign exchange, are increasing all the time.
FinTechs and financial institutions must step up or they risk getting left behind. Speed as well as compliance is of paramount importance and that’s why Payments businesses turn to Banking Circle.
My advice to aspiring technologists is to be curious. Always strive to learn new things about both technology and the business you’re solving problems for.
There is not one single technology that will be the most important, but I think there is a ‘new’ set of technologies coming to the fore that have the power to transform parts of financial services. I’m talking about artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML).
We are already making major inroads, especially when it comes to fighting money laundering and fraud, which is incredibly exciting. AI and ML dramatically increase rules precision, providing a series of indicators which point to something being higher risk, highlighting patterns and red flags the naked human eye could never spot.
More broadly, we’ll also see various uses of blockchain technology, and there will be a continuous move to cloud to cater for scalability and growth.
I switch off by going out for long cycle and run tours. I’m also a bit of a foodie and enjoy dining out from time to time, which is an ultimately non digital experience with a nice meld of art, creativity and craftmanship.
My temperament isn’t one that looks back and regret things. I am confident that most of my decisions have been made to the best of my knowledge at that point in time, and I largely enjoy looking and moving forward.
