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By Giles Ali, Managing Consultant · 30th May 2025
Leading a tech transformation in financial services can feel a bit like you're playing piggy in the middle - except no one is passing you the ball.
You’ve got the responsibility. You’ve got the pressure. And somehow, you’re expected to get everyone on board, finish the project and keep people calm while everything around them changes. Sound familiar?
The hidden loneliness of change
Most transformation leaders don’t get to work on exciting passion projects. They’re given tough jobs that must be done. Maybe the current system is about to stop working, costs are going up or new rules mean the company must change how it works.
These changes are needed. But the wider team often doesn’t see it that way.
People like their routines. They trust their current tools, even if they are clunky or built around workarounds. So, when you introduce a new system, they don’t always get curious. They get nervous. Or even annoyed.
What makes it more complicated? You’re still expected to finish on time and save money while getting help from experts with busy jobs. If you feel pulled in different directions, you’re not imagining it.
Outdated thinking makes it worse. Let’s change that
A common mistake? Leaders treat change like a tech update instead of a people issue.
Transformation isn’t just about new software. It’s about changing how people work and how they feel about their work. If leaders ignore that, things are likely to go wrong.
You can’t just say, “This new tool will help,” and expect an applause. People need to know what’s in it for them. Maybe it saves time, maybe it makes their work feel more important, maybe it helps them go home earlier.
The point is that logic alone isn’t enough. You need stories. You need trust. You need to explain the “why” instead of just the “what”.
Support: the missing piece
Too often, projects overlook the people side and leaders end up juggling everything - communication, training, testing and rules, alone. That’s like asking someone to run a marathon barefoot in the desert.
So, what does real support look like?
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A change team that understands how people tick – not just systems.
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Testing experts who can translate between tech and business.
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Guardrails that keep the project on track and out of the weeds. Progress updates that actually mean something to people.
When these are in place, technology change stops feeling chaotic. People come on board faster, momentum builds and stress drops.
Real metrics mean real peace of mind
For senior leaders watching from above, the right partner in testing and governance isn’t just helpful, it’s a game changer.
A great partner brings structure, clarity and experience. They help leaders see exactly where the project stands at every stage. That means no more guesswork, no more crossed fingers and no more last-minute scrambles to finish on time.
You can finally answer the big questions with confidence:
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“How far along are we?”
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“Are we on track?”
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“Will we pass the audits?”
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“Can we show this to the board?”
Your partner gives you clear reports that make sense, not just complex charts and dashboards. They turn the noise into insight: what’s working, what’s not and what needs attention next. This means you can make better decisions, faster.
They also help you stay compliant. In financial services, where regulations are tight and the stakes are high – that matters. The right partner helps you demonstrate that your systems are safe, fair and working as they should. And, that reassurance isn’t just for the regulators. It’s what earns your customers’ trust too.
But, let’s not lose sight of the bigger picture. With the right partner, you reduce risk, avoid nasty surprises and show control from day one to go-live and beyond. This isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about delivering real results without burning out your team.
In short, a strong partner doesn’t just support your project. They help to protect it.
What would we say to a leader feeling alone?
Simple.
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Understand that people in your business are worn out by constant change. That’s real. Respect it.
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Start talking to them early. Keep it human. Talk about what helps them, not just what the tech can do.
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Find a partner who can support your project every step of the way. Someone who’s seen it all, tested it all and can help you succeed without burning out.