Microcredit: Oleg Afanasyev on his career and prospects in Asia

Contents:

• Career at MegaFon: the path to product management
• Cyberpunk in healthcare: experience working in IT under the Moscow government
• Microcredit in Europe and Asia: a comparison of systems
• Risk in microcredit: what you need to know
• Skillbox graduates: bootcamps, training and mistakes
• Current realities of the IT market and the ideal city for programmers
• Top Telegram channels by product management

Career at MegaFon: the path to product management

Oleg, tell us how your career started?

I began my career as a support engineer at a small internet service provider. My responsibilities included solving technical problems that, although important, did not involve a high level of creativity, like developing new products. This experience formed the foundation for my subsequent professional growth in information technology.

Over time, I headed the technical support department in two cities where our company operated. I then moved on to project work at MegaFon, where I began implementing pilot projects in various regions. This experience allowed me to deepen my knowledge of project management and develop teamwork skills, which contributed to the successful implementation of initiatives and improved customer service.

Why choose the regions? It is generally accepted that new ideas are first tested in the capital.

MegaFon used a strategy whereby new initiatives were first implemented in regions with limited budgets. If the project demonstrated positive results, it was launched in Moscow and then expanded to a wider market. This approach minimized risks and optimized costs, ensuring the successful scaling of initiatives.

Project activity includes several key stages: team building, preparation, business case, implementation, and results evaluation. Each of these stages plays a significant role in the successful completion of the project. Team building is essential for creating an effective workflow, preparation provides the necessary resources and knowledge, the business case confirms the feasibility of the project, implementation is responsible for the fulfillment of planned tasks, and results evaluation allows for an analysis of achieved goals and the identification of opportunities for future improvement.

After moving to Moscow, I began working on projects in the field of financial products for the company. During this period, I realized that for the successful launch of projects, a general understanding of the process is not enough; it is important to delve deeper into the specifics of your field. This realization became the starting point for my journey into product management, which I successfully developed at RoboFinance. Thus, from developing individual products within a large company, I moved on to creating and managing multiple products within a broader ecosystem. This transition allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the interactions between various products and optimize processes for maximum efficiency and user satisfaction. Now I am focused on product integration, which helps create comprehensive solutions for clients and strengthens the company's position in the market.

Cyberpunk in Healthcare: Experience Working in IT for the Moscow Government

I know that you also had experience working at the Moscow Department of Information Technology. What were your impressions of that work?

At some point, while working at MegaFon, I came to the realization that I wanted to make a real contribution to society. This desire led me to the Department of Information Technology (DIT), where I focused on developing IT solutions for healthcare. This area turned out to be significantly more complex than fintech, but it was the challenges in healthcare that motivated me to take action and search for innovative solutions to improve people's quality of life.

What exactly caused the difficulties?

I was responsible for the development of Moscow's emergency services and the automation of ambulance services. The capital's ambulance service ranks among the best in international ratings, and the task of improving its performance was quite challenging. In Moscow, the wait time for emergency cases is only 12 minutes, which is faster than in New York City, which is renowned for its high standards of automation. We strive for continuous improvement to ensure high-quality and fast service, making our emergency response system one of the best in the world.

This is all due to the development of IT technologies. Previously, many processes were less automated and required more time and resources. Without modern technology, many tasks were performed manually, which increased the likelihood of errors and reduced overall efficiency. Today, IT technologies make it possible to significantly simplify and speed up various tasks, improving quality and streamlining processes.

Moscow had its own information system, which, despite its complexity and outdated nature, had functioned for 20 years. While other services relied on traditional telephone dispatchers, the team had no clear idea of ​​how to modernize this system. The operator, relying on directories, made decisions about which vehicle to send to the patient, which limited efficiency and slowed down the process of medical care.

The emergence of the ICU as an independent structure significantly accelerated the automation process. We updated the vehicle allocation system, and now decision-making is carried out automatically by the system. This improvement optimizes workflows and increases the efficiency of resource management.

It reminds me of cyberpunk. How safe is it?

Yes, it is absolutely safe. The system analyzes information received by the user over the phone and selects the appropriate vehicle for dispatch based on keywords. This approach ensures high efficiency and speed of service and allows for an accurate response to customer requests.

The operator asks questions, to which the system provides prompts to assess the severity of the situation. For example, this could be related to determining the presence of bleeding or injuries in the patient. This approach allows us to quickly gather important information and take the necessary measures to ensure patient safety. Proper diagnosis at the initial stage can significantly impact the outcome of a situation and help provide timely medical care.

