James is available for hire
Hire JamesJames Nicolson
Verified Expert in Engineering
Financial Systems Leader and Developer
Huntington Beach, CA, United States
Toptal member since July 6, 2020
Bio
James is a leader and engineer with deep expertise in technology solutions for the financial services sector. He integrates business and financial strategy with technology, data and software architecture, design, and coding. Believing in the power of knowing a lot about a lot of things, James connects the dots, creates simplicity, rolls up his sleeves to do the work, and cultivates great teams.
Portfolio
Early stage startup
Python, React, Cloud, Large Language Models (LLMs), Agentic AI...
Anheuser-Busch
API Architecture, Architecture, Node.js, Apache Kafka, MongoDB, Azure...
IOUze
Payment APIs, GitLab, API Architecture, HTML5, Git, Online Payments, Fintech...
Experience
- Software Engineering - 20 years
- Leadership - 20 years
- Fintech - 20 years
- Architecture - 12 years
- SaaS - 10 years
- React - 6 years
- JavaScript - 5 years
- Data Architecture - 5 years
Work Experience
CTO
2022 - PRESENT
Early stage startup
- Developed a platform for sourcing of materials in opaque and fragmented markets.
- Worked in a high-performance team with a track record of fast experimentation in a complex domain.
- Created agentic AI models using LLMs for materials sourcing.
Technologies: Python, React, Cloud, Large Language Models (LLMs), Agentic AI, Engineering Management, Agile, Delivery Management, Data Pipelines, Test-driven Development (TDD), Infrastructure as Code (IaC), Elasticsearch, Vector Databases, PyTorch, TensorFlow, AWS Cloud Operations, Project Management, Startups, Data Engineering, Team Leadership, Deep Learning, Cloud Architecture, Technical Architecture
Architecture and Strategy
2020 - 2022
Anheuser-Busch
- Developed the strategy and design of a fintech platform for a top 5 CPG business.
- Established engineering teams, processes, and tools.
- Implemented payments, lending, and eWallet products.
Technologies: API Architecture, Architecture, Node.js, Apache Kafka, MongoDB, Azure, PostgreSQL, Strategy, Resourcing, Data Architecture, Object-oriented Programming (OOP), Fractional CTO, Security, Django, Startup Consulting, Full-stack Development, Next.js, Engineering Management, Agile, Data Pipelines, Test-driven Development (TDD), Infrastructure as Code (IaC), Elasticsearch, AWS Cloud Operations, Project Management, Startups, Team Leadership, Cloud Architecture, Technical Architecture
Co-founder and CTO
2018 - 2020
IOUze
- Created a blockchain-based SaaS platform for supply chain finance. The platform uses advanced cryptography to securely share, verify, and prove information about financial transactions.
- Launched a platform to help small businesses operate online and nurture local communities.
- Developed a technology foundation that orchestrates supply chains and then measures the risks in those ecosystems, allowing us to create innovative financial services opportunities to address those risks.
- Created a scalable data platform for managing a complex ecosystem in order to promote trust and simplify automation.
Technologies: Payment APIs, GitLab, API Architecture, HTML5, Git, Online Payments, Fintech, Architecture, Technology Strategy & Architecture, Online Banking, Africa, B2B, Small Business, Leadership, Financial Markets, React Native, Continuous Delivery (CD), Machine Learning, JavaScript, Blockchain, Amazon Web Services (AWS), CTO, SaaS, Back-end, Software Engineering, MongoDB, Node.js, React, Rust, Security, Full-stack Development, Next.js, Engineering Management, Agile, Delivery Management, Data Pipelines, Test-driven Development (TDD), Infrastructure as Code (IaC), TensorFlow, AWS Cloud Operations, Project Management, Startups, Data Engineering, Team Leadership, Deep Learning, Cloud Architecture, Technical Architecture
Chief Architect, Corporate and Investment Banking
2013 - 2018
Standard Bank Group
- Optimized business operating models in 20+ parts of the organization to maximize the benefits of digital transformation, including payments, treasury, foreign exchange (FX), lending, client engagement, and credit risk.
- Established and led digital design labs for rapid experimentation on pressing client problems.
- Served as a trusted partner and advisor for technology strategies in financial markets, transactional banking, and investment banking.
Technologies: Payment APIs, GitLab, API Architecture, HTML5, Git, Mobile Wallet, Online Payments, Architecture, Technology Strategy & Architecture, Online Banking, Africa, B2B, Ethereum Smart Contracts, Leadership, Financial Markets, Continuous Delivery (CD), Machine Learning, Blockchain, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Back-end, Software Engineering, Messaging, React, SQL, Java, C++, Object-oriented Programming (OOP), Investments, Banking & Finance, Stock Market, Trading, Stock Trading, Security, Full-stack Development, Trading Systems, Engineering Management, Agile, Data Pipelines, Test-driven Development (TDD), Infrastructure as Code (IaC), General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), TensorFlow, AWS Cloud Operations, Project Management, Data Engineering, Real-time Data, Team Leadership, Cloud Architecture, Technical Architecture
Product Lead, Civic Marketplace
2017 - 2017
Civic Technologies
- Developed the first identity marketplace on a public blockchain platform.
- Designed and created smart contracts for self-sovereign identity management.
- Integrated with the bitcoin network as an anchor for verified identity data.
Technologies: API Architecture, HTML5, Git, Architecture, Small Business, Ethereum Smart Contracts, Leadership, Continuous Delivery (CD), JavaScript, Blockchain, Amazon Web Services (AWS), SaaS, Back-end, Software Engineering, React, Node.js, Ethereum, Full-stack Development, Engineering Management, Agile, Delivery Management, Project Management, Technical Architecture
Head of eCommerce Technology
2010 - 2013
Standard Bank Group
- Won "Best Super Regional Bank SDP” in the Profit and Loss Digital FX Awards.
