Tamara's post | Quora

Why the Finance World Needs Its Own Jet Engine 🚀 (Yes, Seriously!) Okay, hear me out—when you think of “jet engine,” I bet you picture roaring airplanes, travel, and maybe even Top Gun. But today I want to talk about why I think the finance industry desperately needs to start thinking more like aerospace engineers. Intrigued? You should be. The Power of the Jet Engine: Not Just for Planes Let’s break it down. A jet engine isn’t just a hunk of metal; it’s a marvel of human ingenuity that harnesses incredible power and efficiency. It takes in air, compresses it, mixes it with fuel, and shoots it out the back at insane speeds—propelling an entire aircraft forward at hundreds of miles per hour. The magic lies in how all the parts work together, each stage boosting the next, maximizing energy and minimizing waste. Now, imagine if the financial sector operated like that. Right now, a lot of it feels like an old steam engine—chugging along, leaking energy, and not exactly setting any speed records. Think about it: outdated systems, manual processes, siloed data, and let's not even get started on the paperwork. Every time I deal with a traditional bank, I can’t help but think, “Why can’t this be smoother, faster, more… turbocharged?” Turbocharging Finance: What Would a Jet Engine Approach Look Like? This isn’t just a metaphor. Some of the biggest innovations in fintech right now are basically borrowing the jet engine playbook: Automation pipelines – Like the series of compression stages in a jet engine, smart automation tools can streamline everything from loan approvals to KYC checks. No more waiting days for a simple answer. Data integration – Just as all the jet engine parts must be perfectly synchronized, banks need their data systems talking to each other in real time. One source of truth. No silos. AI-driven risk assessment – Jet engines constantly monitor and adjust for optimal performance. AI in finance can do the same, making lending safer, investment smarter, and fraud detection faster. I’ve personally experienced the difference. I remember applying for a mortgage five years ago—so much waiting, endless forms, even faxes (yes, those still exist!). Fast forward to last year, when I refinanced through a fintech startup. The process? Smooth, digital, transparent. I felt like I was flying in a fighter jet compared to a steam train. That’s the jet engine effect in action. The Stakes: Why This Matters for Everyone Here’s the kicker: a jet engine revolution in finance isn’t just about making things “cooler” for people like me. It’s about accessibility and inclusion. When financial services are faster and more efficient, more people can get loans, start businesses, or invest in their futures—without getting bogged down by bureaucracy. Plus, let’s be real—if we want to stay competitive globally, we can’t afford to run on outdated tech. The world’s moving fast, and no one wants to be left on the runway. My Take: We Need to Embrace Our Inner Jet Engine If you work in finance, or even just use financial services, it’s time to demand more. Let’s ditch the steam engines and start building jet engines—systems that are streamlined, integrated, and ready to take us to new heights. Whether you’re a banker, a fintech founder, or just someone who hates waiting on hold, you deserve better. So here’s my call to action: next time you run into a clunky financial process, ask yourself—what would the jet engine version of this look like? And then, don’t settle for less. Ready to turbocharge your finances? Let’s power up together!