Aman Sardana is an accomplished technology professional with a focus on driving innovation and digital transformation within the financial services industry. As a key leader at Discover Financial Services, Aman leads the design and implementation of innovative fintech solutions that drive business results and establish best-in-class operations. Aman has made significant contributions to the development and deployment of cutting-edge technologies that enhance operational efficiency, elevate customer experiences, and ensure robust security. Aman’s blend of hands-on technical leadership and strategic business acumen positions him as a key contributor to the evolving fintech landscape.
Beyond his role at Discover Financial Services, Aman actively contributes to the technology community by sharing his expertise at industry conferences. Aman earned his Masters in Information Technology from Northwestern University, a program that bridges business and technical aspects of IT, focusing on data mining, information security, enterprise architecture, statistics, innovation, marketing, and finance.
Recently, in an exclusive interview with Digital First Magazine, Aman shared his professional trajectory, insights on the role of emerging technologies in shaping the future of Fintech, personal hobbies and interests, future plans, words of wisdom, and much more. The following excerpts are taken from the interview.
Hi Aman. What inspired you to pursue a career in financial technology, and what motivates you to stay at the forefront of this field?
Financial technology is a confluence of innovation, regulation, and customer-centric solutions. It offers unique intersection where innovative technology solutions can be applied to interesting real-world problems in the financial domain. The opportunity to innovate at global scale within an industry that touches daily life of millions of customers is truly inspirational and deeply compelling.
Advancements in cloud computing, blockchain, AI, and cybersecurity have created new challenges and opportunities. The chance to contribute to groundbreaking solutions, collaborate with talented peers, and enhance global financial inclusivity has kept me motivated to stay at the forefront of this field.
What aspects of your current role bring you the most joy and fulfillment?
I really enjoy my current role that involves strategizing, architecting, and implementation of scalable business-critical systems within the payments domain. The creative aspect of architecting systems and building solutions to complex business problems that drive business outcomes is quite fulfilling.
I really like the opportunity to collaborate with diverse teams of engineers, product managers and business leaders. It’s quite fulfilling to mentor younger professionals as it helps to shape the next generation of technology talent. Seeing others grow and succeed as a result of shared knowledge and collaboration brings immense satisfaction.
How do you stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in financial technology, and what resources do you rely on for industry insights?
Staying up-to-date with advancements in financial technology requires a combination of continuous learning, active networking, and leveraging reliable resources. I follow industry news and trends on social media platforms and prominent industry blogs. I engage with professional communities by attending webinars and meetups. I also attend and give talks at conferences that help me to stay up-to-date with the latest technological advancements.
What role do you believe emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and cloud computing will play in shaping the future of financial technology?
Emerging technologies like AI, blockchain and cloud computing are profoundly shaping the future of Fintech.
AI will help financial institutions to personalize customer experience and create smart virtual assistants for real-time customer support. AI will deepen its integration with Fintech by enabling hyper-personalized services, enhancing predictive analytics, and fostering more autonomous financial systems.
Blockchain has a huge potential within Fintech to help introduce transparency, security and decentralization in financial systems.
Cloud computing is the backbone of modern financial technology that enables scalability and agility. With advancements in hybrid and multi-cloud solutions, cloud computing will enhance data interoperability, security, and scalability, driving innovation across Fintech verticals.
Is there a particular person you are grateful for who helped get you to where you are?
I grew up living with my grandparents and they played an important role in shaping my life’s journey. My family has been my pillar of support in every step of my personal and professional life.
I firmly believe that no journey is a solo endeavor, and the support and inspiration of those around us make all the difference.
What does the term “authentic leadership” mean to you?
For me, authentic leadership is all about working selflessly with high standards of ethical behavior. It’s about leading in a way that reflects your true self, fostering trust, and inspiring others to achieve shared goals. Authentic leaders create an environment where team members feel safe and valued.
What are some of your passions outside of work? What do you like to do in your time off?
Outside of work, I like to spend time catching up with family and friends. Most of my time in the evenings and weekends are spent with my two boys – a toddler and an infant. I also like to cook food and try new recipes when time permits.
Which technology are you investing in now to prepare for the future?
While there are many emerging technologies that will play a key role in financial domain, I am personally excited about how AI and Hybrid Cloud will transform financial services in the next few years.
What is your biggest goal? Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now?
In five years, I envision myself taking on a senior leadership role where I can drive impactful projects, mentor others, and shape strategic initiatives in financial and payments domain.
What advice would you give to aspiring technology leaders looking to make a meaningful impact in the financial technology sector?
Fintech offers an unparalleled opportunity to redefine how people interact with money. My advice to aspiring leaders is to stay curious, focus on solving meaningful problems, and build solutions that are not only innovative but also ethical and inclusive.