CTO · Chief AI Officer · Strategic Advisor

Philip BreenPhD

Practical AI. Real business impact.

I partner with trading firms, fintechs, and crypto companies to unlock the practical value of AI for their businesses. My expertise centres on addressing complex challenges: modernising systems, developing robust data infrastructure, and empowering engineering teams to accelerate delivery without compromising quality.

London, UK · EU AI-first · Trading & Fintech · Data Platforms Open to advisory & board roles
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Philip Breen, PhD — CTO, Chief AI Officer and Strategic Advisor

About

Technical leadership at the intersection of finance, AI and research.

I advise trading firms, asset managers, fintechs, and crypto companies on technology and AI strategy, often serving as a fractional CTO or board member. My experience spans leading technology and AI transformation for global trading firms and asset managers — delivering robust data platforms, modern trading systems, and measurable business results.

With a PhD in Applied and Computational Mathematics, a CQF, and publications in leading venues, I combine deep technical expertise with a proven track record of building high-performance, production-grade systems that drive commercial value.

Advisory

How I can help

From fast, fixed-scope diagnostics to ongoing fractional leadership — engagements that move from insight to execution.

Discovery & Diagnostics

Short, fixed-scope engagements — land quickly, demonstrate value, and open the door to deeper work.

  • AI Strategy Review

    Assess where AI can create real P&L impact across trading, research and operations.

    Output: prioritised roadmap, use-case ROI, and build-vs-buy recommendations.

  • AI Adoption & Readiness Audit

    Evaluate data quality, infrastructure, team capability and model-lifecycle maturity.

    Output: gap analysis and an execution plan to become AI-native.

  • Trading Technology & Architecture Review

    Deep dive into trading systems, latency bottlenecks, data flows and scalability constraints.

    Output: target architecture and a modernisation plan.

  • Data Platform & Analytics Assessment

    Review data pipelines, storage, observability and research workflows.

    Output: blueprint for a scalable, research-friendly data platform.

  • Engineering Organisation & Delivery Review

    Assess team structure, hiring, SDLC and execution velocity.

    Output: a plan to build a high-performance, AI-capable engineering org.

Strategy & Transformation

Mid-term engagements — moving from diagnosis into design and early execution.

  • AI Transformation Programme Design

    Define the operating model, tooling, governance and roadmap for AI adoption across the business.

  • Trading Platform Modernisation

    Redesign legacy trading or risk systems into scalable, cloud-native architectures with integrated AI capabilities.

  • Data & Research Platform Build-out

    Design and oversee implementation of unified data platforms for quant research, backtesting and production.

  • AI Use-Case Incubation

    Identify, prototype and validate high-impact AI/ML use cases — alpha generation, execution optimisation, risk and more.

Fractional Leadership

Ongoing, hands-on leadership — my core engagement.

  • Fractional CTO

    Own technology strategy, architecture and engineering execution — scaling systems, teams and delivery.

  • Fractional CAIO / Head of AI

    Define and drive AI strategy, the model lifecycle, and integration into trading and decision systems.

  • Fractional Head of Engineering

    Build and manage engineering teams, improve delivery velocity, and implement best practices.

  • Technical Advisor to CEO / Board

    Independent oversight on technology decisions, vendor selection and strategic direction.

Career

Companies I’ve worked with

A selection of organisations across proprietary trading, asset management, fintech and research.

Full career history on LinkedIn.

Research

Research & publications

I hold a PhD in Applied & Computational Mathematics from the University of Edinburgh, where I also spent three years as a postdoctoral researcher. My peer-reviewed work spans machine learning, numerical methods and applied statistics.

  • Newton vs the Machine: Solving the chaotic three-body problem using deep neural networks

    P. G. Breen, C. N. Foley et al. — MNRAS

    Featured in New Scientist and Live Science.

  • Black Box Probabilistic Numerics

    O. Teymur et al. — NeurIPS 2022

  • Fast and efficient co-localization algorithm for identifying shared genetic risk factors across numerous traits

    C. N. Foley, J. R. Staley, P. G. Breen et al. — Nature Communications

Full list on Google Scholar.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What types of businesses do you work with?

I primarily work with trading firms, asset managers, fintechs, and crypto businesses that demand measurable results from their technology and AI investments. My clients are organisations where technology is mission-critical — where performance, reliability, and engineering excellence directly impact the bottom line. I also welcome opportunities to partner with companies in other sectors where technology and AI are business-critical, and where my expertise can deliver meaningful impact.

What is the difference between advisory and fractional leadership?

Advisory is focused, high-impact guidance — delivering strategy, reviews, and actionable roadmaps you can execute. Fractional leadership is hands-on: I step into CTO, CAIO, or Head of Engineering roles to drive strategy, architecture, and delivery as part of your team. Advisory sets direction; fractional leadership ensures execution.

How do your discovery reviews work?

Discovery reviews are focused, outcome-oriented assessments designed to provide rapid clarity and actionable recommendations. For example, an AI Strategy Review typically takes just a few weeks and delivers a clear evaluation of your current AI capabilities, data and infrastructure readiness, and the most promising use cases for your business. You receive a concise, executive-level report and presentation outlining a prioritised roadmap, ROI estimates, and concrete next steps — whether that’s a deeper assessment, fractional engagement, or direct delivery project.

Can you work alongside our existing engineering and leadership teams?

Absolutely. I don’t replace teams — I elevate them. I integrate seamlessly with existing engineers, quant researchers, or technology leaders, filling capability gaps, raising standards, and accelerating delivery. I’ve partnered with global asset managers and trading firms to help internal teams deliver faster while maintaining the highest quality.

Do you offer fixed-scope engagements and retained support?

Yes, I offer both. Fixed-scope engagements include discovery reviews, strategy projects, and targeted delivery work with clear timelines and outcomes. Retained support covers ongoing fractional CTO/CAIO roles and advisory partnerships, giving you the flexibility to start small and scale our collaboration as your needs evolve.

How do you handle confidentiality and sensitive data?

Confidentiality is fundamental to my work. I operate under strict NDAs and GDPR-compliant data handling, ensuring all client strategies, data, and proprietary systems remain secure. I never reuse or share code, models, or sensitive information, and I can work within your environment and adhere to your security policies as required.

Contact

Let’s talk about what you’re building and how to make it better.

Available for advisory, fractional CTO/CAIO and board engagements. The best way to reach me is by email or LinkedIn.

Email me LinkedIn Google Scholar