Taiwo Olori, a Product Quality Assurance Engineer with extensive experience in online marketplaces, fintech, and mobility tech, plays a pivotal role in ensuring that products are reliable, secure, and user-friendly. With a background that blends product management and quality assurance, Olori ensures that technology not only meets high standards but also addresses the practical needs of underserved communities. In this interview with BONews Service, Olori speaks about the role of product quality assurance in driving fintech innovation.
Can you tell us your name and your current role in the technology space?
My name is Taiwo Olori and i am currently working as a Product Quality Assurance Engineer with years of experience in online marketplaces, fintech and mobility tech. My primary focus is making sure the products are reliable and meet the required standards before they are released.
Tell us who the Product Quality Assurance Engineer is.
This is a combination of Product and QA. A Product Manager is like a captain steering a ship. They guide a product from the idea stage to when it’s ready for customers to use. For example, imagine a product manager at a company like Uber. Their job might be figuring out how to make the app easier for drivers to accept ride requests faster. They talk to users, gather feedback, and decide what features should be added next.
QA Engineer on the other hand tests the product to make sure it works correctly and does what it’s supposed to. Think of someone testing a new video game. A QA engineer plays the game in different ways to see if it crashes or glitches. The goal is to ensure everything runs smoothly and the users have a great experience.
The combination of these roles has given me a comprehensive view of both quality and innovation.
How long have you been working as a Quality Assurance Engineer, and what motivated you to pursue it as a career??
I began testing software in 2017, although my official role wasn’t that of a software tester or QA engineer. Testing became part of my responsibilities, as I was tasked with reviewing new features, bug fixes, and various other tasks. Professionally, I transitioned into formal testing in 2021 when I led the development of an online real estate platform. In that project, I balanced roles as the Growth Manager, assisting with product development, and the Quality Assurance Engineer. So, I’d say I’ve been testing professionally for four years, but unprofessionally for about three years prior.
What motivated me to pursue Product Quality Assurance Engineering started early in my career. I’ve always had a knack for spotting issues—some might say I’m a critic, but in a positive way, as I like things to be done correctly. During those early years, I often worked in online marketplaces where I indirectly performed testing without realising it was a distinct role. It wasn’t until later that I became aware of the dedicated roles of Software Testers and QA Engineers.
What does your role contribute to the technology ecosystem?
Let’s look at it from this perspective: if you are a bank customer, agent, or merchant in the payment space, your main concern is accessing funds and performing smooth transactions on mobile and web apps. You also care deeply about the security of your funds. This is where the role of a Quality Assurance Engineer becomes vital. Software testing ensures that products are stable, secure, and efficient. As a QA Engineer, I rigorously test these systems to prevent failures that could lead to business losses or bad user experiences. My contribution lies in delivering high-quality, bug-free products for users. It’s essential to recognize the critical role of QA in the technology ecosystem, ensuring that technology functions as expected. Without thorough testing, products might not meet user expectations.
How do you use your position as a software tester to influence technological development and ensure products are both user-friendly and cutting-edge?
My role as a software tester allows me to provide valuable feedback on usability and functionality. I focus on the user’s perspective when testing products, ensuring that they are not only functional but also intuitive and user-friendly. I also stay informed about new technologies that can improve product performance or introduce new features. By actively collaborating with developers and product managers, I can suggest improvements that make the product cutting-edge while remaining user-centred.
As someone deeply involved in fintech, what challenges have you faced in improving financial inclusion, and how has technology played a role in overcoming these challenges?
Access remains a significant barrier to financial inclusion, especially for individuals without smartphones or internet access. In many regions, underserved populations are constrained by these limitations. With access to banking and payment apps, technology provides crucial support to small businesses, even within semi-literate families. Moreover, we’ve developed apps that function well under poor or unstable network conditions. By integrating third-party KYC, we’ve ensured the process remains secure without overcomplicating it for users. This streamlined approach has significantly expanded financial access for low-income earners.
Your work in QA and product management has spanned significant projects. What are some of the most impactful technologies or innovations you’ve been a part of?
One project that stands out is the Virtual Account feature. It was designed to help merchants and agents receive funds directly into their wallets. The way it works is that each merchant or agent is assigned a virtual account number linked to their wallet. When a customer transfers funds to this virtual account, it automatically moves into the merchant’s wallet. This provides an alternative to the traditional withdrawal method using bank cards. It adds convenience for customers and flexibility for the merchants.
Another project is Transfer Autosweep, designed to automatically sweep merchant funds at scheduled intervals, eliminating the need for manual transfers. This solution transformed how merchants moved their funds daily, making it easier to transfer from their wallet to other destinations.
The fintech landscape is rapidly evolving. What trends do you see shaping the future of financial services, especially in emerging markets?
“I believe open banking will lead the next wave of fintech innovation. It gives users more control over their data and enables collaboration between fintechs and banks. AI is another trend that will transform fraud detection and personalization, which is crucial for emerging markets. Together, these technologies will drive a more tailored and secure user experience. Emerging markets stand to benefit the most from this, as they are uniquely positioned to adopt these innovations at scale.”
Many of your projects involve solutions for underserved communities. How do you balance innovation with the practical needs of low and medium-income earners?
“It’s about keeping the user at the centre of every decision. We know that not everyone has access to the latest technology, so whatever feature is being designed should be accessible and usable by both users who use a smartphone and feature phones. By focusing on simplicity and accessibility, we’re able to innovate while ensuring that no one is left behind.”
Collaboration is key in technology. How do you foster a team culture that drives innovation and meets the dynamic needs of the market?
“Collaboration starts with creating an environment where every team member feels heard. I lead cross-functional teams to ensure that different perspectives shape our solutions. We encourage continuous feedback, which fosters rapid innovation and improvement. Regular workshops and feedback loops keep the team aligned with both market needs and our long-term goals. I am also part of a cross-functional team which is being led by someone depending on where i find myself either as a Product Manager or a Quality Assurance Engineer.
What advice would you give to young professionals aiming to make an impact in the technology sector, particularly in software quality assurance?
My advice would be to embrace continuous learning and adaptability. Technology changes rapidly, and the only way to stay relevant is to keep learning.
What legacy do you hope to leave in the technology field through your work as a software tester?
I hope to leave a legacy of innovation and quality in software testing. My goal is to advance the legacy of ensuring that software testing is recognised as an integral part of the development process. I want to be remembered as someone who pushed boundaries, embraced new technologies, and contributed to creating reliable, user-friendly products. I hope to inspire the next generation of testers to innovate and strive for excellence in quality assurance.