Exploring a Developer’s Role in Fintech: Insights from Money20/20

Back at Money20/20, a panel titled “Developers Matter, Dang It,” brought together some of the brightest minds in the industry. Atomic’s very own Chief Product Officer, Andrea Martone, shared the stage with Jared Jones from Moov, Jillian Williams from Cowboy Ventures, and Ramana Satyavarapu from Nium. Together, they discussed how a developer’s role in fintech is pivotal and evolving within our organizations.

As Andrea said , “Fintech is an excellent place to be right now, especially with the CFPB’s recent announcements regarding the open banking push. The world of API products, integrations, and partnerships within the industry is continuously expanding, and developers are at the forefront of this transformation. It’s going to be one of the most exciting places for developers to work, have a say, and help create these new products that really change the way people bank in their day-to-day lives.”

The panel navigated the evolving fintech landscape, recognizing the multifaceted role of developers. Here’s a snapshot of the insights shared.

Developers: From the Back-End to the Decision Table

The panelists highlighted a shift in the fintech ecosystem: developers are emerging from the shadows of back-end operations to sit at the decision-making table. This trend, fueled by advancements in embedded finance and open banking, has placed developers in a crucial role. They are steering the direction of financial technologies. They’re no longer just executing ideas; they’re integral in crafting the strategic trajectory and tech choices of firms. This changing dynamic within organizations underscores the developer’s role in fintech and how it is evolving. This shift recognizes the importance of developers beyond their technical skills, valuing their insights and contributions to the company’s overall success.

Developer Experience as a Cornerstone

Think of a product like Stripe – a testament to the power of developer-centric design. This approach goes beyond usability; it’s about crafting experiences that developers love to engage with. In a sector driven by APIs, the user-friendliness and integrative simplicity of these tools are essential. The panel emphasized how trailblazers like Stripe have reshaped the fintech landscape by prioritizing a developer-centric approach in product design. This highlights the need for intuitive and accessible platforms that resonate with developers.

Empowering the Builders

One unanimous point was the need to constantly empower developers by providing cutting-edge tools, continuous learning opportunities, and meaningful challenges. This empowerment is key to fostering a culture of innovation and retaining top talent. Ensuring robust API governance, maintaining open standards, and providing clear documentation are key to enabling developers to thrive. Additionally, today’s developers are increasingly eager to see the tangible impact of their work on customers. Understanding how their contributions can transform user experiences and lives is crucial. This direct connection between their efforts and customer benefits not only closes the feedback loop, but also adds a layer of satisfaction and significance to their roles.

AI: Augmenting, Not Replacing

Contrary to fears of obsolescence, the panelists view AI as an augmentation tool. This enhances the capabilities of developers rather than replacing them. While AI can accelerate development processes and improve code quality, the intrinsic value of developers lies in their problem-solving skills and understanding of customer needs. This perspective reinforces the evolving role of developers, who are increasingly focused on strategic, problem-centric responsibilities.

Remote Work: The Best Talent Magnet

The conversation also touched on remote work. In this post-pandemic world, flexibility in work models has become a significant factor in attracting and retaining developer talent. It’s about casting a wider net and embracing diversity in the workforce to hold on to the best talent.

In summary,  the panelists highlighted that a developer’s role in fintech is not just the builders in the background; they are now key architects and strategists in shaping the industry. Their roles have expanded far beyond coding, encompassing strategic decision-making, customer engagement, and innovative problem-solving. As we navigate the ever-changing landscape, recognizing and embracing the multifaceted role of developers becomes crucial for any forward-thinking company.

And remember, in the words of Jared Jones, “Developers rule the world… the future is what they create!”

Want to dive deeper?

For those who attended Money20/20 and wish to revisit any sessions, the full panel discussion featuring Andrea Martone and other industry experts is available for viewing through the Money20/20 portal . It is accessible until April 2024.