Lorenzo De Francesco

About

Lorenzo De Francesco

Leading the technology development at TNB Project (Gruppo Azimut) & CTO at Azimut Marketplace — 10+ years in Fintech

I am a technology leader with a clear mission: transform IT from a cost center into a strategic asset. At TNB Project (Gruppo Azimut), I lead the technology development of the bank of the future, built from scratch — a model where the financial advisor comes first — with a relentless focus on cyber security, data governance, and data integrity.

In parallel, as CTO at Azimut Marketplace, I reduced infrastructure costs by over 70% while building a robust, scalable, cloud-native architecture.

My approach combines technical depth with business acumen. I don't just write code — I build teams, define processes, and create a culture where engineering excellence drives business results.

Before stepping into the C-suite, I spent years as a hands-on developer and architect. Within the Sella banking group I coordinated the development of SME Banking, leading the team and the React architecture behind the group's banking products. Earlier, at Costa Crociere, I built mission-critical, real-time software and the CI/CD pipelines to deploy it directly on board cruise ships — where downtime simply isn't an option.

That foundation in high-stakes engineering is exactly what lets me make informed technical decisions today and mentor the next generation of tech leaders.

10+

Years of Experience

700k

IT Costs Reduced

40+

Talks & Events

2

Tech Leaders Mentored

Leadership Approach

Building IT Culture

When I joined Azimut Marketplace, there was no established IT culture. I built it from scratch — introducing agile methodologies, code reviews, automated testing, and CI/CD pipelines. Today, the team operates autonomously with two technology leaders I personally mentored.

Cost Optimization

I reduced recurring IT costs by over €700k through vendor renegotiations, cloud architecture optimization, and strategic insourcing. Every technical decision I make weighs both engineering quality and business impact.

Community & Speaking

I actively share my experience through 40+ conference talks, panels, and podcasts. Topics range from IT governance and cybersecurity to cloud architecture and team leadership. I am also one of the organizers of the Google Developer Group Milano and Scientific Coordinator of the Master in Full Stack Development & AI at start2impact. I believe in giving back to the community that shaped my career.

Security & Data Governance

When you build a bank, trust is the product. I design systems with security and data governance at the core — protecting customers, guaranteeing the integrity of data, and making sure every architectural decision holds up to the scrutiny a financial institution demands.

Want to see the technical side?

Beyond management, I have deep hands-on experience across the full stack — from React frontends to Java microservices and cloud infrastructure.

Discover my tech skills

Experience

2025Today

Building the bank of the future

TNB Project · Gruppo Azimut · Italy

I lead the technology development of the bank of the future, built from scratch — a model where the financial advisor comes first — with a relentless focus on cyber security, data governance, and the integrity of data.

Digital BankingCyber SecurityData GovernanceData Integrity
May 2022Today

Chief Technology Officer

Azimut Marketplace · Milan, Italy

I lead technology at a fintech platform serving SMEs. I built the IT department from scratch, reduced recurring infrastructure costs by over €700k (70%), and turned a spreadsheet-driven operation into a robust, secure, scalable cloud platform — while mentoring two engineers into technology leaders.

IT StrategyCloud ArchitectureCost OptimizationGovernance
November 2020May 2022

Architect & Team Leader — SME Banking

Banca Sella (Fabrik) · Milan, Italy

Within the Sella banking group, I coordinated the development of SME Banking, leading a team of 5 engineers and mentoring junior developers. I defined and maintained the foundational React architecture and built the shared component libraries that powered the group's banking products.

SME BankingReact ArchitectureDesign SystemTeam Leadership
August 2018October 2020

Senior Software Developer

Costa Crociere · Genova, Italy

I built mission-critical, real-time web applications for the maritime industry, where failure is not an option. I designed CI/CD pipelines to safely deploy and update software directly on board cruise ships — operating in constrained, high-stakes environments far from the data center.

Mission-Critical SystemsReal-Time AppsCI/CDOn-Board Deploy
July 2018May 2020

Project Manager & Developer

CryptoForecast · Remote

Development of Cryptoforecast platform, consisting of an application, backoffice, and web jobs, while also serving as a Financial Forecast Algorithms Developer and Project Manager.

January 2017August 2018

ILS and Maintenance Engineer

Delfi (a Fincantieri Company) · La Spezia, Italy

Integrated Logistic Support Technical Writer for the Italian Navy with skills in supplier management, spare parts identification and supply, and writing use and maintenance manuals for complex systems.

January 2015December 2016

Co Founder & CEO

Navium · Trieste, Italy

Co-founder of a startup with focus on development of decision support products for the large cruise shipping market. Navium has been founded by the POR-FESR 2020 Program - 300k€.

Need a CTO or technical advisor?

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