While not related to machine learning, the implementation of keyword-based systems in emergency services represents an important step forward. This improves the efficiency of request processing and increases the speed of emergency response. Using keywords helps optimize processes, making them more targeted and efficient. The implementation of such technologies can significantly improve the quality of service and public safety.

Are the results less effective when a person is on the line instead of an automated system?

Human error can cause operational errors. Automated systems manage processes more effectively as they can track available vehicles and their current workload. The use of technology helps minimize risks and improve overall operational efficiency.

Modern ambulances are equipped with tablets that can withstand falls. These devices contain important information, including medical history, allergy data, and medication restrictions. Having this information allows doctors to make faster and more accurate decisions in critical situations, which contributes to the improvement of the quality of medical care.

The system provides assistance in choosing a hospital for patient transport, taking into account various factors such as available medical services, distance to the facility, and specialization. This ensures the most effective and safe treatment. Choosing the right hospital plays a key role in the medical care process, which contributes to improved treatment outcomes and increased patient satisfaction.

The system offers optimal solutions, which is especially important in complex situations when several diagnoses must be taken into account simultaneously.

Tablets act as navigators and serve as a means of emergency communication with dispatchers. All actions of medical personnel are recorded, which guarantees protection in the event of a dispute. The use of tablets in medical practice increases work efficiency and ensures patient safety.

In government agencies, the implementation of IT technologies is causing significant changes and transformations. These changes affect various aspects of government work, including improving the quality of services, increasing the efficiency of processes, and streamlining interactions with citizens. Modern information technology plays a key role in the modernization of public administration, facilitating more transparent and accessible interactions between the state and society. Working with government agencies can indeed be perceived as complex and time-consuming. People often encounter bureaucracy, long queues, and complex processes. However, by understanding key points and preparing in advance, interactions with government agencies can become more effective. It is important to understand what documents are required, what steps to take, and how to correctly submit applications. Streamlining the process of interaction with government agencies saves time and avoids unnecessary difficulties. Working with government agencies is indeed more complex. The level of responsibility and bureaucracy is significantly higher compared to commercial organizations. In the commercial sector, the main risk is loss of funds, while in government agencies, the risk is reputational damage. This makes the approval process longer and requires more careful preparation and attention to detail.

Experiments are carried out at a slow pace, and the first results may not become apparent until six months have passed. After that, an additional six months are required for their protection and formalization.

Did your ambulance project also face similar challenges?

The project was completed on time, but the scope of work was significantly greater than in commercial projects. After two and a half years of working in government agencies, I realized that I lacked dynamism and activity in a professional environment.

Microcredit in Europe and Asia: a comparison of systems

Robocash is actively expanding its services in a number of countries, such as Vietnam, Kazakhstan, and Indonesia. What factors influence your choice of countries to launch new services?

Let's consider two countries - A and B. Country A has a modern online banking system that allows you to get a debit card in just one day. It also has well-developed consumer loan and credit card services, which can be issued with home delivery. In this country, even online purchasing of real estate and cars is available, which significantly simplifies the purchasing process. Thus, country A demonstrates a high degree of digitalization of financial services, which makes it attractive to users.

In country B, the process of issuing a salary card can take up to two weeks, which significantly slows down citizens' access to financial services. Moreover, the situation with credit products leaves much to be desired, as the lack of a centralized credit history makes it difficult to assess borrowers' creditworthiness. This reduces their chances of obtaining loans and limits their opportunities for doing business and resolving financial problems. Measures are needed to improve the financial infrastructure to increase the availability of lending and expedite the process of obtaining bank cards.

There are several scenarios for how the situation in Country B will develop. Either demand for credit products will grow, or they will remain in a limited niche, which will be filled by alternative projects that can more effectively meet the needs of the population. It is important to keep in mind that the choice of direction depends on the economic situation, consumer habits, and competition in the financial market.

For RoboFinance projects, Country B appears more promising. This country is experiencing growing interest in innovative financial technologies, which opens up new opportunities for the implementation of projects in the field of financial services automation. Developed infrastructure, support for startups, and favorable legislation contribute to the successful implementation of RoboFinance solutions. Given these factors, Country B can be expected to become a key player in the fintech space in the coming years.

