Build vs. Buy: The Investment Management System Showdown

Organised by National Wealth Fund

In the high-stakes world of digital transformation, one question keeps returning to the stand: should we build, or should we buy?

This Leeds Digital Festival, you’re summoned to the courtroom for a dynamic and entertaining debate as we put Build vs. Buy on trial with a focus on investment management systems.

Hear from a powerhouse panel featuring experts from the National Wealth Fund & Microsoft, bringing sharp insights across procurement, cybersecurity, AI and IT operations. With deep, hands-on experience in digital transformation, enterprise risk, and technology strategy, they’ll take the stand to present compelling arguments and real-world perspectives in our courtroom-style debate.

Will the custom-built, tailor-made solution win the jury over with promises of flexibility and competitive edge? Or will the off-the-shelf, proven platforms seal the case with scalability, and lower risk?

Step into our courtroom drama:

  • Prosecution (Buy) and Defence (Build) teams will present their case, call expert witnesses, and cross-examine each other’s evidence.
  • As our audience, you will play the jury; you’ll deliberate and cast your verdict at the end of the session.
  • Expect hot takes, real-world insights, and a few surprises from our legal themed format.

Key Topics on Trial:

  • Time to market vs. long-term scalability;
  • Customisation and control vs. vendor reliability;
  • Cost and risks of development vs. total cost of ownership; Integration challenges and futureproofing

Join us for a session that’s anything but ordinary where logic battles legacy, agility faces assurance, and YOU hold the final verdict.

This event is aimed at: Tech leaders, Digital transformation strategists, Investment professionals, Product managers, and architects, and curious minds interested in innovation and digital decision-making.

Speakers Include:

Innovation, Fintech, Cyber Security
23rd Sep 2025
6:00pm - 7:30pm
Organised by National Wealth Fund
2 Whitehall Quay, Leeds, LS1 4HR
Physical
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