Manuj Sarpal

Part of the IT Leaders 100 - a list of the most influential IT leaders in the UK in 2023.

Manuj has more than 20 years of professional experience, from consulting to software development and technology leadership. Today he is CTO of asset management company GraniteShares. In the past, he has worked for ETF Securities and Barclays to implement successful complex and large scale IT transformation projects. He has keen interest in the role of technology especially in cloud, machine learning and AI in financial services.

How did you get into IT?

In the mid '90s I was introduced to computers in my university and I got stumped with the amazing opportunities it presented. I realised that it was a piece of cake for me to write code, whereas most of my classmates struggled. Soon it became my hobby to solve complex problems by writing code. I knew by then that I had to make this hobby into my profession. I was lucky that it was the start of an internet-era in the world.

How do you ensure diversity is taken into account in your IT recruitment?

We are a global team and diversity plays an important role. I am a firm believer that diversity adds greater value to the team, as different opinions in brainstorming can enable innovation in resolving complex problems. We try to bring the right balance by making diversity part of our recruitment, training and development strategy. We are firm believers in equal opportunities to all.

Which technology are you currently most excited by?

Dynamic behaviour of technology excites me. Technology is changing every day so there is always a new challenge that comes with it. Presently I would say cloud, 5G/6G networks and quantum computing, and the role all of them have to play in fintech, looks promising.

Based on Moore's Law, we are on the verge of where the cost of storing data, speed of data and processing power are changing at a rapid pace, providing a paradigm shift in the way technology interacts with humans. We have started seeing some interesting results in one of the products in form of ChatGPT . I believe this is just a start of a new "AI era" after the "Internet revolution" in late 1990s .

What would an outsider find the most surprising part of your job?

It has to be my interactions with the stakeholders in explaining complex technology concepts in simple examples and metaphors, which they can easily consume and relate to.

What's your secret talent?

I love cooking and trying new recipes. Not sure if it's a talent but I find it a great stress buster.

What makes you laugh?

To make me laugh is not hard. I am a simple, fun-loving person, so even a simple joke makes me laugh. I find laughter is contagious and it helps to come out of stressful situations easily.