Derivatives are common but often misunderstood tools used in finance. This post explains what derivatives are, how they are valued, and how traders buy and sell them. What are Derivatives? A derivative is a financial instrument whose value depends on (or ‘derives’ from) the value of an underlying asset or set of assets. These underlying assets can be stocks, bonds, […]
Counterparty credit risk (CCR) is a major concern in finance. CCR is the risk that a counterparty in a financial contract won’t meet obligations. Technology is transforming how institutions manage this risk. This post looks at key innovations improving CCR management. What is Counterparty Credit Risk? Before delving into the technology behind it, it’s crucial to understand what CCR is. […]
As a Java developer, understanding and applying essential software development principles is crucial to creating high-quality software. These principles, including SOLID and DRY, provide guidelines for crafting efficient, maintainable, and scalable solutions, setting a strong foundation for successful software development projects. In this blog post, we’ll provide a high-level introduction to these principles and their importance in Java development. SOLID […]
While working at a medium-sized bank in Ireland, I discovered the UK’s Open Banking Initiative and began searching for opportunities in the UK to explore this intriguing technology and concept. Eventually, I joined a large commercial bank with its headquarters in the UK and a global presence. One feature of Open Banking that I found particularly exciting is the ability […]
I have been working in the Financial Services Industry for quite some time now, and I am still learning every single day about the various things that banks can do and are doing. One of the most fascinating subjects related to Retail Banking Technology, is Fractional Reserve Banking, and in this article, I am going to share with you what […]
After a short time working on Biometrics Authentication, I felt I had learned everything I needed to know about the technology, so I decided it was time to move on and join the Financial Services Industry. While Retail Banking Technology may not be as exciting as Biometrics or Location Intelligence, it proved to be a very rewarding experience, as I […]
One of the most intriguing projects I worked on as a Software Engineering Consultant was for a major Irish bank back in 2014, when mobile technology and applications were just beginning to make a significant impact. I collaborated with some of the most skilled frontend developers and analysts to develop a Mobile Account Onboarding system, which was perhaps one of […]
An Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is an essential tool for software engineers, as it streamlines the development process and boosts productivity. With a plethora of IDEs available, it can be challenging for new software engineers to choose the right one. In this blog post, we will explore the top five IDEs that are highly recommended for new software engineers, making […]
As a project manager, you are responsible for ensuring that your team stays organized, focused, and on track towards achieving project goals. One key tool that can help you achieve this is the RACI matrix. The RACI matrix is a project management tool used to define and clarify roles and responsibilities within a project team. The acronym RACI stands for […]
If you work in software development, you’ve probably heard of Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI). CMMI is a process improvement approach that helps organizations improve their software development processes. In this blog post, we’ll explore what CMMI is, how it works, and why it’s important for software development. What is Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI)? CMMI is a model that […]
RSA is a widely used encryption algorithm in computer security. It is a public-key encryption algorithm, meaning it uses two keys: one to encrypt data and the other to decrypt it. SHA256, on the other hand, is a hash function used for generating message digests or fingerprints of data. In this blog, we will discuss how to implement RSA SHA256 […]
Technical design documents are essential to software development projects. These documents provide the blueprint for how a system or software will be built, outlining the technical requirements and specifications needed for successful implementation. A well-written technical design document can be the difference between a successful project and a failed one. In this post, we’ll go over some best practices for […]
Software development is a complex process that requires careful planning, management, and execution. There are two main approaches to software development: Agile and traditional. In this blog, we’ll explore the differences between these two approaches and help you decide which one is best for your project. Agile Methodology Agile Methodology is an iterative and incremental approach to software development. It […]
Microservices is a software architecture style where applications are built as a collection of small, independent services that communicate with each other through APIs. Each service is designed to perform a specific task, and they work together to create a larger application. Microservices architecture offers several benefits such as scalability, flexibility, and resilience. In this tutorial, we will be using […]
When creating a new database, one of the first decisions you’ll make is what to name it. The database name may not seem like a big deal, but following naming conventions and best practices from the start will save you headaches down the road. In this post, I’ll walk through guidelines on crafting clean, consistent database names that clearly communicate […]