Q&A with Shulamit Bot, Director in Capgemini Invent’s Banking practice

In September, Shulamit Bot joined Capgemini Invent in the Netherlands as a Director in its Banking practice. A Q&A with Bot on her new challenge and some of the topics her team will work on in 2022 and beyond.

To start off with, what are you looking forward to most in your new role?

I am most looking forward to making a strong impact: to have the opportunity to work on and solve the most pressing problems faced by Capgemini’s clients as well as get exposure to business leaders and executives.

I also expect a steep learning curve. Capgemini Invent invests a lot in training their consultants. In addition, I have the opportunity to work and collaborate with a wide variety of bright people and benefit from a strong feedback culture.

Next to that, the role and the firm’s wide variety of capabilities means that I am offered the opportunity to combine topics such as strategy, operations, technology, data science, and creative design expertise. As a global player, I also look forward to having the opportunity to work in an international environment.

You lead Capgemini Invent’s Banking practice. What are some of the key changes the sector is currently undergoing?

The banking industry has been fundamentally impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, exacerbated by increased, complex regulation and historic low-interest rates which is expected to continue for the foreseeable future. These factors have acted as catalysts for accelerating the scope and speed of transformation within the sector.

However, there are loads of other changes the sector has to navigate, including: digitalisation (technology is expected to be incorporated in every aspect of banking), virtualisation of the workforce, corporate social responsibility, continued pressures for achieving cost reduction, and the need to develop future proof business models.

How do you think the future of banking will look like?

Banks across the landscape are being forced to respond to the above-mentioned challenges, which will shape the future of banking. These include dismantling traditional ways of working by creating a more flexible, agile workforce and workplace and branches to foster productivity, creativity, and collaboration.

Meanwhile, I believe that banks will continue to adopt a more social role and that they lead the way in sustainable finance. Stimulated by the global push to more focus on environmental, social, and governance, banks will channel more long-term investments in sustainable economic activities and projects.

About Shulamit Bot
With over 25 years of experience in leading and delivering change within financial services, Bot’s consulting skills lie primarily in the delivery of large, complex programs. She has delivered major assignments for large insurance companies and commercial banks, such as implementing lean and operational excellence, improving effectiveness and efficiency of complex E2E processes (e.g. Procure to Pay), managing change programs, and embedding regulatory changes.