32: From Code to Culture: Building Real Capability in Financial Technology Teams

Financial Markets iNSiGHTS

In Financial Markets, where technology moves fast and precision is critical, training is more than onboarding, it’s how firms build lasting capability.
In this episode of Financial Markets iNSiGHTS, host Tina Kane speaks with Michael Clarke, CEO of Mallon Associates, about the evolving role of practitioner-led learning in shaping productive, resilient technology teams. Together, they explore why traditional, off-the-shelf courses often fall short in complex financial environments, how hybrid working challenges institutional knowledge and why real-world capability, not generic KPIs, should define success.
Drawing on decades of partnership with global financial institutions, Michael shares how embedding training within live client environments can accelerate onboarding, improve retention and strengthen both people and systems. The conversation redefines what “productive from day one” really means and why capability, culture and context matter more than ever.