A financial services client approached us recently to seek an agile resourcing service for a 6-month GenAI project.

Their mandate of the project– along with what they worked out as the staffing needs – was as

They wanted us to critique it and propose an agile resourcing proposal.

We were to complete this staffing requirement in 3-4 weeks:

“We are developing a GenAI-driven system for real-time fraud detection in financial transactions, compliant with the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulations, integrating behaviour analysis for customer risk profiling and adaptive learning to evolve with new fraud patterns. This PoC aims to use AI to identify patterns, anomalies, and predict future fraud risks, ensuring robust security, compliance, and personalized risk management.

Staffing Requirements as they framed it:

• AI/ML Engineer (3, 3+ years): Expertise in machine learning algorithms, data analysis, Python, with a focus on adaptive learning systems.
• Data Scientist (2, 5+ years): Proficient in predictive modelling, statistical analysis, regulatory frameworks, with skills in behavioural data analysis.
• Regulatory Compliance Specialist (1, 4+ years): Deep understanding of FCA regulations, data privacy laws, and ethical AI use.
• Behavioural Analyst (1, 3+ years): Experience in psychology or behavioural science, with an ability to translate customer behaviours into risk profiles.
• Project Manager (1, 5+ years): Experienced in agile methodologies, cross-functional team leadership, stakeholder management, with a knack for managing projects with evolving AI technologies.”

Our Approach and Service:

We started by reviewing and critiquing the staffing requirements.

• We thought there was insufficient data engineering expertise planned: The project heavily relies on data analysis and machine learning, but did not include a dedicated data engineer role, tohandle data pipeline development, data warehousing, and ensuring data quality and integrity, which are critical for the success of the AI/ML models.

• We asked if there was a lack of software development roles considered?: Implementing a production-ready AI system requires software engineers to build and maintain the infrastructure, integrate the AI models into the existing systems, and ensure scalability and performance. Did they consider adding at least two software engineers (3+ years experience) with expertise in backend development, API integration, and cloud technologies.

• Did they underestimate project management complexity? Given the multidisciplinary nature of the project and the need to navigate complex regulatory requirements, a single PM might be overwhelmed. We asked the client if they have considered splitting the project management responsibilities into two roles: a technical project manager (TPM) focusing on the AI/ML development and a business project manager (BPM) handling regulatory compliance, stakeholder management, and overall project coordination. Both roles should have 5+ years of experience in their respective domains.

They had considered some of these aspects indeed. They agreed this was the “best possible staffing plan” but their challenge back to us was to ask on incorporating all these staffing changes, without more than 5-10% increase in the project cost.

Our Consulting re-framing of the Problem Statement

Here is what we came back with, by including an offshore element to reduce/retain cost budgets, yet
achieve the new objectives:

• Merge AI/ML Engineer and Data Scientist roles: Combine the responsibilities of the AI/ML Engineer and Data Scientist into a single role called “AI/ML Specialist.” Hire 2 AI/ML Specialists with 4+ years of experience in the UK, and 1 AI/ML Specialist with similar experience from India. The offshore AI/ML Specialist will work closely with the UK team, providing additional support at a 50% day rate, without compromising on skill set or expertise.
• Merge AI/ML Engineer and Data Scientist roles: Combine the responsibilities of the AI/ML Engineer and Data Scientist into a single role called “AI/ML Specialist.” Hire 2 AI/ML Specialists with 4+ years of experience in the UK, and 1 AI/ML Specialist with similar experience from India. The offshore AI/ML Specialist will work closely with the UK team, providing additional support at a 50% day rate, without compromising on skill set or expertise.
• Split Project Manager role: Instead of hiring one Project Manager with 5+ years of experience, hire one Project Manager with 3+ years of experience in the UK, and one Project Manager with similar experience from India. The UK-based Project Manager will focus on regulatory compliance, stakeholder management, and overall project coordination, while the India-based Project Manager will handle the technical aspects of the project (AI/ML development, infrastructure) at a 50% day rate.

The resultant revised Staffing Requirements then were:

• AI/ML Specialist (2 UK, 1 India, 4+ years): Expertise in machine learning, data analysis, data engineering, predictive modeling, and Python.
• Regulatory Compliance Specialist (1 UK, 4+ years): Deep understanding of FCA regulations, data privacy laws, ethical AI use, with a background in software engineering or IT.
• Behavioral Analyst (1 UK, 3+ years): Experience in psychology or behavioral science, with an ability to translate customer behaviors into risk profiles.
• Business Project Manager (1 UK, 3+ years): Experienced in regulatory compliance, stakeholder management, and overall project coordination.
• Technical Project Manager (1 India, 3+ years): Experienced in agile methodologies, AI/ML development, and infrastructure management.

Our Staffing Solution – strategy and tactics

Here is how we actually delivered the staffing on the ground:

We focused on sourcing and contracting the required 6 people within 3 weeks for our client. Here’s
what we did:

1. Utilized our existing talent pool:

• Searched our internal database for candidates with relevant skills and experience. Contacted suitable candidates and pitched the new opportunity
• Contacted suitable candidates and pitched the new opportunity.
• Leveraged our employee referral program to quickly find qualified candidates.

2. Engaged our network of contractors:

• Reached out to our network of reliable contractors in the UK and India.
• Shared the job requirements and assessed their availability and interest.
• Negotiated rates and terms that aligned with the client’s budget and expectations.

3. Optimized job postings:

• Posted the positions on our website and relevant job boards.
• Optimized postings with keywords and clear requirements to attract top talent.
• Utilized paid job post boosting to increase visibility.

4. Conducted efficient interviews:

• Created a streamlined interview process with initial screening calls and final interviews.
• Involved the client in the interview process to ensure a good fit.
• Used video conferencing for interviews with candidates from India.

5. Offered competitive contracts:

• Developed competitive contract terms based on market rates and the client’s budget.
• Highlighted the exciting nature of the GenAI-driven fraud detection project.
• Were prepared to negotiate and make decisions quickly to secure top candidates.

6. Expedited onboarding:

• Prepared onboarding documents and coordinated with the client’s HR team.
• Assigned a dedicated representative to guide contractors through the onboarding process.
• Ensured all necessary tools and access privileges were set up before the contractors’ start date.

By focusing on our internal talent pool, contractor network, and efficient processes, we successfully
sourced and contracted the required 6 team members for our client within the 3-week timeframe.
Clear communication and coordination with the client throughout the process was key to the success
of this staffing initiative.

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“We are delighted with the exceptional staffing services provided by Stack Digital for our GenAIdriven fraud detection project. They quickly grasped our complex requirements, provided a critique to our approach and also delivered a top-notch team within a tight 4-week timeline.

They demonstrated an impressive expertise in AI/ML, data science, and IT hiring. They used their talent pool and industry network to find the perfect mix of onshore and offshore talent, ensuring a cost-effective solution without compromising on quality. Their communication and coordination were great, from candidate selection to onboarding.

We highly recommend Stack Digital for any organization seeking top-quality tech services in the AI/ML and data science domains.”

CTO, UK Financial Services firm
(Reference available to speak with)