Machine learning and data are powering Monzo's fintech disruption

App-only fintech startup Monzo is scaling up its machine learning capabilities and plugging employees into the rich stream of data generated by 1.7m global users as it forges ahead of the high-street banks in the digital space. Neal Lathia, data scientist and machine learning lead at the UK-based bank, told The Drum how his team is delivering "incremental gains" in the app, in customer and the product using smarter automation since he took the role on one year ago. Lathia, previously lead data science at SkyScanner, commands a team of more than 20 people. When he joined there were only two. Now he is looking to harness the wealth of data at the company's disposal to get Monzo "working faster". It contrasts with the role a data scientist at a high street bank may have, weighed down by legacy systems, corporate baggage and sheer scale.