NATWEST
Technology advancements in the ever-changing financial sector Since Pillar joined NatWest and the fintech sector in 2018 , he has had a front row seat to almost-unfathomable change . NatWest ’ s ambition and culture has been maintained , but its focus on keeping up with technology in an industry where change happens at an exponential rate is no mean feat .
As with companies across all sectors , a key focus has been – and will continue to be – sustainability , with NatWest supporting COP26 in Glasgow , Scotland as a principal partner .
“ Sustainability is a really good example of how NatWest has changed ,” Pillar explains . “ From my team ’ s perspective , there is an emphasis on making sure we create and code solutions in a sustainable way . We have to provide seamless services to our customers , but equally there ’ s a real duty to the wider planet that we all strongly believe in . Our talent is not just looking at solving the problem , but making sure it ’ s also the most sustainable way that helps keep costs under control as well as a by-product .”
Within NatWest , technology infrastructure supports payment services , which assists its customers with anything from buying a coffee to buying a house .
“ You need the technology to work because , if it doesn ’ t , you could feel embarrassed – which is weird because it ’ s not with the customers themselves where something ’ s gone wrong ,” Pillar explains . “ There ’ s always an expectation
that a seamless payment will happen , and that ’ s what we work to ensure .
“ Our company mission is about being there for the customer through their life , but , equally , really helping them with their potential – whether it be a person , a family or a business , helping them thrive in whatever their challenge is .
“ Our Group CIO ’ s strategy is ‘ engineer , operate and protect ’. I think those are
196 July 2024