- Created trading channels for personal and institutional clients in equities, FX, and commodities.
- Led teams of developers that pioneered Lean software development within the organization.
Technologies: API Architecture, HTML5, Architecture, Technology Strategy & Architecture, Online Banking, Africa, B2B, Leadership, Financial Markets, JavaScript, SaaS, Back-end, Software Engineering, Java, Object-oriented Programming (OOP), Finance, Investments, Banking & Finance, Stock Market, Trading, Stock Trading, Security, Full-stack Development, Trading Systems, Engineering Management, Agile, Real-time Data, Low-latency Software, Team Leadership, Technical Architecture
Director, Global Markets Technology
2004 - 2010
Standard Bank Group
- Grew the business from $80 million to $1 billion in revenue during my leadership tenure.
- Created new business platforms in South Africa, London, Hong Kong, and Brazil. Examples include credit derivatives, interest rate derivatives, equities, and fixed income.
- Led geographically dispersed teams in building and operating business platforms by excelling in quantitative finance and technology.
Technologies: Architecture, Technology Strategy & Architecture, Africa, Leadership, Financial Markets, Back-end, Software Engineering, Middleware, SQL, Java, C++, Object-oriented Programming (OOP), Finance, Investments, Banking & Finance, Stock Market, Trading, Stock Trading, Bloomberg, Security, Full-stack Development, Trading Systems, Quantitative Risk Modeling, Risk Modeling, Engineering Management, Agile, Delivery Management, Real-time Data, Team Leadership
Head, Global Markets Technology
2000 - 2004
Standard Bank Group
- Implemented trading and risk systems for interest rate derivatives, equity derivatives, credit derivatives, and commodities.
- Created and developed teams of quantitative finance and technology specialists in a market domain where they had few formal skills.
- Supported businesses to double revenue over these three years.
Technologies: Africa, Leadership, Financial Markets, Back-end, Software Engineering, Oracle Database, C++, Object-oriented Programming (OOP), Finance, Investments, Banking & Finance, Stock Market, Trading, Stock Trading, Bloomberg, Security, Full-stack Development, Agile, Team Leadership
Senior Engineer
1998 - 1998
Altech Alcatel Telecoms
- Designed and developed an embedded C++ application for data line management devices.
- Optimized the design of digital filters for wireless telephony solutions based on the DECT protocol to improve call quality.
- Created a new product line for South Africa's state telco.
Technologies: Africa, Financial Markets, Back-end, Software Engineering, C++, Full-stack Development
Project History
Small-business Community Platform
Co-founder and CTO of a small-business SaaS platform that enables towns to establish self-managed local community hubs during the COVID-19 pandemic. It's an online platform that puts each business first and empowers local communities. For example, businesses can offer their products and services, receive payments, and collaborate with their clients and other service providers. From the initial idea, the platform was launched within a week. Clients grew their businesses by up to 400% in less than two months.
Supply Chain Finance Platform (Blockchain Based)
https://iouze.comDesigned, built, and marketed a B2B supply chain finance SaaS platform to connect small suppliers to large corporates with low risk and high automation. The platform is in the pilot phase in two countries in Africa. It was built with Rust, Node.js, React, MongoDB, and RocksDB.
Banking Platform for a Global Consumer Group
Architected a banking platform for a global consumer goods firm. The platform gives small, unbanked businesses access to financial services like eWallets, card transactions, credit, and payments. I established the technology architecture and the delivery model.
Education
2016 - 2016
Senior Executive Program (Africa) in Leadership
Harvard Business School - Boston, MA, USA
1988 - 1992
Master of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering
University of the Witwatersrand - South Africa
Skills
Libraries/APIs
React, Node.js, PyTorch, TensorFlow
Tools
Git, GitLab, GitLab CI/CD, Adobe CC, Bloomberg
Languages
C++, Java, JavaScript, HTML5, Rust, GraphQL, Python, Python 3, Solidity, SQL
Paradigms
API Architecture, Back-end Architecture, DevOps, Management, Object-oriented Programming (OOP), Agile, Unit Testing, Continuous Integration (CI), Continuous Delivery (CD), Test-driven Development (TDD), B2B
Platforms
Amazon Web Services (AWS), Blockchain, Docker, Ethereum, Oracle Database, Apache Kafka, Azure
Industry Expertise
Banking & Finance, Trading Systems, Project Management
Frameworks
Spring, Django, Next.js, React Native, Tailwind CSS
Storage
Redis, MongoDB, PostgreSQL, Data Pipelines, Elasticsearch, RocksDB
Other
Financial Markets, Software Engineering, Data Architecture, Design, Leadership, Software Architecture, SaaS, Online Payments, Mobile Wallet, Payment APIs, Back-end, CTO, Fintech, Architecture, Financial Modeling, API Integration, Financial Services, Solution Architecture, Full-stack, Technical Leadership, Mentorship & Coaching, Team Mentoring, Fractional CTO, Finance, Stock Market, Trading, Stock Trading, Startup Consulting, Full-stack Development, Engineering Management, Team Leadership, Machine Learning, Gatsby, Ethereum Smart Contracts, Mobile Apps, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Investments, Security, Quantitative Risk Modeling, Risk Modeling, Infrastructure as Code (IaC), Vector Databases, AWS Cloud Operations, Startups, Data Engineering, Real-time Data, Cloud Architecture, Technical Architecture, Messaging, Middleware, Small Business, B2B Partnerships, Africa, Online Banking, Technology Strategy & Architecture, Strategy, Resourcing, Electrical Engineering, Cloud, Large Language Models (LLMs), Agentic AI, Delivery Management, General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Low-latency Software, Deep Learning
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