The challenge
When I received the call about a large-scale banking transformation project in Copenhagen, I knew it would be unlike anything I'd done before. The client needed someone to redesign their legacy core banking architecture, migrating from a monolithic system to a cloud-native microservices platform — all while keeping 2 million customer accounts running smoothly.
The scope was ambitious, the timeline tight, and I was joining a team of 40 engineers mid-sprint. It was exactly the kind of challenge I was looking for — but I also knew I'd need solid support to deliver.
Getting started at emagine
From the very first day, emagine's onboarding process made the transition seamless. My Consultant Manager scheduled a detailed briefing about the client's culture, tech stack, and team dynamics before I even set foot in the office.
I received access to emagine's knowledge base with architecture templates, compliance checklists, and case studies from similar projects in the financial sector. This preparation saved me weeks of ramp-up time and helped me contribute meaningfully from week one.
The administrative side — contracts, timesheets, expenses — was handled entirely by emagine's back-office team, allowing me to focus 100% on delivery.
On the project
The project involved breaking down the bank's transaction processing engine into independent services. My role was to design the target architecture and lead the migration strategy for the most critical payment processing modules.
- Phase 1: Mapping all dependencies in the legacy system and identifying services that could be decoupled with minimal risk.
- Phase 2: Building the new event-driven architecture on Azure, with real-time synchronization to the existing system during transition.
- Phase 3: Gradual traffic shifting and go-live, with zero downtime for end users.
Support along the way
What surprised me most about working through emagine was the ongoing support beyond the initial placement. My Consultant Manager checked in regularly — not just about project status, but about my wellbeing and professional development.
When we hit a critical technical blocker midway through the project, emagine connected me with another consultant in their network who had deep expertise in the specific payment protocol we were struggling with. That kind of community-driven problem-solving is hard to find as an independent consultant.
I also took advantage of emagine's certification budget to complete an Azure Solutions Architect certification during the project — skills I applied immediately to the client's benefit.
Key takeaways
Looking back on this project, a few things stand out about the emagine experience:
- Structured onboarding matters: Having a dedicated Consultant Manager who understands both the client and the consultant makes all the difference in day-one readiness.
- You're never alone: Access to emagine's consultant network means you can tap into collective expertise when facing tough challenges.
- Growth is built in: Certification support and continuous learning opportunities keep your skills sharp and your career trajectory upward.
Martin Hartley
Chief Commercial Officer·
Simple resume