About MTF
MTF is a New Zealand-owned lender that has been supporting Kiwis since 1970. Through a nationwide network of 55 franchises, MTF provides a full range of finance options - from vehicles and personal loans to mortgages and small-to-medium business lending. Renowned for its strong community roots, MTF blends face-to-face service with digital convenience to deliver finance that’s fast, flexible, and easy to manage.
The visibility challenge
MTF’s IT leadership recognised a challenge common to many organisations on their cloud journey: technical teams specialise in ensuring functionality and performance, while financial leaders focus on cost management and business priorities. Without a shared view, it can be difficult to connect deployment decisions with their financial impact and ensure cloud resources are being used efficiently.
“The reality is technical teams aren’t typically equipped to evaluate the cost implications of their deployment decisions, nor do they always have the time to optimise them,” explains our cloud cost optimisation specialist. “On the other side, cost approvers often lack the technical depthto confidently challenge whether the most efficient choices have been made.”
MTF needed a solution to bridge this gap – one that offered clear visibility into cloud spending while keeping their Azure environment optimised for both performance and cost-efficiency.
“Cost control is a core part of our cloud operating model, and our partnership with System Advisory Services has been the key to keeping our costs under budget from day one,” says MTF Chief Technology OfficerDan Wilkinson. “At a time when our cloud footprint has grown significantly, this is an achievement we’re especially proud of.”
A partnership approach to ongoing optimisation
Systems Advisory Services introduced an ongoing Cloud Cost Optimisation service that provides MTF with comprehensive visibility into Azure spending. Instead of a one-off consultation, this service provides continuous monitoring, tailored optimisation recommendations, and regular reporting reinforced by monthly strategic meetings.
The approach is deliberately non-disruptive: we analyse existing deployments and identify the most cost-effective ways to achieve MTF's objectives without altering established architectures or workflows. This ensures business continuity while maximising cost efficiency.
Our team acts as a technical translator, helping MTF's leadership understand the cost implications of different deployment options and ensuring that when higher-cost solutions are selected, there is clear business justification behind the decision.
"What makes this work is the blend of technical expertise and commercial nous that System Advisory Services brings to the table,” says Dan. “Our technology leaders are held accountable for the costs they incur, with proactive advice on where optimisation is possible. The monthly cadence means we can spot changes early on and act quickly to contain any emerging increases."
Key outcomes and ongoing value
The service has delivered significant measurable cost savings for MTF, but just as importantly, it has provided something invaluable: confidence and clarity in cloud spending decisions. With complete visibility into Azure costs, MTF’s leadership can make informed choices about future investments. Through monthly engagement, cost optimisation stays front and centre as the business evolves and cloud usage grows – ensuring it remains a continuous priority rather than an afterthought.
One standout result for MTF has been three consecutive months of cost reduction, achieved during a period that also included major build activity, AI agent deployment, and significant data warehouse growth. This outcome highlights the effectiveness of the optimisation approach, proving costs can be reduced even amid rapid expansion and innovation.
The power of executive engagement
A key lesson from MTF's engagement is the transformative impact of executive involvement in cloud cost discussions. Dedicating even thirty minutes a month to cost optimisation creates a powerful shift in how efficiently cloud spending is managed.
"Executive involvement, even just half an hour a month, is a game changer for cost," notes our specialist. "My role is to act as a mediator, ensuring both technical and financial stakeholders are aligned and confident in the decisions being made.”
This ongoing partnership model demonstrates cloud cost optimisation is not a one-off, but a strategic capability that becomes increasingly valuable as organisations scale their cloud operations.
Through this collaborative approach, MTF has turned cloud cost management from a challenge into a strategic advantage - supporting continued growth with confidence in their technology investments.
