Brian Whitaker Email & Phone Number

Johannesburg, Gauteng, Za

At present, I manage a diverse team of engineers across 3 continents. Together we have built:An investment platform for a wealth advisory company, supporting the opening and maintenance of investment products, client needs analysis, risk assessments and automatic portfolio re-balancing. It also enables clients to view their entire investment portfolio across 36 providers. Technologies used: Full .Net stack.An AI-powered credit assistant for a large asset financing company. The assistant analyzes customer feedback and documentation, assists in verifying facts, detecting potential fraud, and calculating financial measures like affordability. Technologies used: LangChain, OpenAI GPT APIs, Python, Flask, Redis, React, and GraphQL.A fully automated VAT rebate system for the South African mining sector. Integrated with fuel management, telemetry, and geolocation systems in mining equipment. Hosted on Azure, using PostgreSQL, MDS, .Net Core, React, Express, and PowerBI.A NFT minting and trading platform for African art using IPFS, Solidity, .Net Core, and React.A research management system used by major South African universities. Technologies used: Docker, Kubernetes, .Net Core, Angular, TypeScript, RabbitMQ, MongoDB, PostgreSQL, and PowerBI. Was the lead developer on the Ethereum integration for writing awarded degrees and transcripts to the blockchain using Node.js, Express, MongoDB, Solidity, Selenium, Smart Contracts, IPFS, and TypeScript.A large platform implementation for a financial services client with 7 squads, focusing on client on-boarding, regulatory compliance and automation. Enabling the electronic opening of credit, investment, and banking products, integrating 30+ systems over 5 years. Used MSSQL, .Net Core, Micro-services, JavaScript, IBM DataPower, IBM Content Manager, DocuSign, Moody's RiskCalc, MDS, and ASP.Net.

Johannesburg, Gauteng, Za

I was the lead developer on the following:A credit pricing solution for Barclays, enabling the creation of a basket of credit products calculating RAROEC, ROEC, EAD, PD, and LGD. The tool optimized collateral and interest rates for the best risk-based outcomes. Technologies used: ASP.Net, MSSQL, C#, Web services, and JavaScript.A credit/risk regulatory reporting solution for a banking client. Data was ingested from an existing warehouse, classified by asset type, and corresponding credit/risk metrics (e.g., RWAs, ROEC) were calculated and reported. Technologies used: Oracle DB, MSSQL, SSIS, SSRS, and custom C# calculation engine. Managed high data volumes and complex calculations under tight reporting time constraints.Collaborated with two engineers at Barclays to develop a cross-sell model using clustering and product propensity, along with a customer default probability model using Neural Networks. Our propensity model won the most innovative project at Barclays the year it was launched.A bespoke CRM tool for the banking services client.

Johannesburg, Gauteng, Za

Was a contributing member of the development team involved in:A sales and risk performance management system at a financial institution, covering data ingestion from the mainframe, pipeline (ODS, DWH, DM), and reporting front-end (custom portal, RS reports, Cubes, and MDX for analysis). Technologies included MSSQL, Oracle DB, SSIS, SSAS, SSRS, and ASP.Net.A performance target management system for a large banking services client. The system allocated targets across various balance sheet and income statement lines and allowed for target migration and approval. Later, I expanded this tool to facilitate the division's budgeting process, enabling the allocation of multiple budgets (actual, stretch, etc.) against any IS/BS line. The complexity involved real-time financial calculations to determine the impact of changes as the IS and BS are interdependent. The budgets were then automatically splashed or aggregated to other levels of the GL. Technologies used: C#, MSSQL, custom ORM framework, web services, and ASP.Net.The design and development of the Virgin Money data infrastructure for their entry into the African market. Built everything from scratch, including ingestion from source systems, pipelines, warehouses, marts, data quality monitoring, analytics, and reporting. Used a full Microsoft stack for this project.

Johannesburg, Gauteng, Za

As Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of our startup, I focus on driving innovation, building exceptional teams, and delivering groundbreaking products to our customers. We're committed to pushing the boundaries of what's possible while fostering a culture of collaboration, creativity, and excellence.In my role, I lead our team of talented engineers and technologists, inspiring them to achieve their full potential and collaborate seamlessly towards our shared goals. Together, we leverage the latest advancements in technology to develop innovative, scalable, and robust solutions.I play a pivotal role in shaping our company's technological strategy and vision, staying ahead of industry trends and emerging technologies to anticipate market needs and position ourselves for success. Through strategic partnerships and a relentless pursuit of excellence, we're building a foundation for sustainable growth and long-term success.Amidst the excitement of innovation and growth, I prioritize fostering a positive and inclusive work environment. By promoting a culture of diversity, respect, and empowerment, we ensure that every team member feels valued, motivated, and empowered to contribute their best work. Together, we're shaping the future of technology and revolutionizing industries.

As an advisor for a Blockchain/DApp startup in South Africa, I steer the development of their African art trading platform utilizing technologies such as IPFS, MetaMask, Solidity, Selenium and the Ethereum blockchain. Additionally, I've served as the designer and lead developer for several projects within the Ethereum ecosystem. Notably, I was the lead developer of an Ethereum-based marketplace, leveraging a tech stack comprising React, IPFS, Solidity, Node, Docker, Kubernetes, and MongoDB. I also led the development efforts for a Microservice-based API suite dedicated to storing and verifying degrees and academic transcripts. This initiative is underpinned by technologies such as Docker, Kubernetes, Skaffold, Bootstrap, Mongoose, Express, Ethereum, and Typescript.

Melrose Arch, Gauteng, Za

Was a contributing member of the development team involved in:Upgrading a Chip and Pin credit card processing system for a UK payments provider (EPOS to payment backbone) using Delphi.A derivatives pricing tool for a major financial institution. Portfolio pricing and exposure on baskets of instruments like FRA's, Swaps, Bonds, Options, etc., using C++.A royalties' management system for a film distribution company, employing ASP.Net, C#, and MSSQL.The in house recruitment system to match applications to positions and track the candidates progress along with an infrastructure monitoring and alerting tool for medical services provider. All done using .Net.

Master Of Science (M.Sc.), Electrical Engineering

Bachelor Of Science (B.Sc.), Electrical Engineering

Matric