Engineering Mindset Meets Financial Technology

In the latest episode of Code Bytes, host Stephen welcomes Gary Davies, Director of Consulting at Data Intellect, to discuss the fascinating journey from engineering to FinTech consulting, the importance of mentorship, and the game-changing potential of artificial intelligence (AI). With a career spanning aerospace to cutting-edge financial technology, Gary’s story is one of adaptability, leadership, and a relentless drive to solve complex problems. This conversation is a treasure trove of insights for anyone working in or aspiring to join the FinTech or technology recruitment sectors.

The Journey from Aerospace to Financial Technology

Gary’s career path is a compelling example of how technical expertise and problem-solving skills can translate across industries. Starting out with a master’s degree in aerospace at Queen’s University Belfast, his focus on air traffic management led to an unexpected introduction to coding. Learning VBA and later Java, Gary quickly discovered a passion for programming, setting him on a path he hadn’t envisioned.

He transitioned from academia to industry, joining Citi in 2010 as part of their graduate programme. While initially hired as a Java developer, a chance encounter with KDB, a high-performance database optimised for time-series data, became a pivotal moment. Fascinated by its similarity to MATLAB, Gary immersed himself in KDB, developing expertise that would underpin his career. Over the years, he rose through the ranks at Citi, progressing from an individual contributor to managing teams globally and eventually leading managers across diverse projects.

In 2019, after nearly a decade in investment banking, Gary took a leap into consulting at Data Intellect, a decision that exposed him to a variety of clients and broadened his perspective on the FinTech landscape. His story is a testament to the value of continuous learning, adaptability, and embracing opportunities outside of one’s comfort zone.

Solving Complex Challenges in FinTech

At Data Intellect, Gary oversees consulting projects for global clients, primarily in the financial sector, including investment banks and hedge funds. The company’s expertise extends to energy, healthcare, and aerospace, showcasing the versatility of its solutions. Gary describes Data Intellect’s focus on delivering tailored solutions to complex problems, often leveraging KDB as a core technology.

In addition to KDB, the company specialises in performance software engineering, particularly in low-latency environments using Java and C, as well as data engineering with Python. These technologies enable Data Intellect to address a broad spectrum of client needs, from optimising trading algorithms to managing large-scale data operations. Gary’s leadership ensures that these projects not only meet but exceed client expectations, highlighting the critical role of consultancy in FinTech innovation.

The Transition to Consulting

Shifting from investment banking to consulting was not without its challenges. Gary recalls the adjustment to a flatter organisational structure and the need to adapt to the varying demands of different clients. Unlike the structured hierarchy of investment banks, consulting requires flexibility, rapid learning, and the ability to work across multiple projects simultaneously.

Gary embraced the opportunity to return to hands-on technical work, reigniting his passion for coding and problem-solving. Consulting also offered exposure to a wider range of industries and technologies, broadening his understanding of how financial technology is applied globally. This diversity of experience is invaluable, particularly in a field as dynamic as FinTech.

Mentorship and Leadership in Technology

A recurring theme in the episode is Gary’s emphasis on the importance of mentorship. He credits his first mentor with inspiring him to pursue leadership roles, sharing the impactful advice: “If the role isn’t there, be perceived to be it, and it will happen.” This guidance encouraged Gary to step into his first management position, where he discovered a passion for developing others and leading teams.

At Data Intellect, mentorship is a key component of their graduate programme. The company recruits individuals from diverse STEM backgrounds, including aerospace, mechanical engineering, and mathematics, and provides intensive training in KDB, finance, and Unix. This comprehensive approach ensures that consultants are well-prepared for the demands of their roles. Gary is particularly passionate about supporting junior team members and helping them navigate their career paths, a philosophy rooted in his own positive experiences with mentorship.

