#402 Transforming Financial Services with AI and Cloud: Alina Timofeeva on Digital Strategy

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we sit down with Alina Timofeeva, an expert in digital transformation, cloud technology, and financial services. Alina has a wealth of experience working with global institutions like HSBC, JP Morgan, and Crédit Suisse, leading them through complex digital transformations. Throughout the conversation, Alina shares her insights into the evolution of financial services, from cloud adoption to the cutting-edge possibilities of quantum computing. We dive into the strategic challenges that financial institutions face when embarking on digital transformation journeys, discussing why many initiatives fall short and how aligning business and technology from the start is crucial. Alina highlights the importance of keeping customer needs at the forefront while leveraging data as a strategic asset. She also provides her perspective on the growing role of AI in financial services and how it is reshaping decision-making processes. As organizations navigate the increasing threat of cyber breaches, Alina emphasizes the importance of building cyber resilience, particularly in large enterprises. With examples from recent high-profile breaches, we explore the crucial role of regulators, governments, and organizations in ensuring a secure digital future. In the latter part of the episode, Alina looks ahead to the future of technology in financial services, discussing the potential of quantum computing and how it could revolutionize data processing and innovation. We wrap up the conversation by considering how emerging technologies like AI and quantum computing could come together to drive the next wave of transformation. More about Alina: Alina Timofeeva is an accomplished professional who currently serves on Board of British Computer Society. She has garnered multiple awards for her expertise in cloud, data and digital transformation. Despite facing setbacks and challenges, Alina’s determination and resilience have propelled her to success. Raised in post-Soviet Russia, she defied societal expectations and pursued higher education, eventually earning degrees in Mathematics from Moscow State University, and Risk and Finance from London School of Economics. Alina’s journey highlights the importance of perseverance and self-belief in overcoming obstacles. She is passionate about empowering others, particularly women in technology and individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, and actively engages in mentorship and community support initiatives. https://www.linkedin.com/in/atimofeeva 00:00 Welcome and Guest Introduction 01:13 Alina's Professional Journey 02:27 Challenges in Digital Transformation 03:44 Strategic Questions in Digital Transformation 05:33 C-Suite Perspectives on Technology 10:42 Cybersecurity and Regulatory Concerns 14:24 Operational Resilience and Business Continuity 20:55 Navigating Business Risks in Uncertain Times 22:38 The Role of Data in Innovation and Resiliency 23:43 AI: The Hype, The Reality, and The Future 25:16 Regulating AI: Challenges and Considerations 31:08 Strategic Integration of Emerging Technologies 35:41 Final Thoughts and Words of Wisdom