From security gaps to certification: A FinTech’s rapid ISO 27001 transformation
The Client
A fast-growing UK-based FinTech company was scaling rapidly and gaining traction with large enterprise customers. However, with growth came new challenges. Enterprise prospects were asking for formal security assurance, but the company’s internal controls were inconsistent, documentation was scattered, and responding to security questionnaires was slowing down sales cycles.
At the same time, the company was managing cyber risk reactively. With limited visibility of threats, ad-hoc patching, and minimal incident readiness, the leadership team knew they needed a more structured, sustainable approach to security.
They turned to Bruce & Butler (HLB UK) to design and implement a certified Information Security Management System (ISMS) under ISO 27001:2022, while also developing a pragmatic cyber security support model that could evolve with the business.
The Assignment
Together, we set out with five clear objectives:
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Achieve ISO 27001 certification on the first attempt within six months.
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Reduce material information security risk within a defined, documented appetite.
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Streamline enterprise procurement cycles through a reusable assurance “evidence pack.”
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Strengthen core cybersecurity practices and improve incident readiness.
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Build internal capability to maintain and continuously improve without heavy reliance on consultants.
Our approach began with a two-week discovery and gap analysis, mapping people, processes and technology to the ISO 27001 standard and the client’s business objectives. Together with senior leadership, we defined the scope and risk appetite, built an asset register and data map, and established the foundation for risk treatment.
We also developed a tailored policy suite, a Statement of Applicability, and a 12-month control roadmap prioritising practical quick wins: enforcing MFA, tightening privileged access, hardening endpoints, strengthening backups, and improving logging and alerting for critical systems.
Alongside the certification journey, we implemented supplier due diligence, change and access reviews, and aligned business continuity and disaster recovery with achievable recovery objectives. To embed good governance, we introduced an ISMS steering group with clear ownership, regular metrics, and management review cycles.
As part of our ongoing cybersecurity provision, we delivered an ‘always on’ support programme that included continuous vulnerability scanning, annual penetration testing, phishing simulations, and incident response playbooks with tabletop exercises. We also provided a simple, visual risk and KPI dashboard to give the board real-time insight into security posture and performance.
The Value We Created
The result was immediate and measurable. The client achieved ISO 27001 certification on their first attempt, with zero major nonconformities and only minor observations—all closed within agreed timelines. The new evidence pack significantly reduced the time and effort required to respond to enterprise assurance requests, helping to accelerate sales cycles.
Operationally, improved controls around identity, patching, and endpoint protection reduced high-risk vulnerabilities, while phishing simulations showed tangible improvement in staff awareness. Alert rationalisation and playbook adoption shortened average triage time and improved incident response confidence.
More importantly, the company now treats information security as an ongoing business system, not a one-off project. The governance rhythm, ownership model, and live risk register ensure the ISMS remains embedded in daily operations. Metrics feed into regular reviews, supplier assurance is repeatable, and teams are equipped to maintain documentation and audits independently.
As their Chief Operations Officer shared:
“What impressed us most was how practical and pragmatic the approach was. Bruce & Butler (HLB UK) didn’t just ‘get us certified’; they built a rhythm we can sustain, with clear ownership, measurable evidence our execs actually use. We’ve sped up enterprise onboarding and feel materially safer day to day.”
For their customers, this means faster onboarding, clearer contractual confidence, and assurance that the services they rely on are supported by strong, sustainable controls.
At HLB, we believe that true value comes not just from achieving compliance, but from embedding resilience that helps businesses grow with confidence.
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