In the ever-evolving world of FinTech, staying ahead of the curve is not just an advantage—it’s a necessity. Today’s CTOs and senior technical leaders are facing a relentless pace of change, with the demand for modernization, cloud transformation, and innovation growing louder by the day. But how do you ensure these changes translate to tangible results, like increased revenue and growth?
That’s exactly what we discussed in our latest interview with Kevin Ruthen, a FinTech expert and seasoned CTO, who has been at the forefront of transformative projects. If you’re looking to gain insights into driving business value through technology, this episode is a must-watch. Kevin shares strategies that have helped companies scale, build resilient systems, and unlock new revenue streams—without the tech jargon overload.
You can watch the video on YouTube or below:
When you hear “modernization,” what comes to mind? For many, it’s about upgrading systems, moving to the cloud, or implementing new software. But as Kevin explains, true modernization goes beyond that—it starts with understanding the why.
“The number one mistake companies make is jumping into the how and what, without first aligning on the why,” says Kevin.
In our conversation, Kevin highlights the importance of starting with a clear business goal. Whether it’s increasing efficiency, enabling innovation, or unlocking new revenue opportunities, every technology initiative should be anchored in a well-defined purpose. He emphasizes that this alignment ensures your team remains focused and your investments yield measurable results.
One of the most valuable takeaways from our discussion is Kevin’s perspective on data. For FinTech companies, data isn’t just an operational tool; it’s a strategic asset. Kevin breaks down how he’s leveraged data to create new revenue streams and improve existing products.
“It starts with data quality,” he explains. “If your data isn’t properly integrated and validated, you’ll never be able to unlock its full potential.”
Kevin shares a real-life example from his work at a FinTech company, where they built a data lakehouse to provide their teams and external clients with critical insights. By ensuring a single source of truth and leveraging advanced analytics, they launched subscription-based services that added significant revenue streams. It’s a powerful reminder that modernization isn’t just about cost savings; when done right, it can be a revenue driver.
Modernization isn’t just about technology and data—it’s also about people. For senior tech leaders, managing and building high-performing teams has become more complex in today’s hybrid and remote work environments. Kevin shares his blueprint for developing teams that can drive and sustain transformation.
“It’s all about culture,” Kevin says. “Culture eats strategy for breakfast. If you don’t have the right culture, it doesn’t matter how good your strategy is.”
In our discussion, Kevin details his approach to balancing onshore, offshore, and contractor teams, ensuring flexibility and scalability while keeping core expertise in-house. He also emphasizes the importance of mentoring and upskilling existing talent, turning team members into strategic partners who can evolve with the company’s goals.
Cloud modernization is a buzzword we’ve all heard, but how does it translate to business value in the FinTech space? Kevin offers a practical perspective, drawing on his experience leading cloud initiatives during the pandemic.
“When the pandemic hit, we were dealing with a skeletal crew and an outdated infrastructure that couldn’t handle the demand,” Kevin recalls. “We needed to modernize quickly, and the cloud was our best option.”
In the interview, Kevin shares how his team moved from an antiquated environment to a cloud-based platform within 18 months. The shift not only scaled operations but also enabled new product launches, partnerships, and revenue streams that weren’t possible with their legacy setup. For FinTech CTOs, this case study is a testament to how a well-executed cloud strategy can be the catalyst for business growth.
What’s next for FinTech companies? As Kevin sees it, the future lies in AI and automation—not just for the sake of adopting new technology, but for its potential to augment existing processes and drive efficiency.
“AI is a powerful tool when used for augmentation,” Kevin says. “It’s about combining AI and robotic process automation (RPA) to create operational efficiencies, especially in areas like quality assurance and underwriting.”
In the episode, Kevin discusses how his team integrated AI into their development and quality assurance processes, accelerating the pace of software delivery while improving quality. He also touches on how AI can enhance customer experience by providing deeper insights into user behavior, helping FinTech companies not just meet but anticipate customer needs.
A common struggle for many CTOs is shifting the perception of their tech department from a cost center to a revenue generator. Kevin has a refreshing take on this, advocating for building strong relationships with other business leaders, such as CFOs and Chief Revenue Officers (CROs).
“Being a strategic partner is key,” Kevin advises. “Understand the business needs and align your technology strategy to support revenue growth, not just operational efficiency.”
In the interview, Kevin outlines specific tactics for bridging this gap, like automating repetitive financial processes to free up teams for more strategic work, or leveraging AI for advanced analytics that can uncover new product opportunities. It’s practical, actionable advice that any FinTech leader can apply.
The most compelling part of our conversation was Kevin’s call to action for CTOs to expand their focus beyond technology. The true value of a modern CTO, he argues, lies in their ability to bridge the gap between technology and business strategy.
“If you’re only thinking about technology, you’re missing the bigger picture. You need to understand and champion the business side just as much,” says Kevin.
This episode is packed with insights and actionable advice, and Kevin’s passion for transforming FinTech companies is contagious. If you’re ready to take your organization to the next level, don’t miss out—watch the full interview now and get inspired to drive impactful change!
Ready to dive into these insights and more? Check out the full interview with Kevin Ruthen on our YouTube channel. Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes where we speak with tech leaders about the latest trends, strategies, and real-world challenges in the FinTech and tech leadership space.
Feel free to reach out to Kevin on his LinkedIn profile