The Future of FinTech Engineering: AI, Innovation, and Trading Technology
Live from TradingTech Summit 2025 in Canary Wharf, this latest episode of FinTech Focus TV features an insightful conversation between host Toby Babb and Joe Ronan, Lead Engineer EMEA at 3forge. This discussion delves into the evolving role of engineers in financial services, the transformative impact of AI on software development, and how 3forge is helping firms build scalable, high-performance front-end solutions. The conversation also highlights how technology is bridging the gap between engineers and business leaders, redefining traditional roles within the industry.
The Role of 3forge in FinTech Innovation
3forge is a full-stack development platform designed to help firms build large, complex front-end solutions that can process vast amounts of data efficiently. Joe Ronan explains how the company initially focused on the banking sector but has expanded into hedge funds and broader financial services over the past five years. With a strong emphasis on scalability, data visualisation, and complex workflows, 3forge has become a key player in the FinTech industry, providing solutions that cater to a diverse range of clients. As financial institutions continue to demand high-performance trading technology, platforms like 3forge are becoming indispensable in ensuring firms can handle data at scale.
Joe elaborates on the importance of adaptability in financial technology. As markets shift and regulatory requirements evolve, firms require tools that not only provide real-time analytics but also adapt quickly to changing business needs. 3forge is at the forefront of this transformation, enabling firms to manage, process, and visualise vast amounts of data in ways that drive efficiency and strategic decision-making. As trading technology becomes increasingly sophisticated, firms are under pressure to maintain a competitive edge by implementing robust and scalable solutions.
The Changing Role of Engineers in FinTech
One of the key themes of this discussion is the changing role of engineers in financial services. Historically, technology teams within financial institutions operated in silos, separate from the business teams. Joe highlights how this dynamic has shifted, with engineers now playing a much more integrated role within organisations. The days of an isolated IT department are fading, and modern engineers must have strong communication skills to work closely with business stakeholders.
According to Joe, this shift is driven by the increased complexity of software development and the need for real-time solutions. Engineers today are not just responsible for writing code; they must also understand business needs, engage with different teams, and ensure their solutions align with strategic goals. This integration of engineering and business expertise is a crucial trend shaping the future of FinTech.
Another key driver behind this shift is the rise of no-code and low-code platforms, which allow business teams to develop applications without deep technical knowledge. While these solutions provide efficiency, they also highlight the need for engineers to focus on high-level system architecture and ensure seamless integration between different platforms. With the financial sector rapidly adopting digital transformation initiatives, the role of engineers has never been more pivotal.
AI’s Impact on Software Development in Trading Technology
Artificial intelligence has been a dominant topic at TradingTech Summit 2025, and Joe Ronan provides a compelling perspective on its influence on software engineering. Rather than replacing engineers, AI is streamlining workflows and automating repetitive tasks, allowing developers to focus on complex problem-solving and high-level architectural decisions.
Joe explains how AI-powered tools such as code co-pilots are eliminating the need for developers to rewrite the same lines of code repeatedly. By handling boilerplate coding tasks, AI enables engineers to spend more time designing sophisticated systems, improving efficiency, and ensuring better outcomes for financial institutions. He also notes that AI is fostering a shift in the required skill set for engineers, emphasising the importance of effective communication and collaboration as they work closely with various stakeholders.
Additionally, AI’s impact extends beyond engineering and into broader financial operations. From algorithmic trading to fraud detection, AI is reshaping the way financial institutions operate. Firms that can harness AI effectively will gain a significant advantage in automating trading processes, enhancing risk management, and improving overall efficiency. However, Joe warns against the misconception that AI can replace human decision-making entirely. Instead, he views AI as an augmentation tool that enhances productivity while requiring human oversight to ensure its responsible and ethical use.
Bridging the Gap Between Engineering and Business in Financial Services
The conversation touches on a crucial evolution in FinTech: the narrowing divide between engineering and business teams. In the past, IT teams and business departments often worked independently, leading to inefficiencies and misunderstandings. Joe points out that firms are now recognising the value of collaboration, with engineers becoming integral to business discussions.
Engineers at 3forge, for example, are encouraged to engage in pre-sales work, demos, and direct client interactions. This approach not only strengthens relationships with clients but also ensures that technical solutions are aligned with business needs from the outset. As financial institutions seek to optimise their technology stacks, the ability of engineers to communicate effectively and understand business requirements is becoming an essential skill.
This shift is also influencing hiring trends in FinTech recruitment. Firms are increasingly looking for engineers who not only have deep technical expertise but also possess strong interpersonal skills. Engineers who can articulate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders and collaborate effectively with business teams are in high demand. As FinTech recruitment specialists, Harrington Starr continues to observe this growing need for hybrid professionals who can bridge the gap between technology and business.
The Future of 3forge and What’s Next for FinTech Engineering
Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, Joe Ronan shares insights into 3forge’s ambitious plans for growth. The company is in a phase of rapid expansion, particularly in the hedge fund and exchange markets. While it initially focused on major U.S. banks, 3forge is now seeing increased adoption from smaller banks and trading firms looking for agile and efficient solutions.
Joe also discusses the importance of industry events and client engagement, highlighting 3forge’s upcoming expo at the Gherkin in London, where clients and industry leaders will come together to explore the latest advancements in financial technology. With a strong emphasis on continuous innovation, 3forge is committed to staying ahead of the curve by developing new features and ensuring that its platform remains adaptable to the evolving needs of the financial industry.
The Takeaway: Engineering Excellence in FinTech
This episode of FinTech Focus TV provides a fascinating look into the shifting landscape of financial technology and the critical role engineers play in shaping its future. Joe Ronan’s insights underscore the growing importance of AI in software development, the increasing need for engineers to engage with business teams, and the pivotal role of scalable technology solutions in driving industry growth.
For FinTech professionals, software engineers, and financial institutions looking to stay competitive in an evolving market, the lessons from this discussion are invaluable. As AI continues to drive efficiency and innovation, and as engineers become more integrated within business operations, the firms that embrace these changes will be best positioned for success.
With trading technology advancing at a rapid pace, firms must prioritise agility, scalability, and seamless collaboration between business and technology teams. Whether through platforms like 3forge or broader industry shifts, the message is clear: the future of FinTech belongs to those who innovate, adapt, and embrace the changing role of engineers in financial services.
A key theme of the discussion is the changing role of engineers in FinTech. Traditionally, technology teams were siloed from business operations, but Joe explains how firms are now recognising the need for engineers with strong communication skills and business acumen. Engineers are no longer just writing code; they are engaging in client discussions, pre-sales work, and solution design. This shift highlights the growing importance of hybrid professionals who can bridge the gap between technology and business, an area where FinTech recruitment is evolving rapidly.
For Harrington Starr, this episode underscores the critical role of recruitment in connecting firms with top-tier FinTech talent. As the industry shifts towards AI-driven efficiencies and cross-functional engineering roles, the demand for engineers who can integrate seamlessly with business teams is rising. Our role as a FinTech recruitment specialist is to help businesses secure the right talent—individuals who not only have deep technical expertise but also the interpersonal skills to drive innovation.
This episode is essential listening for anyone looking to stay ahead in the world of trading technology, AI in FinTech, and the future of engineering in financial services. Watch now and gain key insights into the future of FinTech talent.
