Ash Austin
Technology Innovation Leader
Strategic Advisor | Digital Transformation | Cloud Migration | AI Innovation
Proven Impact
Pioneered AI-Driven Application Modernisation
Faced with legacy applications stifling cloud migration progress, where traditional modernisation approaches proved too costly for viable business cases, I led the world's first GenAI application refactoring initiative. Partnered with MongoDB to create custom AI tooling for secure, in-house modernisation of core banking systems. Delivered: 90% reduction in development time, one-tenth traditional migration cost, and testing reduced from 80+ hours to 5 minutes - establishing a scalable modernisation pathway across the enterprise.
Accelerated Enterprise Cloud Adoption
To validate cloud capability and establish governance frameworks for enterprise-wide transformation, I orchestrated the "30 workloads in 30 days" AWS migration while training 50%+ of developers and establishing comprehensive risk and security frameworks. Outcome: Validated internal cloud capabilities, proved governance models, and established the foundation for accelerated enterprise-wide digital transformation and innovation cycles.
Led Major Enterprise Transformation
Tasked with leading the bank's largest transformation initiative ever, balancing innovation with regulatory compliance and operational continuity, I created comprehensive transformation strategy and governance frameworks while leading cross-functional teams through enterprise-wide simplification and modernisation. Achieved: 50% reduction in business applications, 60% cloud hosting implementation, and significantly improved system resilience and performance across the enterprise.
Built Australia's First Digital Bank
When major banks couldn't deliver true digital banking solutions, I led the internal innovation team to create UP! in partnership with Ferocia - thinking and working like a FinTech startup within enterprise banking constraints. Executed complete digital bank development from strategic vision and regulatory approval through to cloud-native architecture and successful market launch. Achieved: 1 million customers, $2 billion in deposits, 29% annual growth, and Australia's highest-rated banking app - outpacing leading UK neobanks in customer acquisition speed.
Core Expertise
Strategic Leadership
Executive-level strategy development, board engagement, and stakeholder alignment across complex organizations
Digital Transformation
End-to-end transformation leadership from legacy modernisation to cloud-native innovation
Enterprise risk frameworks, regulatory compliance, and governance across highly regulated environments
Commercial Acumen
Business case development, procurement negotiations, and ROI-focused investment strategies
Innovation Management
Identify disruptive opportunities, prototype solutions, and scale innovations across enterprise environments
Stakeholder Relations
Build consensus across diverse teams, present to boards, and manage relationships with regulators and partners
