For us SECR — is a great opportunity to share knowledge as well as learn something new. We support completely different conferences and give our employees opportunity to choose which events to visit. Traditionally, many prefer SECR, and it means that people are interested to come here, to listen to the reports and to communicate. The level of using technologies at Deutsche Bank is such that not many can share experience with our technicians. But SECR is a platform at which such specialists gather from around the world. People, with whom it is interesting to talk at the same professional language. We appreciate opinion of our employees, so we support SECR.

Traditionally we want to know what you as experts in the field of banking software can say about the present of IT-industry in the financial sector. Is there any trends? Current issues and challenges?

Banking software is very diverse. We at Deutsche in Moscow specialize almost exclusively on software for the investment banking sector, and here the trends in IT are immutable: the stability and speed of all the systems at high volume. For example, the last time when it was critically important, — IPO Alibaba, in which Deutsche Bank acted as bookrunner.

If nevertheless speak broadly, the changes that I see as a user of banking services in Russia, are very impressing. Many banks now make a real technological breakthrough that enables their customers to communicate with banks “on the run”. In fact several years ago to conduct basic operations, you had to stand in queues. Now you can make everything (well, almost everything) online — from your computer or even from your mobile phone!

Topic of education in the industry is always popular at CEE-SECR. And Deutsche Bank’s Development Center is known for its programs for graduates. Could you say a few words about them?

I believe that our programs for students — among the best on the market. Our staff always takes very active part in these programs to select the best of the best to their teams, for us it is a way to attract young and talented professionals. I am proud that I am working in the company and in the industry, which enables young guys to realize themselves in Russia. For example, our Graduate program for senior students and graduates of technical universities lasts about a year and combines education and work in the project of the Development Center. In the process, young people learn business processes in the Bank as well as features of the financial industry and consistently participate in at least two projects. This is done so that they could see the Bank at work from the different points of the production chain.

In addition, we also have Java-school, which announced the third set this fall, at once in Moscow and St. Petersburg. It focuses on teaching the practical use of Java and related technologies, in parallel students have opportunity to work on real projects. It is important to understand that we don’t teach in the Java-school only basics of the language and basic frameworks, but also sufficiently specific knowledge on the development of heavily loaded and stable applications. “Academic” style of programming almost immediately transfers to “industrial” there.

Deutsche Bank has high positions in the rankings of the best employers in Russia. Please tell us what company does for its staff? Do you have any unusual solutions?

In my opinion, communication with employees in the company is built very wisely, established channels of communication that a) work, b) constantly evolve. Established mechanism of “feedback” and we are pleased to introduce many of the proposals. This applies to both working and non-working moments! But most importantly, we take very different people, by profession, by the level of knowledge and expertise: test engineers, developers, managers, etc. However, they all passionate about their work, they all interested in doing it, and this work has the result, this result can be seen and felt every day.

Dmitry, last year you organized discussions in the Discussion Corner of the conference. Then you and other participants talked about the outflow of personnel abroad. Are there any topics that you would like to discuss this year?

As I stand in the role of mentor sometimes and periodically consult different startups on effective software development, I would love to speculate on «Big companies vs. startups – where it is better to work?»

Dmitry, you are regular guest at CEE-SECR. This year’s conference marks 10 years. What changes do you see during this time?

I’m glad that SECR was able to create unique platform which obviously brings social contribution to the development of IT-industry, promotes the profession, but still doesn’t stand in place, creates something new. For example, this year appeared Hackathon. Every year it is more and more difficult to select the reports. Level of submissions and speakers grows. I am glad that I’m directly involved in it.