TIAA MD on unlocking data-driven innovation in Finance

March 28, 2024

8 Min Read

Oleg Aspis

MD & Head of Data Management, TIAA

Oleg Aspis is the Managing Director and Head of Business Data Management reporting into Office of the Chief Data Officer (OCDO) in which capacity he ensures a consistent well-managed position on data for the organization. With more than 20 years of experience in financial services industry leading Information Technology teams that help develop solutions for number of businesses across the firm.

Sajid A. Khan

President, MicroAgility

Sajid, the founder of MicroAgility, brings over 30 years of experience in business transformation, with past roles at Deloitte, Merrill Lynch, and JP Morgan. At MicroAgility, he champions a people-first, agile approach to digital transformation, blending technology with human experiences. This vision has led to strong partnerships with businesses of all sizes, including Fortune 500 companies.

Oleg & Sajid talk about how data analysis drives business growth, and fuels transformation.

Sajid Khan

Oleg, thank you very much for taking the time out of your busy schedule for this interview. Can you begin by sharing your perspective on the role of Managing Director at TIAA?

Oleh

Sure, I am responsible for unification and optimization of data assets to drive business value to our customers.

Sajid Khan

In your opinion, what have been some of the biggest challenges faced by financial services firms during the last few years?

Oleh

Regulatory, low interest rate environment, cataclysmic events like Brexit, terrorist, etc.

Sajid Khan

How effective is TIAA in innovating and where do you see your company by the year 2020?

Oleh

Middle of the line, one of our challenges is our culture and pace of execution, we are slow to react to FinTech and Market direction.

Sajid Khan

What trends do you see ending their life cycle, what are some trends that you see for the future, for your industry?

Oleh

FinTech, Robo Advisor, Digital Experience.

Sajid Khan

How does your organization mitigate risk due to change in technology/business?

Oleh

Very Reactive, and not very proactive, or ahead of the curb, and we are trying to change the operating model.

Sajid Khan

What role do you see 3rd party strategic consultants have now, including any current relationships and in the future?

Oleh

Significant in driving new business for retail channels, but you need to treat them and their experience to get repeat business.

Sajid Khan

What’s been your greatest achievement in your career thus far?

Oleh

Deriving business solutions that enabled the customer base and assets to grow.

Sajid Khan

What is your leadership style? Does it vary within the role?

Oleh

ENTJ, very direct, don’t beat around the bush. Manage up and down.

Sajid Khan

What advice would you offer to our readers who aspire to follow in your footsteps?

Oleh

Stay current with the trends and offerings of competitors, and learn from other peoples mistakes.

Sajid Khan

Is there anything else you would like to share with other fellow C-level executives?

Oleh

There is no Big Data, its all DATA.

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