The Role of Problem-Solving in FinTech

For Gary, problem-solving is at the heart of success in FinTech. Whether tackling complex client challenges, optimising data solutions, or mentoring junior colleagues, the ability to analyse and break down problems is invaluable. He highlights the importance of a “can-do” attitude, adaptability, and strong communication skills—traits that are equally critical in consulting and technology recruitment.

Gary’s engineering background equipped him with a methodical approach to problem-solving, a skill he continues to refine in his consulting work. He encourages aspiring technologists to cultivate this mindset, emphasising that the ability to tackle difficult problems is what sets great professionals apart in the competitive world of FinTech.

AI’s Transformative Potential in FinTech

A significant portion of the conversation focuses on the role of AI in reshaping financial technology. Gary observes that while AI is still largely in an “assistant” phase, helping with tasks such as summarising emails or generating code, its potential is immense. From improving business efficiency to enabling more sophisticated problem-solving, AI is poised to revolutionise the industry.

Gary notes that the adoption of AI varies across sectors. Hedge funds often lead the way in leveraging AI, driven by their need for innovation and competitive advantage. Investment banks, while also advancing in this area, face additional challenges related to ethics and security. These considerations are crucial, particularly when implementing AI solutions in sensitive and high-stakes environments like finance.

Despite these challenges, Gary believes that embracing AI is essential for staying competitive. Data Intellect has begun experimenting with AI internally, exploring its applications in time-series analysis, natural language processing, and even image recognition. These initiatives demonstrate the company’s commitment to staying at the forefront of technological innovation.

A Growth Mindset for Career Success

Gary advocates for cultivating a growth mindset as a cornerstone of career development. Drawing on his own experiences, he emphasises the importance of being open to learning, seeking out opportunities for growth, and staying attuned to industry trends. However, he cautions against becoming overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information available, advising professionals to be selective and focus on areas that align with their interests and goals.

He likens this approach to being a “smart sponge”—absorbing valuable insights while filtering out noise. This balance allows individuals to stay relevant in their fields without losing sight of their passions. Gary’s advice resonates strongly in the context of technology recruitment, where professionals must navigate rapidly changing landscapes to identify and place top talent.

Technology Recruitment and the FinTech Ecosystem

This episode of Code Bytes underscores the vital role of technology recruitment in supporting the FinTech ecosystem. Companies like Search 5.0 are instrumental in connecting professionals with opportunities that match their skills and aspirations. By fostering these connections, technology recruitment firms contribute to the growth and innovation of the FinTech sector.

Gary’s career journey highlights the importance of thoughtful recruitment and the value of investing in people. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the impact individuals can have when given the right opportunities and support. For organisations looking to thrive in competitive industries, prioritising talent development is key.

Key Takeaways for Technology Professionals

This conversation with Gary Davies offers a wealth of insights for anyone navigating the intersection of technology and finance. From the importance of mentorship and leadership to the transformative potential of AI, the episode provides practical advice and inspiration for professionals at all stages of their careers.

Whether you’re an aspiring technologist, a seasoned consultant, or a business leader, this episode of Code Bytes is a valuable resource for understanding the skills and strategies needed to succeed in FinTech. Tune in to gain a deeper appreciation of the industry and the opportunities it presents for innovation and growth.

At Search 5.0, a leading technology recruitment business, the themes explored in this episode of Code Bytes align closely with our mission to connect exceptional talent with transformative opportunities. Gary Davies’s journey from aerospace to FinTech consulting exemplifies the kind of adaptability, technical expertise, and problem-solving mindset that we seek to identify and nurture in the candidates we work with. As the industry evolves with innovations like KDB and AI, our focus on understanding niche skill sets ensures that we place individuals in roles where they can thrive and contribute meaningfully. Whether it’s sourcing top talent for FinTech firms or supporting organisations in building robust teams for cutting-edge projects, Search 5.0 plays a pivotal role in shaping careers and driving technological progress. By fostering these connections, we empower professionals and businesses to navigate the rapidly changing tech landscape together.