We can operate in both Country A and Country B. However, Country B is of greater interest due to its unique needs and population requirements.

Microloans are becoming increasingly popular not only due to the economic situation, unemployment, or poverty. These financial products occupy a unique niche that traditional credit offerings cannot satisfy. Microloans provide access to financial resources to those who need them but cannot get approved for standard loans. This makes them especially popular among those looking for flexible and affordable solutions to solve short-term financial problems.

The development of projects in Asia is driven by many factors that make this region attractive for business. Firstly, Asia is home to rapidly growing markets with large populations, which offers significant opportunities for growth and scaling. Secondly, there is active development of technology and innovation here, which contributes to the creation of competitive solutions. Furthermore, Asia has access to a skilled labor force and relatively low production costs. The region also offers a diverse culture and consumer preferences, allowing for the adaptation of products and services to different audiences. These factors make Asia strategically important for the successful implementation of business ideas and projects.

Asia is a rapidly developing market, where the banking system often struggles to adapt to the pace of economic growth. Comparing the populations of European and Asian countries, one can see that in countries with large populations, the volume of money turnover significantly exceeds similar indicators in Europe. For example, the Philippines is home to approximately 140 million people, comparable to the population of Russia. This creates unique opportunities and challenges for financial institutions, requiring innovative solutions to meet the needs of a growing number of clients.

We compete not only with banks but also with other microfinance organizations. Competition in the financial sector is becoming increasingly intense, and it is important to understand that each player in this market offers unique terms and services. Therefore, we strive to provide our clients with optimal solutions to meet their needs and exceed the offers of both banks and microfinance companies.

We offer competitive terms, providing a loan in just 15 minutes. This is significantly faster than any bank, which requires time to issue a credit card. Even Tinkoff, with its express service, cannot offer such efficiency. Our speed of service makes us the best choice for those who value time and efficiency.

When choosing a microloan, it is important to consider the loan amount and repayment term. In Russia, we offer loans of up to 30,000 rubles for terms of up to one month, allowing us to effectively compete with credit card offers. An advantage of microloans is the ability to withdraw funds without any restrictions, making them more convenient and attractive to clients.

Risk in Microcredit: What You Need to Know

The level of risk in microcredit associated with the client's loan repayment is an important aspect to consider when evaluating lending decisions. Microcredit, as a form of financial assistance, often attracts clients with limited credit history or low income, which can increase the likelihood of loan default. Factors affecting the level of risk include the borrower's financial literacy, their ability to plan financially, and the level of debt.

Furthermore, insufficient verification of the client's solvency and a lack of proper debt monitoring can aggravate the situation. Therefore, to reduce risks, credit institutions must apply effective methods for assessing borrowers, implement a risk management system, and offer financial education programs. This will not only increase the repayment rate of microloans but also improve the financial stability of clients.

The risk in microlending typically exceeds that of traditional banking products. Specific indicators may vary, as each financial institution defines its own risk assessment criteria. It is important to keep in mind that microlending, despite the potential benefits, is associated with an increased risk of default. Therefore, when choosing a microfinance company, it is necessary to carefully analyze the terms and reputation of the organization.

When deciding whether to grant a loan, we consider several key factors. First and foremost, we analyze the applicant's credit history. Having a positive credit history increases the chances of loan approval. Another important criterion is the client's financial situation, including their income and expenses. We assess income stability to ensure the borrower will be able to repay the loan on time. We also consider age, profession, and overall debt level. All these aspects help us minimize risks and provide loans only to those who are able to fulfill their obligations.

We have created a unique scoring model that takes into account the specifics of each country. In addition, we actively integrate with various online platforms, allowing us to provide a more accurate assessment of client creditworthiness. This contributes to the quality of financial decisions and improved service.

The loan process can be completed either online or in a brick-and-mortar office. Online loans have become popular due to their convenience and speed. To obtain a loan online, simply fill out an application on the lender's website, providing the required information. A credit assessment is then performed, after which the borrower receives a loan approval decision. If necessary, you can visit a brick-and-mortar office, where staff will assist you in completing the application and answer any questions you may have. The choice of loan method depends on the borrower's preferences and the lender's specific terms.

The choice of format varies by region. In some countries, we offer offline services, while in others, we focus entirely on online services. The main factors influencing this choice are local traditions and user preferences regarding communication channels. Adapting to local conditions allows us to effectively engage with our clients and meet their needs.

