Today's businesses heavily depend on information technology (IT) as a critical component for seamless and uninterrupted operations. IT services have become essential in managing and protecting crucial data, which drives innovation and enhances efficiency. System Holdings is a team of fintech experts that assist businesses in the UK market in leveraging the advantages of emerging technologies. System Holdings focuses on understanding the challenges that businesses aim to address and identifies the obstacles hindering their progress. They harness the potential of cutting-edge and emerging technologies, such as AI and NLP, to develop innovative solutions that effectively overcome these barriers. By tailoring their approach to each client's specific needs, System Holdings helps businesses advance to the next level and achieve their objectives with the power of modern technology. In their approach, System Holdings prioritizes simplifying people's lives through various aspects, including functionality, ease of implementation, and cost-effectiveness.

This dedication allows businesses of all scales to enhance their agility and reduce expenses. System Holdings operates through its trading companies, Xpert Technologies, a software company and Salhan Accountants, a financial service company. Salhan Accountants is efficiently optimizing financial and business management procedures for SMEs throughout the UK, while award-winning Xpert Technologies is recognized for its technological innovations and outstanding customer service. System Holdings' commitment to facilitating operations and delivering value resonates across its offerings. Dr. Anjulika Salhan, as the Managing Director of System Holdings, has been the guiding force behind the organization, consistently delivering top-notch services to its customers. During a personal interview, Dr. Anjulika Salhan provided insights and a comprehensive overview of the industry's workings, shedding light on its contributions to the technology sector.

Can you recount the pivotal years of your life that molded you as an individual? What were some significant early influences that shaped who you are today?

I was born in a small place in Bihar, India, and my family was progressive in supporting women's education. My mother was the first female in our extended family to complete her master's degree. Sadly, I lost both my parents at a young age, which deeply impacted me. I was motivated to succeed from a very young age and challenge gender stereotypes in Indian culture. Mathematics came naturally to me, and I pursued my master's from Delhi IIT. The competitive environment in IIT taught me the value of striving for excellence. Despite facing challenges as a woman pursuing mathematics, I remained determined to break barriers and succeed in my chosen field. Life of French Mathematician Sophie Germain (April 1776- June 1831) had a deep impact on me. She was a prolific mathematician and besides her outstanding work many areas of mathematics, her best work was on Fermat’s last theorem.

Despite Germain's intellectual achievements, her death certificate lists her as a property holder not a mathematician But her work was not unappreciated by everyone. When the matter of honorary degrees came up at the University of Göttingen in 1837—six years after Germain's death—Gauss, another very famous Mathematician lamented: "she [Germain] proved to the world that even a woman can accomplish something worthwhile in the most rigorous and abstract of the sciences and for that reason would well have deserved an honorary degree Such historical examples highlight the obstacles women faced in mathematics because of societal perceptions and biases.

Introduce us to System Holdings and Salhan Accountants. What are the focus areas of the aforementioned companies?

I am deeply involved with System Holdings, working closely with Xpert Technologies and Salhan Accountants. Our main emphasis lies in seamlessly integrating technology into our services. One of our key goals is to ensure that our offerings are both affordable and accessible, providing businesses with top-quality advice and software without putting them under financial strain. Over the years, I have dedicated a significant amount of time and effort to creating efficient systems and innovative software solutions. As a result, System Holdings has gained considerable attention in the market, particularly due to our ability to provide software licenses to SMEs along with their accountancy services.

Could you shed some light on the significant business challenges you face as the primary leader of System Holdings? How do you effectively address and overcome these obstacles?

As the primary leader of System Holdings, I have encountered significant challenges, particularly when it comes to serving the SME market, especially micro-businesses. These businesses often face enormous challenges due to their limited resources and lack of knowledge about available services. To address this, I made it a priority to provide comprehensive solutions and support to our clients. One successful example is a market trader we supported from the beginning. Through our services and guidance, the trader expanded their business and now sells 60,000 lines worldwide through eBay and Amazon. Our aim has always been to offer a full solution for small businesses, guiding them through the process and providing essential tools and software. The biggest challenge was helping micro-businesses understand their needs and providing them with the right solutions. This led to the inception of Xpert Technologies, where we could handhold clients and offer cloud-based accounting, HR, and invoice processing software free of cost. Analytics was another challenge, as it is often seen as a service only for large businesses with dedicated teams. To overcome this, I devised a system that automated analytics using APIs and cloud-based technology, enabling us to provide analytics at no cost, effortlessly to thousands of clients on a regular basis.

What are your key areas of expertise as a leader in fintech?

As a leader in the FinTech sector, my main focus lies in catering to micro and small businesses within the SME market through System Holdings. The daily challenges our clients face drive me to devise inventive solutions that simplify their business operations. Utilizing my technocratic skills, mathematical prowess, and my experience in technology, I am committed to creating tailored and efficient solutions. Our approach revolves around enhancing functionality, ensuring seamless implementation, and maximizing cost-effectiveness to make our clients' lives easier. By combining technical expertise with a profound understanding of the business landscape, we empower our clients to make informed decisions and navigate the complexities of the modern business world. As we continue to expand our presence in the SME market, our unwavering dedication to delivering value and driving positive change remains constant, shaping the future of FinTech and benefiting businesses globally.

"Utilizing my technocratic skills, mathematical prowess, & my experience in technology, i am committed to creating tailored & efficient solutions"

Share insights on the significant lessons you've garnered during your extensive experience of over 25 years in the technology and software development industry.

Over the course of my 25+ years in the technology and software development sector, I've gained valuable insights, one of which stands out as a crucial lesson. While technology undoubtedly offers immense potential and transformative capabilities, it also has the power to create disparities. Those equipped with the knowledge and skills to harness its full potential can propel themselves to new heights, enjoying enhanced opportunities and prosperity. On the contrary, individuals lacking these abilities often find themselves left behind, struggling to keep up with the rapid advancements and opportunities that technology brings. Moreover, cost considerations add another layer of complexity, making technology inaccessible for many. Drawing from my extensive experience working with diverse businesses, from multinational giants to small owner-operated enterprises, I have come to embrace a resolute mission: to democratize technology. It is imperative that technology becomes available and attainable for all, regardless of their background or financial standing, fostering an inclusive and empowered society where everyone can thrive through the transformative power of technology.

In your opinion what defines you as a leader? What is your success mantra?

My success mantra stems from my background as a mathematician, where I firmly believe that every problem has a solution, and my determination lies in finding the best possible solution. As a leader, I prioritize being well-versed in various aspects, ranging from core accountancy to technology, operations, and market dynamics, all while adapting quickly to a constantly changing environment. I maintain a sympathetic and collaborative approach, viewing myself as part of the team, working together towards common success. Thoroughness and strategic thinking define my work, enabling the growth of our business from its humble beginnings to its current size. I am unafraid to stand alone and make tough decisions when necessary.

Dr. Anjulika Salhan, Managing Director, System Holdings

Dr. Anjulika Salhan is a fintech entrepreneur and a double recipient of the English Women's Award. Since 1996, she has been pioneering advancements in technology and software development. With a background in mathematics, she holds the prestigious title of Fellow of the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA) & is recognized as a Chartered Mathematician & Chartered Scientist.