As the founder of CircleCI and the current CTO of Griffin, a newly UK-licensed bank, Allen Rohner brought a unique perspective, drawing from his extensive experience in both startups and large-scale enterprises.
His presentation, titled “Breaking the Bank with Contract Testing,” explored the intricacies of automated testing, a critical component in the development of reliable software systems, especially in highly regulated industries like banking. Allen introduced a generative testing tool called test.contract, which is designed to streamline and enhance the process of contract testing. This tool facilitates the verification that different parts of a system interact correctly, ensuring that changes in one area do not inadvertently break functionality elsewhere.
However, Allen’s talk went beyond the technical aspects of the tool. He emphasized the importance of aligning different parts of a codebase with appropriate testing strategies. In a landscape where automated testing is crucial for maintaining the integrity and security of financial systems, Allen argued that understanding the trade-offs involved in various testing approaches is essential. He explored how the philosophy of testing has evolved, reflecting on how developers can make informed decisions that balance speed, efficiency, and reliability.
His insights were particularly interesting in the context of Griffin’s journey, as building a new bank from the ground up involves navigating complex regulatory requirements while delivering innovative solutions. Allen’s talk was not just about introducing a new tool, but about fostering a deeper understanding of how to approach testing in a way that supports the broader goals of the business, especially in the high-stakes world of fintech.
Access Allen’s slides here.
