Meet Our Team – Jamie Godwin Interview

Jamie Godwin joined True Potential in 2015. As our Lead Data Scientist he is responsible for turning data into actionable intelligence. Here he tells us about his experience so far, and his hopes for the future of our business.

How did you get started in the industry?

Right here at True Potential.  I’ve always had a head for numbers, and I enjoy finding patterns hidden in data, so financial services seemed like a natural fit for me.

At university, I spent more time day trading and building automated high frequency algorithmic trading systems than I did studying. When the opportunity arose at True Potential, it was a no brainer and I jumped at the chance!

Tell us about your area of expertise?

I’m the lead data scientist here at True Potential. My specialty is machine learning. This covers everything from big data analytics and data-mining, to deep learning, artificial intelligence and statistics.

I hold a PhD with a focus on predictive analytics (prognostics) and risk from Durham University. I’ve written a couple of books on these topics, along with over 15 peer-reviewed papers available in international publications. Prior to working in financial services, I worked in software development as a senior big data solutions architect, but also turned my hand to lecturing, running a micro-enterprise digital agency, and ad-hoc consultancy work. These experiences have helped me immensely in my current role. 

What do you enjoy most about your job?

There’s a couple of things. Firstly, no two days are the same. Working in a heavily regulated industry means that new legislation and guidance are issued almost daily. One day I could be in London working with the government to unlock the true potential in their data as part of our role on the ScaleUp taskforce, the next I could be analyzing the opportunities created by new legislation such as the second payment services directive (PSD2) on the business.

Secondly, I get to help millions of clients reach their financial goals. Every day I see first-hand the difference that quality financial advice can make and it’s hugely rewarding to know I had a small part to play in that.

What makes the company special?

It’s exceptionally rare to find a company like True Potential outside of London. The north is a truly special place, and everyone working at True Potential is a testament to that. We’re able to attract the best talent from the world class local universities, and we have some of the UK’s best countryside on our doorstep.

Businesses are only as strong as the people behind them and I believe we’re best in class (although I may be a little biased)!

What are the most important things to consider for first time investors?

Starting early, and thinking about how regularly you can invest.

What are you most excited about in regard to the future of the company?

True Potential keeps going from strength to strength. Since I joined the company, we’ve launched our own portfolios which have done fantastically well and now have over £3bn of assets under management.

We recently won “business of the year” at the European business awards from over 33,000 of the biggest and best business in Europe which is a huge honour. Over the next few years’ things can only get better as we help more clients reach their goals, build more incredible technology and charge head first into the amazing opportunities we are presented with in 2018 and beyond. I can’t wait!

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