Should You Build or Buy? Navigating the Challenges of In-House Development vs. Partnering

The “build versus buy” decision is a critical choice for any CTO or business leader, especially in the fast-evolving technology space. In this video, industry experts weigh in on the complexities of deciding when to develop technology in-house and when to rely on trusted partners. The conversation delves into the benefits of buying off-the-shelf solutions for commoditized services while maintaining flexibility for custom-built solutions where unique value can be added.

Through analogies like Formula One, the video explores how businesses can differentiate themselves by combining both strategies — buying the core functionality that’s already proven and building on top of it to create a competitive edge. The hybrid approach emphasizes the need for agility in a rapidly changing market, where technology investments must be continually evaluated to maintain resilience and scalability.

One often-overlooked element of the “build vs. buy” debate is the total cost of ownership. Beyond the initial build, maintaining custom-built software comes with significant ongoing costs — from updates to regulatory compliance. In financial services, where system resilience is key, this becomes an even more important factor to consider when making the decision.