Cloud Elements - Making Innovation Easier

An interview with Ian Currie, VP EMEA of Cloud Elements

Financial IT: Can you tell us more about your background and role at Cloud Elements?

Ian Currie (IC):  Cloud Elements is a leading cloud API integration service. We enable software companies to integrate their customers into the application ecosystem and connect seamlessly with the growing number of cloud services.

I joined the Cloud Elements team about a year ago. Prior to that, I led sales and European operations for Dell Boomi where I spent several years establishing and growing a successful business in the region. In my current role, I am executing Cloud Elements’ European growth plan, expanding the company’s customer base across Europe.

Financial IT: What is special about Cloud Elements?

IC: Cloud Elements provides a cutting-edge solution to API integration. What we do is lift the burden of integration so businesses can pour their passion and resources into new and better experiences for their customers and deeper collaboration with partners. We have more than 180 pre-built connections that connect businesses with all of the leading finance and ERP systems used by their customers and partners. It is important to emphasise that Cloud Elements brings a unique approach to API integration by designing one-to-many integration workflows that are far more efficient and scalable than the point-to-point integration patterns, which many software teams currently have to deal with.

Financial IT: What are the emerging trends you foresee in the industry?

IC: It’s really interesting to watch all the FS initiatives currently growing in Europe, especially the evolution of Open Banking and PSD2, which are driving the financial sector to be more open - or customer centric. This has caused the FinTech world to explode, while banks are now going to great efforts to modernize and provide digital services for their customers. Until now, the response to Open Banking and PSD2 has generally been focused on compliance. As the phase of compliance draws to a close, we will start to see true innovation geared towards making the customer experience ever more productive and seamless. The work that’s been done so far is impressive, but all eyes should really be on this next phase - the phase of innovation.

Financial IT: To finish off, what milestones lay ahead for Cloud Elements?

IC: Having raised $25 million in our Series C round earlier in the year, we have high growth goals for Europe, especially in the UK, France and Germany. The aim is to strike up partnerships with banks and FinTechs across the region.

Our other main focus will be continuing to provide clients with the highest level of service, bringing them industry-leading API integration solutions. Most recently we launched an upgrade of our platform, which is helping software companies digitally transform their business by becoming part of the digital ecosystem.

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