New Western sanctions are having a significant impact on companies' operations. These measures may change the business environment, reduce trade volumes, and limit access to financial resources. Companies may face logistical challenges, as well as higher prices for raw materials and components. It is important to adapt to the new conditions, review strategy, and seek alternative markets and partners. Effective risk management and situational monitoring will help minimize negative impacts and maintain competitiveness in the face of sanctions pressure.

Our business will remain resilient to sanctions thanks to its strategic location. Robocash Group is headquartered in Singapore, allowing us to effectively manage all operations and activities of the group's companies through local banks. This provides reliable protection from external economic risks and instability.

Skillbox Graduates: Bootcamps, Learning, and Mistakes

Bootcamps play a key role in the educational process in the fields of IT and product management. These intensive courses, taught by experienced educators, help professionals launch IT products, but they also face a number of significant challenges. Bootcamp participants have a unique opportunity not only to study theory but also to apply their knowledge in practice, which significantly increases their competitiveness in the labor market. Understanding current trends and technologies in the IT field, as well as developing project management skills, become an integral part of successful bootcamp training.

As a mentor, I am actively involved in the diploma project defense process and enjoy it greatly. My main task is to guide students, provide constructive feedback on their work, and help them determine the right focus for their projects. I strive to create a supportive atmosphere where students can develop their ideas and achieve high results.

In my opinion, the most significant aspects of bootcamps are the opportunities for self-development. When students ask questions about my experience, I realize that I am encountering many problems for the first time. This inspires me to delve deeper into new topics and find solutions. Such moments contribute not only to my personal growth but also to the development of skills that will be useful in the future. Bootcamps provide a unique platform for the exchange of knowledge and ideas, which makes the learning process more enriching and effective.

Bootcamps offer a unique opportunity to expand horizons beyond fintech. This is especially important for product managers, as narrow specialization can limit flexibility and creativity during the development process. Participating in bootcamps promotes the development of interdisciplinary skills, which allows you to find innovative solutions and adapt to changes in the rapidly changing world of technology. This not only improves the quality of products but also helps build more effective teams capable of tackling complex challenges.

If you'd like to learn more about the bootcamps offered by Skillbox, visit their official website for details.

Artem Vanteev is one of the Skillbox students I work with. We first met at one of the bootcamps, and since then, he has become an integral part of our team. His skills and passion for learning have greatly enriched our work together.

Artem has introduced an original approach to our work that significantly improves results. His desire to find answers to questions before jumping to conclusions allows him not only to draw on his own experience but also to actively explore new solutions. This skill is a key aspect of his professional growth and contributes to the continuous development of the team.

Current realities of the IT market and the ideal city for programmers

The modern market for product managers and programmers is highly competitive and in demand for qualified personnel. With technology rapidly developing, companies face difficulties finding specialists with the necessary knowledge and experience. The shortage of professional personnel makes the recruitment process particularly challenging, as employers are looking not only for technical skills, but also for teamwork and project management skills.

Given rapidly changing market demands, product managers and programmers must constantly update their skills and stay abreast of new trends. This creates additional challenges for employers, who need to offer attractive working conditions to attract and retain talent. As a result, finding qualified specialists is becoming more complex and requires companies to actively participate in educational initiatives and develop a corporate culture.

The programming and product management market is undergoing significant changes. The expectations of employers and candidates have increased significantly. While job postings used to be updated every six months, they now require more frequent updates. The cost of job postings is also rapidly increasing, and even without changes to your strategy, your market value can increase. This dynamic creates unique opportunities and challenges for all market participants.

Many companies are willing to hire entry-level specialists in order to train and develop them to the required level. This creates additional pressure on employers, forcing them to compete for higher budgets, similar to the situation with rising oil prices. In an increasingly competitive labor market, employers are seeking to attract talented candidates by offering them attractive terms. This not only ensures qualified personnel but also helps strengthen their market position.

To attract qualified specialists, it is important to understand what trade-offs you are willing to consider. This may include flexible work schedules, increased salaries, or offering additional bonuses and benefits. It's also worth considering remote work opportunities and professional skill development. Working conditions must be competitive to attract talent who can make a meaningful contribution to your company. Discussing and being willing to negotiate with potential candidates is also key to successfully attracting highly qualified specialists. Compromises that could negatively impact the company are pointless. Concessions are not an effective solution. Ultimately, such actions can lead to serious problems for the business. It's better to focus on strategies that ensure long-term stability and growth. Many programmers choose a fully remote work environment, avoiding the need to visit the office. This is not a problem for our team, as a significant portion of our employees are already successfully working remotely. This approach allows us to attract talented professionals from around the world and provides flexibility in work, which positively impacts team productivity and satisfaction.

