Interview with Pedro Amaral, Software Engineer at Apiax.
Hello Pedro!
Olá!
What do you do at Apiax?
I work as a Software Engineer at the Lisbon HQ. I architect and implement the algorithms and workflows that go into the product and make our compliance rules smart and responsive.
I am also SCRUM Master, which means I encourage teams to implement frameworks that promote problem solving, self-organisation and continuous improvement.
Why did you decide to join a RegTech company?
Prior to Apiax, I worked 10 years in software engineering at a number of international companies and headed up various teams. That is where I developed my interest for process optimisation, standardisation and automation of complex procedures.
I later wanted to join a growing company and work in a more agile way with direct impact. It is exciting to enter the legal & compliance industry, traditionally reliant on human capacity, and make a difference.
You sound like a RegTech ninja! How would you describe RegTech to those unfamiliar with the concept?
From my perspective, as a facilitator of the Tech aspect, I see the transformation of response time in processes — going from days to seconds.
Traditional compliance services are heavily dependent on thorough human analysis of documents. Finding the required case and answers can take hours — even days. Transforming this process into a one-second action is for me the key enabler of RegTech.
What does that look like in real life?
Alongside efficient algorithms and speedy inquiry handling, our solutions require robustness and reliability. Our clients need the right answers. By that I mean both accurate and formulated in an easy, understandable manner.
“Our clients need the right answers. By that I mean both accurate and formulated in an understandable manner.”
We process information in a binary way for optimal usability. In practice, the user gets yes-or-no answers to all their compliance inquiries. As Apiax has a wide range of users, it is important that information is presented in a clear way.
Companies can also integrate our technology into existing workflows. Through API connections, our rules become an automatic “compliance layer” behind the scenes of the client’s infrastructure. Like that, internal processes are designed in such way that actions are permitted only if they are in line with the rules. This is also referred to as compliance by design.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy seeing how technology really transforms processes and practices. Legal & compliance is an industry influenced by tradition and manual processes, which makes it mature and ready for process-driven consolidation and automation.
Besides, Apiax is a people-oriented workplace. Everyone has a say in things and we as Software Engineers have the autonomy to define best practices and choose the appropriate technology to achieve our goals. Translation to non-Software Engineers: this is like a dream come true!
Tell me about some of your ongoing projects.
At the moment I develop Smart Policies Visualisation. It enables compliance information to be collated and presented in a clear, simple way to the end-user.
I am also involved in creating the Change Log, which is a function where you can track documents‘ status and amendment history. It provides a clear overview of the internal workflow and responsibilities.
You mention simplicity a lot.
Of course — it is one of our core values. Apiax’ mission is to make compliance knowledge accessible to all and our technology needs to enable that.
So what about traditional compliance resources?
Traditional resources such as legal opinions, policies, country manuals and internal memoranda are of course valuable, trusted resources, but as a learning and referencing format they are very static. Besides, they often contain lots of terminology which might not make a lot of sense to those without legal background.
“Applying the intelligence of traditional compliance resources onto digital workflows is where the magic really happens”.
Even experts can struggle with long timeframes. Applying the intelligence of traditional compliance resources onto digital workflows is where the magic really happens.
What value does Apiax bring to the workplace?
Automated processes free up a lot of time and resources. With machine-readable rules, there is little need for supervisory controls, processing time and general maintenance of guidelines. A digital ruleset works alongside internal processes and updates itself whenever there is a change in the law.
Do you have a favourite Apiax feature?
Yes, I really like the transparency. The Change Log feature allows for the client to understand documents’ entire amendment history and ownership. This is particularly useful when auditing the company’s compliance framework.
The Lisbon HQ is famous for the selection of sweets. What is your favourite local treat?
There is only one possible answer to that question: Pasteis de nata. But whenever someone goes on holiday abroad, they bring back local treats so we can diversify our taste. It is like an unspoken rule.
What is the easiest way to connect with you to learn more?
You can email me on pedro.amaral@apiax.com or find me on LinkedIn.