In this interview and ahead of his appearance at CDAO Europe, Devan Manmoandas, CFO of Moza Banco, discusses the transformative shift toward real-time, strategic data utilization. Highlighting the necessity of data agility for competitive advantage in uncertain economic times, he offers key insights on aligning data strategies with financial objectives
In advance of his appearance at CDAO Europe, interviewed Devan Manmoandas, CFO of Moza Banco.
Devan offers a dual perspective on the strategic utilization of data in today’s volatile economic landscape. His insights delve into the transformation of data from a traditional reporting tool to a dynamic asset essential for real-time decision-making and maintaining a competitive edge.
In this exclusive interview, Devan discusses the significant trends that will shape AI, data, and analytics, the challenges ahead, and the evolving role of data in strategic business decisions.
Register now for CDAO Europe to hear directly from Devan Manmoandas and other leading experts about the future of data-driven decision-making in finance and beyond.
C: Which data and analytics trend captures your interest most, and why do you believe it is particularly relevant today?
Devan: One of the trends I am particularly passionate about is the shift towards a real-time, strategic view of data within organizations.
As CFO, I see how data is moving from traditional, historical reporting towards a dynamic asset that drives timely decision-making. This trend is vital because it enables a proactive response to market changes, empowering leaders to leverage insights at the right moment.
In 2025, embracing this agility will be crucial to maintaining a competitive edge and managing financial resources more effectively, especially with economic uncertainties influencing the corporate environment.
C: What are the key trends you anticipate will advance AI, data, and analytics in the next 12 months, and why?
Devan: In my perspective, three major trends will redefine AI, data, and analytics in the coming years:
AI acceleration in decision-making: AI has reached a point where it no longer merely supports analysis but accelerates it dramatically. Where it once took weeks or even months to analyze large datasets, we can now achieve valuable insights in hours. This enables finance and strategy teams to respond to evolving financial and economic landscapes with unprecedented speed.
Exponential data growth and utilization: Data is growing exponentially, and the challenge lies in harnessing it to yield actionable insights. Organizations must focus on scaling data infrastructure to make better use of this influx, particularly in the finance domain, where a nuanced understanding of economic patterns is essential.
Predictive analytics for strategic forecasting: Advanced analytics are pushing the boundaries of predictive insights. As we strengthen forecasting models, it allows CFOs to anticipate future financial outcomes with greater accuracy, thus optimizing budgeting and capital allocation for growth. This foresight is invaluable as economic variables continue to fluctuate.
C: What are the top three challenges you foresee for the data and analytics industry in 2025, and what are the reasons behind them?
Devan: As CFO and acting CDO, I foresee three primary challenges that will shape the data and analytics industry in 2025:
Balancing specialized talent needs with the evolution of AI: With AI accelerating at a rapid pace, there’s a pressing need for specialized talent that understands both technical intricacies and business applications. However, many professionals are finding it difficult to keep up with these changes, creating a talent gap. To remain competitive, organizations must invest in continuous development and cross-functional learning.
Economic uncertainty and financial constraints: The macroeconomic climate is increasingly volatile, posing challenges for budget allocations toward innovation. Balancing data investments with strategic financial constraints requires a precise alignment of data initiatives with clear ROI, ensuring that each project supports organizational resilience and growth.
Embedding data-driven decision-making at all levels: As organizations mature in data adoption, one critical challenge remains: fostering a culture where data-driven decision-making is not just encouraged but embedded across all levels. This shift from isolated data usage to widespread adoption is essential to fully leverage data’s strategic potential.
C: How has the role of data evolved within organizations from your perspective
Devan: The role of data has transformed significantly, especially from my dual perspective as CFO and acting CDO. Data now serves as the lifeline of strategy, shifting from a supportive function to a core driver of decision-making across every facet of the business.
It's no longer limited to technical teams; rather, it is a resource that every leader leverages to anticipate trends, drive efficiency, and unlock growth. As organizations evolve, fostering a culture where data literacy is part of every team’s toolkit is essential, ensuring that each decision is informed by data insights and aligned with strategic goals. This evolution places data at the heart of leadership, where it enables sustainable and impactful outcomes across the organization.
C: What are you looking forward to contributing at the upcoming CDAO Europe conference?
Devan: As a returning speaker at CDAO Europe, I look forward to bringing a CFO’s perspective to the discussion, especially on how data strategies can align with financial objectives.
One of the key themes I’ll explore is understanding the needs of our primary internal customers—the business units and executive leadership—and how data can support their goals. A strong alignment with the CFO’s agenda is critical to ensure data initiatives directly contribute to financial success, delivering tangible value to the organization.
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Click here to register now for CDAO Europe to hear directly from Devan Manmoandas and other leading experts about the future of data-driven decision-making in finance and beyond
