We’re back again with another blog on the teams and people behind VIAINVEST. This time, we spoke to the head of the IT department – Didzis Šteinbergs. Join us as Didzis tells us about his work at VIAINVEST, what drives him and his team, and his goals and future plans for VIAINVEST from the IT side.
What does your day-to-day role as the Head of IT at VIAINVEST involve?
As the Head of IT at VIAINVEST, my day-to-day role is multifaceted. VIAINVEST is an IT-driven company relying heavily on our custom-built IT system. We are currently transitioning to a new system version, which presents its own challenges. Ensuring a seamless transition and delivering a robust product is a top priority.
My responsibilities encompass several key areas. One is ensuring that our IT systems align with and support our business. This involves close collaboration with other departments to understand their needs and translate them into effective technical solutions.
I lead and manage our IT team, including developers, system administrators, and support staff. This requires coordinating efforts, managing workloads, and promoting a collaborative and productive environment.
I also stay updated with the latest industry standards and ensure our practices are compliant and efficient.
My role is like that of a multi-human position, requiring me to juggle numerous responsibilities simultaneously. The goal is always to ensure that our IT infrastructure is robust, secure, and capable of supporting VIAINVEST’s growth and operational needs.
What are some of the biggest challenges you face in managing IT for an investment platform like VIAINVEST, and how do you address them?
Managing the IT infrastructure of an investment platform presents numerous challenges. One of the most significant challenges I faced, especially as a relatively new member of the team, was getting up to speed with the ongoing development of our new system. The pace and complexity of this transition were quite demanding.
When I joined VIAINVEST, the development of a new system version was already in full swing. Integrating myself into this fast-paced environment required a rapid understanding of the project’s current state, goals, and technical requirements. To address this, I dedicated time to learning about the existing systems, planned upgrades, and the specific roles of each team member involved in the project.
One of my primary challenges is ensuring that the development milestones are met on time. Effective communication with my team was crucial to ensure everyone is aligned and working towards the same objectives.
How do you ensure that VIAINVEST stays up to date in terms of technology and compliance?
Ensuring that VIAINVEST remains up to date with developments in technology and compliance includes several key strategies.
We follow industry standards and best practices. This ensures that our platform is current and compliant with regulatory requirements and security protocols. Staying updated with guidelines helps us maintain high-quality and reliable services.
Educating our team is a top priority. We invest in regular training and development programs to keep our staff knowledgeable about the latest technologies and methodologies. We actively follow industry news, attend conferences, and participate in professional networks.
Finally, we always consider the bigger picture. This means focusing on immediate technical needs and considering long-term strategic goals. Doing so ensures that our technological advancements align with VIAINVEST’s overall mission and growth objectives.
Cybersecurity is crucial in the financial sector. Could you elaborate on some security measures VIAINVEST has to protect investor data?
Security is crucial not only in financial services but everywhere these days. Financial services are the most popular target, and improving and monitoring all IT security-related activities almost online is important.
We conduct regular security audits to identify and address potential vulnerabilities. These audits help us stay proactive in fortifying our defences against emerging threats.
Our IT team continuously monitors the platform’s security status in real-time. This lets us detect and respond promptly to suspicious activities, minimising the risk of data breaches.
We also regularly train our staff on the latest cybersecurity practices and protocols.
How do you encourage a productive and innovative team environment?
Encouraging a productive and innovative team environment involves setting a clear vision and defining tasks so everyone understands their roles and responsibilities. Open communication is essential. Therefore, I encourage team members to share their ideas and feedback, creating a collaborative atmosphere. Regular discussions about new ideas and approaches keep the team engaged and forward-thinking, driving us to explore new solutions. Combining these practices ensures the team feels motivated, valued, and ready to innovate.
What part of your job are you most passionate about and why?
I am most passionate about seeing the tangible impact of my work on business growth and profitability. Knowing that my efforts directly contribute to the company’s success and financial performance is incredibly rewarding. This sense of achievement drives my enthusiasm and dedication to my role.
What advice would you give to someone looking to pursue a career in IT within the fintech industry?
I highly recommend pursuing a career in IT within the fintech industry. This sector offers unique experiences and a global perspective, making it an exciting field to work in. Fintech companies are often highly motivational and provide numerous opportunities for growth and innovation, making them an excellent choice from an employee’s perspective.
That’s it for the latest blog in our “Meet the Team behind VIAINVEST” series. We hope this gives You a better understanding of what happens behind the scenes at VIAINVEST.
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Happy investing, VIAINVEST
Disclaimer
This is marketing communication, not investment advice or investment research. Investments involve certain risks and costs. Legal information about SIA “Viainvest” and its services is available here: https://viainvest.com/en/company/legal.