What I wish I'd known
When I began my career in traditional banking, I understood the importance of financial services, customer relationships, compliance and business operations.
What I did not fully appreciate was how valuable those experiences would become as financial services started embracing technology.
Having worked in different banking positions, including cashier, retail banking and branch management, I developed practical experience in financial transactions, business account opening, lending, customer service, compliance and team management.
One important lesson I have learned is that changing industries does not necessarily mean starting your career from scratch.
Many of the skills developed in traditional banking are directly transferable to fintech, digital banking, blockchain and financial technology companies.
Understanding financial operations, managing risk, identifying customer needs and working within regulatory frameworks are valuable capabilities in an increasingly technology-driven financial world.
What the job is like day to day
The financial technology industry is considerably broader than simply developing applications or writing computer code.
Fintech companies need professionals who understand financial products, payments, customer onboarding, fraud prevention, regulatory compliance, business development and operational risk.
For example, consider a company developing a blockchain-based payment platform.
Although software engineers build the technology, the business also needs people who understand how money moves, how financial institutions operate, how businesses manage transactions and why regulatory compliance matters.
This is where traditional banking experience can become particularly valuable.
My own interest has expanded into JavaScript development, Web3, blockchain infrastructure and digital asset systems. Exploring these areas has helped me appreciate the importance of combining financial knowledge with technical capabilities.
The most exciting opportunities often exist where these two disciplines intersect.
You do not necessarily need to become a senior software engineer to contribute to a technology company. There are opportunities in product operations, financial partnerships, compliance, customer success, business analysis and implementation.
Beyond Tick Boxes: Diversity Recruitment Strategies That Actually Transform UK Workplaces
Master the Virtual Hot Seat: 7 Video Interview Techniques Recruiters Don't Tell You
AI Governance Careers Surge in 2026: Why This Role Will Define the Next Decade
One thing to do this week
If you are considering moving from banking, administration or another traditional profession into fintech, start by identifying your transferable skills.
Write down five things you already know how to do professionally.
For example:
- Managing financial transactions and understanding financial controls.
- Communicating with customers and resolving problems.
- Understanding compliance procedures and operational risks.
- Managing teams, projects and business relationships.
- Analysing information and making informed decisions.
Next, research fintech companies and identify vacancies where these capabilities are relevant.
Explore additional training in financial technology, blockchain fundamentals, digital payments, cybersecurity or business analysis.
Free and affordable online learning resources can help you build the technical knowledge needed to complement your existing experience.
Most importantly, do not underestimate the professional experience you already possess.
The future of finance will require people who understand both the financial industry and the technology transforming it.
You might already have more relevant experience than you realise. The next step is learning how to apply it in a new environment.
My final advice: Do not view a career transition as abandoning your previous experience. View it as combining what you already know with new skills to create opportunities you may never have considered.
