Finder taps Google Cloud to revolutionize digital infrastructure and embrace AI

Australia’s leading financial comparison platform, Finder, has announced a strategic move to Google Cloud to overhaul its digital infrastructure and enhance its artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities for consumers. This significant shift is part of Finder’s ambitious plan to integrate generative AI across its online platforms, aiming to improve financial decision-making for users globally.

In January, Finder completed its migration to Google Cloud, resulting in a dramatic reduction in digital infrastructure costs by over 50%. This move has not only accelerated operational efficiency but also fostered greater collaboration across the company. Joe Waller, Chief Technology Officer at Finder, emphasized the impact of Google Cloud’s advanced AI development and search capabilities on the company’s future direction. “Generative AI is front and center in how we aim to help people make even better financial decisions,” Waller stated, highlighting the goal to tailor comparisons to individuals’ specific needs.

Enhancing User Experience through AI

Finder plans to leverage Google Cloud’s Vertex AI platform to offer a more interactive and conversational user experience on its website. This approach will simplify the process for users to explore, compare, and evaluate financial products, ensuring they find the most relevant information for their financial goals. The consolidation of Finder’s infrastructure on Google Cloud is a strategic step to streamline growth and maintain operational excellence.

Empowering Teams and Reducing Costs

The transition to Google Cloud, facilitated by Searce, Finder’s implementation partner, has empowered the company’s teams. Previously dependent on a limited IT staff for digital requests, now teams across Finder can independently manage and optimize their digital products. This decentralization of responsibilities has removed bottlenecks, speeding up innovation. Waller praised the Google Cloud platform for its intuitive interface and training resources, which have significantly enhanced collaboration and digital proficiency within the company.

Finder’s adoption of Google Cloud’s telemetry tools and Google Kubernetes Engine also exemplifies the platform’s role in sustaining high performance and efficiency, especially as Finder scales globally. Through careful monitoring and optimization, Finder has notably reduced operating costs, aligning with its mission to build a leaner, more agile organization.

A Partnership for the Future

Waller views the Google Cloud team as vital advisors in strengthening Finder’s cloud foundation and developing leading AI capabilities. Matt Zwolenski, Director & Chief Technologist at Google Cloud Australia & New Zealand, also commented on the collaboration, highlighting the necessity of aligning cloud strategy with emerging technologies for organizational growth.

This partnership between Finder and Google Cloud illustrates a forward-thinking approach to digital infrastructure and AI adoption. By reducing technical debt and streamlining processes, Finder sets a benchmark for leveraging cloud technology and AI to enhance customer experiences and operational efficiency in the financial comparison domain.

Finder’s strategic pivot to Google Cloud signifies a major step forward in utilizing cloud computing and AI to enhance financial comparison services. This collaboration not only demonstrates the potential for digital transformation in the finance sector but also showcases how businesses can significantly reduce operational costs while innovating in customer service and engagement. The focus on generative AI and user experience underscores the importance of adapting to consumer needs through technology, setting a new standard for the industry. As Finder integrates these technologies, it could redefine the financial comparison landscape, offering unprecedented precision and personalization in financial advice and product comparison.