Meet Zinedine: Bridging Data, Finance, and Innovation at Firm C

Our people are at the core of everything we do- that's our vison at Firm C.

We value sharing the stories behind our consultants—their expertise, journeys, and what drives them. Today, we introduce you to Zinedine, a data-driven professional with innate passion for technology, finance and entrepreneurship.

A Journey Through Data and Finance

Born and raised in Amsterdam, he moved to Almere Oostvaarders with his wife, Sheyma, and their energetic cat, Sharky. At just 25 years old, Zinedine has already had an impressive journey. His academic path took him from Erasmus University in Rotterdam - where he specialized in business and data science - to a minor in AI and big data. After that, he pursued a Master in Data Science at the University of Utrecht .

However, the desire to gain practical experience proved too strong. “I had two choices: continue my full-time studies or take an offer from PwC. I chose the latter,” Zinedine explains. That decision led him to a fast-paced career in financial data analysis, beginning at PwC, followed by a period at de Volksbank, before ultimately joining Firm C.

The Technical Mindset Meets Consulting

Zinedine initially envisioned a career rooted purely in programming and technical work. “I wanted to spend 100% of my time coding,” he admits. But his early roles exposed him to the intersection of finance and data, shifting his perspective. “I realized that understanding sector knowledge is just as important as technical skills.”

At Firm C, he found the perfect environment to blend his expertise in data modelling, process optimization, and regulatory compliance. Currently, he is deeply involved in projects at ABN AMRO, focusing on data lineage and BCBS 239 compliance. “It’s like detective work—understanding how financial data flows through a bank and ensuring everything is traceable and transparent.”

The Startup Spirit at Firm C

One of the key reasons Zinedine joined Firm C was the startup-like environment. “Unlike the big corporations, here I feel like I’m contributing to building something new,” he shares. “We’re not just consultants working on client projects—we’re also shaping the company, whether it’s in recruitment, marketing, or internal development.”

Learning and Growing in a Dynamic Team

Zinedine thrives in Firm C’s collaborative atmosphere. “The team dynamic is great. At large corporations, you often feel like just a number. Here, it feels more like a family working together on meaningful projects.” While consulting requires technical skills, he believes the key to success lies in human interaction. “It’s just people’s work. Be curious, ask questions, and communicate simply and clearly.”

Life Beyond Work

Outside of his professional endeavours, Zinedine enjoys engaging in various hobbies. He is an avid practitioner of archery, often spending his free time perfecting his aim on a range of targets. He is also passionate about technology, currently developing an AI tool that generates summaries from diverse sources such as PowerPoint presentations, PDFs, and videos. In his spare time he's active through regular workouts, ensuring a balanced lifestyle that complements his professional drive.

Advice for Future Consultants

For those considering a career at Firm C, Zinedine offers valuable insight: “If you have an entrepreneurial mindset and enjoy both client work and shaping a growing company, this is the place to be.” He also highlights the steep learning curve: “You have a lot of freedom, but also responsibility. You figure things out as you go, which accelerates your growth.”

Looking Ahead

As he continues to develop his expertise in financial risk, Zinedine plans to pursue the FRM certification and take on larger leadership roles within projects. His long-term vision? “To keep building—whether it’s improving risk models, creating innovative AI solutions, or eventually launching my own company.

With a balance of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and entrepreneurial drive, Zinedine represents the spirit of Firm C. We’re excited to see where his journey takes him next!