Breaking Boundaries in Fintech: The Visionary Leadership of a Chartered Mathematician
We wish to hear from you about yourself and your professional background.
I am a fintech entrepreneur and two-time English Women’s Award winner, forging new paths in technology and software development since 1996. With a robust foundation in mathematics, I am honored to be a Fellow of the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA), a Chartered Mathematician, a Chartered Scientist, and a member of the European Mathematical Society. Additionally, I hold affiliations with the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries and am an active member of the Society of Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM), including its activity groups for data science and Financial Mathematics and Engineering. Throughout my career, I have consistently demonstrated a proven track record in leveraging technology to solve complex problems across diverse sectors, swiftly and profitably bringing innovative ideas and products to market.
Currently, I am the managing director of System Holdings, Salhan Accountants, and Xpert Technologies. At System Holdings, we specialize in utilizing emerging technologies such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, and intelligent automation to enhance business agility and meet the evolving needs of a global clientele. As director of the award-winning Salhan Accountants, I have significantly improved processes and client services by integrating advanced technological solutions. At Xpert Technologies, our cutting-edge software solutions are transforming business processes for SMEs across the UK.
Before my tenure at System Holdings, I spent nearly a decade at Malvern Panalytical, a Spectris company, where I pioneered the application of technology in high-tech instruments, including laser technology, ultrasound, and advanced digital imaging. During my collaboration with Schlumberger, I was instrumental in developing technology for detecting oil bubbles in the sea. My work with Rugby Cement involved utilizing mathematical chemistry for oil well cement. Additionally, I contributed to a Ministry of Defence project focused on the modeling and simulation of underwater explosions and their interactions with structures.
My career reflects a commitment to innovation and excellence in the intersection of technology and mathematics, consistently driving progress and delivering impactful solutions across various industries.
How do you handle change and uncertainty in your organization?
Risk is an inherent part of any business, and navigating change and uncertainty is crucial for long-term success. My strategy for handling uncertainty and risk revolves around a cautious and prudent approach. I prioritize resilience by diversifying our services across multiple sectors and fostering a culture of innovation. By continually adapting and evolving, my businesses are well-equipped to manage unforeseen challenges and seize new opportunities. This multifaceted approach not only mitigates risk but also ensures sustained growth and stability in an ever-changing business landscape.
How do you inject your business ideas to the teams and how do you make sure they are aware of current trends in business?
As a business leader, I recognize the paramount importance of having a united and motivated team. Throughout my journey, I have prioritized inclusivity and collaboration, ensuring that my teams are integral participants in our business endeavors. Open communication is key—I regularly engage with my teams to discuss new initiatives and ideas, fostering an environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute. I believe in motivating my team members, inspiring them to give their best and encouraging them to share their own ideas and perspectives.
Moreover, I make a concerted effort to illustrate to my team members how their individual contributions fit into the larger picture. By helping them visualize the potential impact of our initiatives on their careers and professional growth, I inspire a sense of ownership and commitment. I firmly believe that when team members feel valued and connected to the overarching goals of the business, they are more engaged, productive, and invested in our collective success. This collaborative approach not only strengthens our team dynamics but also fosters a culture of innovation and excellence.
What have you learned from your successes and failures?
Success and failure are inevitable components of the business landscape, each offering valuable lessons that shape our growth and resilience. In my journey, I have learned the importance of maintaining equanimity regardless of the circumstances. Success has instilled in me a sense of humility, reminding me to acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of those who have contributed to our achievements. It has also reinforced the significance of valuing my own time and fostering meaningful connections with the people around me.
Conversely, failure has served as a powerful teacher, urging me to persevere and remain steadfast in the face of adversity. It has taught me the importance of resilience, encouraging me to learn from setbacks, adapt, and continue striving toward our goals. Rather than allowing failure to deter me, I have embraced it as an opportunity for growth and improvement.
By maintaining a balanced perspective and embracing both success and failure as integral parts of the journey, I have cultivated a mindset of continuous learning and evolution. This approach not only enables me to navigate challenges with grace and resilience but also fosters a culture of innovation and perseverance within my team and organization.
Can you share a moment when you challenged industry norms through innovation; what was the outcome?
Over the past year, I’ve dedicated myself to developing an AI-powered intelligent automation system tailored for financial compliance. This cutting-edge technology is currently undergoing beta testing within my company, poised to revolutionize the way we approach regulatory adherence in the financial sector.
The initial results of this innovation are incredibly promising, with early indications showcasing a remarkable 33% reduction in both time and costs associated with compliance processes. This efficiency gain not only streamlines our operations but also underscores the transformative potential of integrating AI into our business practices.
As we continue to fine-tune and optimize the system during the beta phase, I am confident that its full deployment will yield even greater benefits, both for our organization and our clients. By harnessing the power of AI and intelligent automation, we are not only enhancing our operational effectiveness but also setting new standards for excellence in financial compliance.
How do you adapt digital transformation in your business?
System Holdings epitomizes a technology-driven ethos, with a firm commitment to innovation and digital advancement ingrained in our organizational DNA. Leveraging my own robust technological background, I’ve fostered a culture where every team member is deeply entrenched in the latest technological trends and practices. From operations to client services, digitization permeates every facet of our business, serving as a cornerstone of our sustained success. By embracing digital transformation wholeheartedly, we’ve not only optimized our internal processes but also positioned ourselves as leaders in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
At System Holdings, our unwavering focus on technology extends beyond mere adoption—it’s a fundamental pillar of our identity. Our dedication to staying at the forefront of technological innovation empowers us to continually push boundaries and deliver exceptional value to our clients. As we navigate the ever-changing dynamics of the digital realm, our commitment to technological excellence remains steadfast, ensuring that we remain agile, adaptable, and primed for continued growth and success.
What advice would you give to the younger generation?
To the younger generation, I would emphasize the paramount importance of dreaming big and diligently working towards transforming those dreams into tangible realities. Regardless of the challenges or obstacles encountered along the way, nurturing and pursuing one’s aspirations with unwavering determination is key to unlocking boundless potential and achieving meaningful success. By embracing the power of ambition and perseverance, the possibilities are limitless, and the journey towards realizing one’s dreams becomes not only attainable but profoundly rewarding.
“By fostering a culture of innovation, we’ve not only optimized our internal processes but also positioned ourselves as leaders in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.”
“Embrace the power of ambition and perseverance; the possibilities are limitless, and the journey towards realizing your dreams becomes profoundly rewarding.”
“Transforming Tomorrow, Today: Where cutting-edge technology innovation meets insight in the financial landscape.”
“We’re fintech specialists who help businesses worldwide benefit from new technology, making it easy for SMEs to leverage the best fintech, cost-effectively – so their businesses become more efficient and sustainable.”
Company Name : System Holdings Limited
Website: www.system-holdings.co.uk
Management Team
Dr Anjulika Salhan, | PhD, CEO