Anne

“I’ve always seen Capgemini as a place full of innovative, knowledgeable professionals – people I knew I could trust for expertise.”

Driving the future of finance with technology

Anne Samstén joined Capgemini as a Senior Project Manager in October 2024. She works in the financial sector acting as a bridge between technical experts and the customer.

Can you share a bit about your professional background before joining Capgemini?

I have a BBA degree from Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences, graduating in 1998. I have extensive experience in program and project management within the financial sector, having worked both as a consultant and in-house. This has provided me with a well-rounded perspective on delivering impactful solutions.

Most of my learning has come from hands-on experience and picking things up on the job. I’ve also been lucky to have employers who supported my growth and gave me opportunities to keep learning along the way.

What inspired your career in Financial Services & IT Consulting, and why Capgemini?

I love change and the challenge of building something new. Throughout my career, I’ve witnessed major shifts in the financial sector – banking services moving from branches to online and mobile, systems transitioning from mainframes to the cloud, cash giving way to digital payments, and regulation tightening. And this evolution isn’t slowing down. I’m especially interested in how younger generations are reshaping attitudes towards money – it’s fascinating to see how different age groups view physical cash. As a consultant, I get to be right in the middle of these changes, helping clients navigate an ever-evolving landscape.

I’ve always seen Capgemini as a place full of innovative, knowledgeable professionals – people I knew I could trust for expertise. That’s why I applied, and now I’m proud to be part of such a talented team.

“Throughout my career, I’ve witnessed major shifts in the financial sector. As a consultant, I get to be right in the middle of these changes, helping clients navigate an ever-evolving landscape.”

What kind of projects or challenges do you typically handle?

I have had the opportunity to carry out wide-ranging projects from developing a completely new service to restructuring batch operations and implementing regulations. Each project has been significant in its own way and offered valuable learning experiences about organizations and individuals.

Change is an inherent part of every project. The biggest challenge has been the practical implementation of new ways of working, whether it concerns the organization or the end user’s activities.

What skills, tools, or certifications help you excel in your role?

I’m not a technical project manager, so my main role is acting as a bridge between technical experts and the customer. For me, the most important skills are people management and the ability to bring the right experts together and guide them towards a shared goal.

I also believe in asking the so-called “stupid” questions – the ones others might hesitate to ask. It’s often in those moments that new ideas emerge. I like to challenge thinking and explore alternative solutions, which is where strong facilitation skills come in.

In terms of certifications, my key ones are in project management (IPMA-C) and agile working methods (SAFe Agilist SA and Scrum Master).

“My main role is acting as a bridge between technical experts and the customer. For me, the most important skills are people management and the ability to bring the right experts together and guide them towards a shared goal.”

How do you stay updated on trends and regulations in Financial Services and IT?

Keeping up with trends is easier than ever, thanks to Capgemini’s internal communities. For broader industry developments and regulatory changes, I follow financial sector websites, regulatory authorities, and LinkedIn networks.

When I worked in banking, staying updated was more straightforward through industry collaboration networks – something I no longer have direct access to as a consultant. But with the right resources and connections, there are always ways to stay in the loop.

What do you find most rewarding about your work?

I love working with innovative, enthusiastic people. The best part is seeing a problem get solved –whether it’s through a new, creative solution or simply getting a ‘thank you’ from a happy customer.

What advice would you give to someone considering a role in IT consulting for Financial Services?

If you’re thinking about a career in the financial sector, go for it. Yes, there’s a lot of regulation, but there are even more opportunities. Regulation sets the framework, but within that, there’s plenty of room for innovation – the sky’s the limit. The work we do has a real impact, not just on financial companies but on their customers, which ultimately means all of us.

The industry is going through major changes. One of the biggest shifts is how different generations view money and payments – studies show younger people are far more comfortable with digital money than physical cash.

My best advice? Think big, stay curious, and most importantly, listen to the customer.

“The work we do has a real impact, not just on financial companies but on their customers, which ultimately means all of us.”

What trends or challenges do you foresee in this sector, and how is your work adapting to them?

There’s a lot of talk about AI, both as an enabler and a challenge. Personally, I see it as a huge opportunity to bring innovation to financial services while also enhancing security in a responsible way.

Another big shift is how younger generations perceive finance. Their relationship with money and financial services is very different from traditional views, which is pushing long-established players to adapt in ways we can’t fully predict yet. I see this as an exciting challenge for the industry.

Sustainability is also becoming a bigger priority in finance. In the future, we’ll need to rethink how we operate at a fundamental level. I’m looking forward to seeing how that translates into real, practical solutions.

“There’s a lot of talk about AI, both as an enabler and a challenge. Personally, I see it as a huge opportunity to bring innovation to financial services while also enhancing security in a responsible way.”

Bonus question: What is your favourite industry-specific term or abbreviation?

The financial sector loves its acronyms – there are so many great ones to choose from! It’s hard to pick a favourite, but NIS2, DORA, and KYC definitely stand out. I’ve come across them more times than I can count!