Last year, our team spent the winter months in the south, and this is truly part of our strategy to attract highly qualified specialists. We believe that creating a comfortable working environment and the opportunity to work in a pleasant climate contribute to increased productivity and attracting talent. This practice allows us not only to improve working conditions but also to build team spirit, which ultimately reflects in our performance.

We offer a unique service that includes organizing housing, transfers, and support with adaptation to a new location. Last year, despite the pandemic, we sent employees to Sochi, where the winter climate proved attractive for work. All our employees were delighted with this opportunity.

Top Telegram Channels for Product Management

This list contains the best Telegram channels that will help you expand your knowledge in product management. These resources offer up-to-date information, helpful tips, and practical advice for professionals and beginners in the field. By subscribing to these channels, you can stay up-to-date on the latest trends and techniques, as well as gain access to valuable materials that will help you in your career as a product manager.

I regularly unsubscribe from channels as I prefer to read on the go. However, there are several channels that I keep in my subscription list on a regular basis.

• https://t.me/forbesrussia - current business news and trends.
• https://t.me/banksta - informative insights of an informal nature.
• https://t.me/product_weekdays - the channel of Anna, a leading product manager at Avito, which is worth your attention.
• https://t.me/moneyhack - a channel with deep but useful materials on finance.
• https://t.me/epicgrowth - short and useful notes on product management.
• https://t.me/d2decisions - a resource on unit economics and business decision-making.
• https://t.me/miroengineering - insights from the Miro team, interesting and Educational.
• https://t.me/kgrbnv — Kirill's channel, which inspires with its format and presentation.
• https://t.me/ilya_krasinsky — Krasinsky always pleases with a lot of useful materials.
• https://t.me/proproduct — Anya's channel, one of the first I subscribed to to broaden my horizons.
• https://t.me/betternotworse — a provocative channel that raises unconventional questions.

Where to look for people for a product management team?

Finding qualified product managers can be a challenging task. There are several effective ways to find the right candidates. Start by using professional platforms like LinkedIn, where you can not only post vacancies but also actively search for specialists with the right skills.

You should also consider specialized job boards that post product management job postings. Participating in industry conferences and events provides an opportunity to meet potential candidates in an informal setting.

Don't forget about internal recruiting: perhaps your company already has employees who could make excellent product managers. Conducting training courses and workshops can also help develop suitable specialists from among your employees.

Furthermore, it's worth establishing partnerships with universities and business schools, offering internships for students who want to develop in this field. This will not only help you find talented employees but also create a positive image of your company among future professionals.

Thus, by combining various approaches, you can effectively find and attract the right people to your product management team.

I recommend using a variety of channels to search for vacancies and staying up-to-date with current offers. One of the most effective resources is the Telegram channel for product specialists: https://t.me/jobs_for_products. This platform provides the latest job postings and allows you to quickly find positions of interest.

Reading in your free time is a great way to relax and expand your horizons. There are several recommendations that will help make this process more engaging and useful.

First, choose books that genuinely interest you. This could be fiction, non-fiction, or biographies of famous people. It is important that reading brings pleasure and inspiration.

Second, determine a comfortable time and place for reading. Find a cozy corner where you won't be distracted, and set a regular reading time. This will help develop a habit and set aside time to immerse yourself in a book.

Third, don't limit yourself to one genre. Experiment with different styles and genres to diversify your experience and discover new passions.

It's also worth keeping a reading journal where you can record your thoughts on the books you've read, your impressions, and recommendations. This will not only help you remember the information better but will also be an excellent resource for future reading choices.

Finally, share your discoveries with friends or on social media. Discussing books can enrich your perception and open new horizons in literature. Reading is not only an individual process, but also an opportunity to communicate and exchange opinions.

• https://t.me/temno - I appreciate original thoughts and style of presentation.
• https://t.me/tinkoffjournal - a similar format that I really like.
• https://t.me/Le_kinzhal - a simple but engaging format.
• https://t.me/wespeakenghere - a unique microchannel with English memes from one of the students I worked with. Updates are rare, but the content is of excellent quality.