Senior development · AI-augmented delivery
The judgment of a senior engineer.
The speed of AI.
Bespoke software from an engineer with 10+ years in fintech and an ongoing enterprise platform at Universal Music Group. I use AI agents where they create real value — and build the controls that keep them safe.
James Drummond · Credit Suisse · JP Morgan · Universal Music Group (since 2021)
AI lets anyone generate code.
Experience decides whether it works.
The sweet spot isn't choosing between a seasoned senior and a fast AI-powered shop. It's getting both — from the same person.
What I do
Built for complex projects.
Shipped at startup speed.
Services aimed at growth-stage companies and established businesses where getting it right matters — and where experience is the difference between shipping and rebuilding.
Bespoke software development
Full-stack web applications and SaaS products, from first commit to production. TypeScript, Node.js, React, Next.js, and the modern ecosystem — built to last.
AI & agentic workflow consulting
Show your team where AI tools and agentic workflows can cut weeks off delivery. Practical, opinionated advice from someone using these tools every day in production.
Architecture & technical strategy
Review existing systems, plan new ones, and de-risk the hard decisions. The perspective of someone who has built at every scale — from solo SaaS to enterprise.
Rapid prototypes & MVPs
Get to something real in weeks, not quarters. AI-augmented development makes lean feasibility work and validated MVPs dramatically more affordable.
The quality of a senior team.
The cost and speed of a lean one.
Reliable software, delivered faster than traditional agencies — without the inexperience that usually comes with a lower price tag.
About me
Over a decade building software that had to work.
I'm James Drummond, a senior full-stack developer. I spent over ten years in fintech, security cleared, building software for Credit Suisse, JP Morgan and UK government agencies. Since 2021 I've worked with Universal Music Group on a deal-management and accounting platform that processes over a billion transactions a month.
Along the way I was lead front-end developer at allsaints.com, built the front end of a card-trading game used by Premier League clubs with one of London's top design studios, and founded and sold my own SaaS product, Smoothbook. I now combine that judgment with agentic AI workflows, and completed Johns Hopkins University's Agentic Engineering program in 2026.
Track record
Software that actually shipped.
Not side projects. Real systems, used by real customers, at real scale.
Credit Suisse & JP Morgan
Over a decade building software for the London financial sector, with clients including Credit Suisse and JP Morgan. Compliance, data handling, and systems that simply cannot fail.
Universal Music Group
Deal-management and accounting platform for one of the world's largest music companies, processing over a billion transactions a month. Working with the team at Ingrooves (now Virgin Music Group) since 2021.
UK government agencies
Security cleared to deliver software for various UK government agencies alongside financial-services clients. Used to working where confidentiality and auditability are non-negotiable.
Smoothbook.co
Online appointment system for yoga and fitness studios that I founded, scaled and exited. 120,000+ monthly bookings and USD $100,000+/month in transactions for studios worldwide. Acquired by a US company in 2024.
AllSaints
Two years in fashion tech, including lead front-end developer on allsaints.com — 1 million+ unique monthly visitors and frequent sales days over £1M.
Top London design studios
Front end for a blockchain-based card-trading game used by Premier League football clubs, built with one of London's leading design studios.
Got a project that has to be done right?
If you're building something that matters — or exploring where AI and agentic workflows could transform your business — let's have a conversation.
Working with teams across the US, Canada, UK and Europe