Big Data and the Future of Tech at Capco

Curious about what it’s like to be a Senior Consultant in Data, Banking & Finance at Capco? In this blog, we dive into Neha Ganatra’s journey into the world of tech, her experience in the banking sector, and how she’s navigated the evolving landscape of Big Data. 

From the skills that have shaped her career to the cutting-edge technologies transforming the industry, Neha shares valuable insights on what it takes to succeed in this dynamic field. Ready to learn more? Let’s dive in!

How did you get into tech, and how would you say the world of data has evolved over the past decade? What role does Big Data play in this transformation?

I developed a passion for data during my university years, and the banks I worked with early in my career gave me opportunities to explore multiple data technologies. From row-oriented and column-oriented databases to analytics platforms and transaction processing systems, I gained hands-on experience across different areas. Interacting directly with traders and solving their problems expanded my knowledge of the financial services business. For me, the excitement of tackling new challenges in technology was not only fulfilling but also critical to my growth.

During the 2009 financial meltdown, regulatory reporting became a key priority. Concepts like data transparency and data lineage took center stage. Banks faced challenges with managing the growing amounts of data, and I worked on solutions involving chunk loading, index optimization, and partitioning. Beyond fulfilling the functional requirements, these tasks became a core part of my responsibilities. As time passed, technologies like Hadoop, Python, and MongoDB began to make their way into proof of concepts (POCs) at various banks. With the rise of personalized marketing, automated decision-making, Alexa, LLM, blockchain, and generative AI, data truly emerged as the "new oil," transforming the landscape.

How do generative AI and future technologies rely on data, and what does this mean for the future of data professionals?

Imitating the human brain is no small feat! It involves countless decision-making pathways, a series of yes-and-no choices, and the ability to learn from common paths to suggest the right answers. Generative AI and other emerging technologies require vast amounts of data to construct these pathways and make accurate predictions. Cloud storage and compute capabilities have enabled this by allowing businesses to process large datasets more cost-effectively.

The rise of cloud data has paved the way for innovative ideas and bespoke solutions, especially in industries like banking. For data professionals, this is an exciting time—there’s an immense canvas on which we can create automated solutions that accelerate decision-making. As businesses increasingly look to semi-automate processes, data experts will play a crucial role in designing these systems.

What makes Capco a leader in adopting new technologies, and how does it maintain its edge in the data and technology sectors?

Capco thrives on innovation. Thanks to our Tech Labs team, we are always experimenting with the latest data technologies to deliver cutting-edge solutions. Since Capco focuses strongly on data and technology, we are at the forefront of the industry. Our commitment to modernization, combined with our openness to proof of concepts, allows us to continuously add value to our clients' businesses.

How does the culture at Capco differ from that of larger banks, particularly regarding transparency and collaboration? What makes it a rewarding place to work?

In many larger banks, a rigid hierarchical structure often means that technology is seen as an enabler rather than a catalyst for transformation. Capco, on the other hand, is different. We’re centered on providing the best possible solutions to the key challenges faced by our clients. By staying up to date with market trends, Capco enables clients to automate processes, driving efficiency and innovation. This client-focused, tech-driven approach is what makes Capco such a rewarding environment to work in.

What skills and experiences are crucial for leveraging data expertise in the banking sector, especially when transitioning from a different country?

Relocating to a new country comes with its own set of challenges but having a solid foundation in proven skill-sets and certifications is a great start. The data landscape is constantly changing with the introduction of new tools and technologies, so a passion for data and a willingness to explore automation tools are key. There’s also the matter of adapting to local contexts—sometimes the same task is referred to differently depending on the country. It’s a small but important challenge to overcome!

Since the post-COVID era, the banking sector has undergone significant transformation, with consolidation and automation becoming priorities to reduce costs. While the foundational skills remain consistent, bringing innovative ideas with the latest automation tools is crucial for anyone looking to transition into this field.

How do Capco’s values and collaborative environment contribute to the success of data professionals within the organization? Which values do you most align with?

When I joined Capco, I immediately connected with its values, especially the overlap with my passion for data and technology. The company’s culture of “Be Yourself At Work" resonates deeply with me. At Capco, new ideas are evaluated with an open mind, and discussions among leaders ensure that the right guidance and direction are provided. This openness to fresh perspectives makes it an ideal place for anyone who wants to grow both personally and professionally.

Want to join Capco?

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