The challenge

A fast-growing fintech operating across multiple domains was experiencing performance and security challenges. Rapid growth had outpaced the underlying infrastructure.

This caused:

• High infrastructure costs

• Slow deployments

• Poor visibility of systems

• Unmanaged security risks

How we solved it 

Fixing security first, we: 

• Introduced secrets management.

• Updated the incident reporting processes and ownership.

• Created transparent and easily accessible documentation and templates.

• Ensured internal stakeholders had prioritisation and control.

Improving slow deployments: 

Many programming languages were in use, which increased complexity. We introduced a single, standard way to build and deploy services Which included:

• A bespoke infrastructure as code framework using Terraform. 

• FinOps practices for Infrastructure cost control.

• Migration of services to Google Cloud using Kubernetes. This allowed us to: 

  • Run disposable, repeatable environments.

  • Rebuild systems automatically.

  • Stop “nurturing” long-lived servers.

Approach

Gear Train provided:

• A clear, concise infrastructure roadmap 

• Experienced cloud infrastructure engineers 

• Transparent technology leadership focused on data-driven decision making

• A calm, professional environment where people did their best work

Outcome

In addition to implementing controlled, secure operations instead of reactive firefighting

• Cloud costs dropped by 40% per month.

• 80% faster shipping of features to production.

• 75% improved incident response and recovery times.

• Improved cybersecurity and ownership.

• Standardised and scalable infrastructure

• Increased engineering productivity through predictable engineering workflows.