How Financial Services Firms Benefit from AWS Cloud Migration

Nov 15, 2024 | Articles

Financial firms are under immense pressure to innovate, adapt, and secure their operations while maintaining compliance with stringent regulations. Cloud migration, specifically to Amazon Web Services (AWS), is no longer just an option—it’s a necessity for staying competitive. Let’s explore why financial services firms are embracing AWS and the benefits they’re reaping from this transformative move.

Scalability to Support Growth

Financial institutions experience fluctuations in demand, especially during periods of high market activity. AWS enables firms to scale resources up or down based on real-time needs, ensuring optimal performance without the hefty costs of maintaining on-premises infrastructure. Whether you’re handling seasonal tax loads or responding to surges in trading activity, AWS provides the agility required to manage these changes seamlessly.

Enhanced Security and Compliance

Security breaches are a top concern for financial services. AWS addresses this with a robust, multi-layered security framework that includes data encryption, advanced firewalls, and identity management tools. Moreover, AWS offers compliance certifications for regulations like PCI DSS, GDPR, and FINRA, making it easier for firms to meet regulatory requirements without building solutions from scratch. Aligned Technology Group, in partnership with Vanta, offers a fast-track compliance solution for AWS customers. We deliver end-to-end services, from initial compliance planning to audit readiness, with a single point of contact for governance, security, and compliance. Learn more about our Fast Track to Compliance with ATG & Vanta offering on AWS Marketplace. 

Additionally, AWS’s compliance automation tools like AWS Config and Audit Manager simplify tracking and reporting, so you’re always audit-ready.

Cost Optimization and Efficiency

AWS enables financial firms to shift from capital expenditures (CapEx) to operational expenditures (OpEx). This means companies only pay for the resources they use, avoiding the high upfront costs of hardware purchases. AWS tools like Cost Explorer and Savings Plans help monitor and manage cloud spend, ensuring firms stay on budget while optimizing performance.

Firms using AWS FinOps practices often discover ways to reinvest saved costs into innovation projects, creating a competitive edge.

Accelerating Innovation

Cloud-native tools on AWS, like Amazon SageMaker for machine learning and Amazon Redshift for data warehousing, empower financial firms to develop innovative solutions rapidly. Whether you’re improving fraud detection algorithms, building personalized customer experiences, or enhancing risk management models, AWS provides the tools and resources to make it happen.

Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery

Downtime is not an option in the financial sector. AWS’s global infrastructure ensures high availability and resilience. Services like AWS Backup, Amazon S3, and Elastic Disaster Recovery enable firms to safeguard critical data and applications, ensuring quick recovery in the event of a disruption.

AWS’s disaster recovery solutions are also highly customizable, letting you balance cost and recovery speed based on your business needs.

Improved Customer Experience

Modern customers expect seamless, fast, and personalized interactions. AWS allows financial firms to deliver real-time insights and services, from automated chatbots powered by Amazon Lex to enhanced analytics through Amazon QuickSight. By leveraging the cloud, firms can deliver better user experiences, increasing customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Real-World Success: AWS in Financial Services

Some of the world’s largest financial institutions, including Capital One and NASDAQ, have embraced AWS for their cloud strategies. These organizations have reported improved agility, reduced costs, and faster innovation cycles. By migrating to AWS, they’ve set the stage for long-term success while staying ahead of industry challenges.

How Aligned Technology Group Can Help

At Aligned Technology Group, we specialize in guiding financial services firms through the complexities of AWS cloud migration. From cost optimization to security and compliance, our team ensures a seamless transition tailored to your specific needs.

Our AWS Catalyst Program provides no-cost assessments for firms exploring cloud migration or optimization, helping you uncover opportunities to enhance performance, reduce costs, and fortify your operations.

The Future Is in the Cloud

AWS cloud migration is no longer just a trend for financial services—it’s a strategic imperative. Firms that make the move today position themselves to thrive in a rapidly changing, highly competitive industry.

Ready to explore your AWS journey? Contact us to learn more about how Aligned Technology Group can unlock the full potential of the cloud for your financial services firm.

Last Updated on November 15, 2024 by Lauryn Colatuno

Cost Optimization

Issue: Small AWS deployment with little management oversight and a lack of cloud skills internal to the organization moving from traditional infrastructure to SaaS and cloud based solutions.

 

What we did

  1. AWS Audit
  2. Cost Optimization Review
  3. Ongoing Monitoring

 

Result:

  • Eliminated unused storage volumes and the old application server no longer in use, the charges for AWS resulted in a savings of 51% per month.
  • We’ll continue to monitor AWS billing and finance to ensure maintenance of savings and identify other future changes.

Cost Optimization

Issue: Small AWS deployment with little management oversight and a lack of cloud skills internal to the organization moving from traditional infrastructure to SaaS and cloud based solutions.

 

What we did

  1. AWS Audit
  2. Cost Optimization Review
  3. Ongoing Monitoring

 

Result:

  • Eliminated unused storage volumes and the old application server no longer in use, the charges for AWS resulted in a savings of 51% per month.
  • We’ll continue to monitor AWS billing and finance to ensure maintenance of savings and identify other future changes.