About Us
Neil Sarnak: Founder & CEO
A Proven Leader in Financial Technology Solutions
With over 25 years of experience at the intersection of technology and finance, Neil Sarnak stands as a seasoned professional who has consistently delivered transformative results. His extensive expertise spans multiple industries, with a deep focus on the financial sector.
As the Owner and Managing Director of Makwela Solutions, Neil has carved a path of excellence, offering strategic guidance and innovative solutions to clients in the banking industry. His ability to bridge the gap between business needs and cutting-edge technology has led to the successful alignment of technology platforms with commercial objectives.
Neil's career boasts a rich tapestry of accomplishments, including his role as Managing Director at renowned financial institutions such as Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, UBS Investment Bank, and Credit Suisse. At Credit Suisse, he spearheaded the creation of a strategic technology platform for the risk division, demonstrating his talent for crafting forward-thinking solutions. His contributions have consistently driven industry benchmarks, from Risk-Based Profit & Loss calculations to cloud migration.
A visionary architect and strategist, Neil's impact resonates across his roles. He formulated technology organizational delivery models that enhanced quality, efficiency, and risk control, showcasing his ability to lead large-scale restructurings. His talent for translating complex business requirements into technical innovations has earned him recognition as a sought-after consultant, architect, and visionary in the financial technology landscape.
Neil's academic journey is equally impressive, holding a Ph.D. in Computer Science from New York University's Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences. His trailblazing dissertation, "Persistent Data Structures," earned him the Courant Institute Best Ph.D. dissertation award. With a Master's degree in Computer Science from Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, and a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and Applied Mathematics from the University of Witwatersrand, Neil's academic foundation underscores his expertise.
