Alex Tindal
A seasoned CTO with over 18 years of experience across financial services, Alex specialises in asset management, banking and wealth management. He has a proven ability to align IT strategy with business goals, driving results through agile methodologies.
Alex is an expert in harnessing AI and data-driven solutions to boost performance and revenue. His focus areas include cost control, automation, revenue growth, service excellence, and positioning IT as a strategic enabler for business success.
He is deeply committed to fostering a strong workplace culture with a passion for people, diversity and inclusion.
What's the most exciting part of your current role?
The unique intersection between technology delivery and the tangible impact we make on business outcomes. It's incredibly rewarding to witness how the implementation of new technology solutions can directly support key teams, such as the trading and portfolio management departments, enabling them to achieve better trading results and generate alpha. This is made possible through the strategic use of AI, data analytics, and automation, which not only enhances efficiency but also drives smarter decision-making.
What truly motivates me is knowing that our business is dedicated to addressing some of the world's most pressing challenges. While my technology department plays a relatively small role in this larger mission, it's thrilling to see how the work we do directly contributes to the bigger picture of making a meaningful impact on global problems.
Being part of this dynamic and purpose-driven environment keeps me energised and passionate about the work I do.
What do you consider your greatest IT achievement of the last 12 months?
Bringing the Technology team closer to the business than ever before. By fostering a deeper understanding within the team about the direct impact of our work, we've significantly enhanced our ability to align with the broader business goals. The team now fully grasps the importance of what we are trying to deliver, which has led to a more collaborative approach with the business units.
This closer relationship has enabled us to create more tailored technology solutions that not only address the specific needs of the business but also directly contribute to generating revenue.
By ensuring that our IT initiatives are more closely tied to business objectives, we've been able to drive more meaningful outcomes, improving both operational efficiency and the bottom line. This achievement has been a major step forward in demonstrating the value of technology as a key enabler of business success.
What's the biggest challenge facing IT leaders today, and how are you tackling it?
The constant need to keep pace with the rapidly evolving demands of the business. Technology is advancing at an unprecedented rate, often moving faster than many business teams can adapt. As IT leaders, we must stay ahead of the curve, anticipating needs and proactively providing the tools and solutions that the business requires to stay competitive. At the same time, we face the critical responsibility of ensuring that all our actions align with the highest standards of safety, security, and compliance.
We must be seen as enablers, not obstacles. It's important that the IT department is not the one constantly saying "no" to new ideas or requests. Instead, we should be a partner to the business, finding ways to say "yes" while ensuring that risks are mitigated and compliance is upheld. This requires a deep understanding of both the technological landscape and the broader business objectives, so we can offer solutions that not only drive progress but also protect the organisation in the long term.
Ultimately, our role is to empower the business with the right tools to succeed, without compromising on security or compliance.
What piece of technology could you not live without, and why?
Boring, but my phone. I obviously use it to communicate, but more importantly to write notes when I think of something to do and listen to podcasts when I am running or commuting to work. I have removed all social media except Linkedin (so I don't get sucked down a rabbit hole).
What excites you most about the future of IT?
The sense that we are on the verge of a paradigm shift with the widespread adoption and use of AI. While there has been a great deal of hype and marketing around AI and its potential use cases, I truly believe that in the coming years, we will see AI making a fundamental transformation across all areas of business. This shift is poised to change the way every organisation operates, and it will dramatically reshape how employees approach their work.
By harnessing the power of AI, businesses will be able to achieve more with fewer resources, unlocking new levels of productivity and creativity. This shift will allow employees to focus on higher-value tasks, while AI handles routine, repetitive work or tasks that require immense computational power.
Ultimately, AI will not only change the tools we use, but it will also change the very nature of work itself, making business operations more agile, efficient, and responsive. The future is incredibly exciting, and we are only just beginning to scratch the surface of its potential.
What’s the strangest job you’ve ever had?
Aircraft cleaner. Having to turn around a plane once they landed. This was in the days when people could still smoke on a plane! Only did it once.
If you could instantly master one new skill, what would it be?
Kung fu! I did this a young kid and have been meaning to go back and do it for years. Just need to find the time between work and family!