Hamilton Hindin Greene (HHG) has been a mainstay of New Zealand’s financial advisory landscape for over 125 years. The firm is synonymous with personalised client service, a legacy built squarely on trust.
As its Chief Executive Officer, Ian Perry, puts it, being long-established doesn’t mean being stuck in the past.
“Although we’re an old firm with traditional values, we’re absolutely up to date when it comes to communication, trading tech and cybersecurity. We have to be – it’s a matter of trust.”
As an NZX share broker and licensed financial adviser regulated by both the FMA and NZX, HHG must meet strict standards for privacy, compliance and security. When its IT systems began showing their age, it turned to CodeBlue to modernise operations without compromising the core values that define it.
Why modernisation became business-critical
Until recently, HHG relied on an off-site physical server and VPN-based access – a setup that worked for a time but was becoming outdated and unreliable.
Remote work was clunky, with email attachments and password-protected documents creating friction. The infrastructure was nearing the end of its life, and cybersecurity threats were becoming more sophisticated and frequent.
The firm was at a crossroads: invest in new physical infrastructure or transition to an entirely cloud-based solution.
“Replacing the server might’ve worked short-term, but everyone we consulted said the same thing – Modern Workplace was the gold standard.”
A secure, cloud-first foundation
Working closely with HHG’s leadership, CodeBlue designed and delivered a comprehensive transition to Microsoft Modern Workplace, replacing legacy infrastructure with a secure, scalable, cloud-based environment.
This involved migrating decades of sensitive financial and HR data, redesigning folder structures and file permissions, introducing single sign-on and multi-factor authentication, deploying advanced cybersecurity layers that included daily monitoring and threat protection, and laying the groundwork for generative AI with Microsoft Copilot.
The firm’s internal architecture was also restructured, replacing it with high-performance Windows 11 workstations, and all user devices were enrolled in Intune.
“We’ve gone from not knowing what we were doing to having the tools to take control of our destiny.”
Tangible improvements, lasting value
By retiring its server and moving to a cloud-first model, HHG reallocated IT spend to modern devices and secure platforms, reducing risk and enhancing productivity.
“We’ll never need to buy physical servers again,” Ian says.
The firm now benefits from improved remote access, faster disaster recovery and lower support costs—saving over $2,000 per month on infrastructure and backups.
Security built in, not bolted on
As a financial firm, HHG faces constant cyber threats – phishing, whaling and denial-of-service attacks are part of its everyday reality. And because sharebrokers often can’t access affordable cyber insurance, prevention is essential.
“We’re in the firing line every day. As a financial organisation with access to client funds, we get targeted constantly.”
The Microsoft Modern Workplace solution delivered layered, enterprise-grade protection, far beyond what the old systems could support. Key upgrades included role-based access via Entra and SharePoint, endpoint protection, geo-restrictions, blocked legacy authentication, and data loss prevention and retention policies for compliance.
“We used to protect individual files with passwords. Now, our SharePoint structure gives us confidence – and it meets legislative expectations.”
Culture change, not just tech change
Transforming the infrastructure was only half the job – getting people on board was just as important.
“The biggest fear was training,” Ian explains. “Some people had been here a long time and weren’t used to change.”
CodeBlue stepped up again, providing SharePoint training, device deployment support and clear user guides. The combination of deep technical expertise and strong relationship support made all the difference.
“Donald [our tech lead] is brilliant. He knows more about our systems than anyone. And we’ve got an account manager too – having both technical and relationship support has been invaluable.”
More collaboration – in and out of the office
Before the shift, HHG relied heavily on email attachments and manual file handling, which created risks related to duplication, outdated versions and data leaks.
Now, collaboration is more straightforward and secure. Documents are co-edited in SharePoint, permissions are structured, and attachments are used far less frequently.
Even remote collaboration has improved, with Microsoft Teams enabling quick file sharing and seamless messaging – tools the firm didn’t have before.
Ready for the future, powered by AI
This project didn’t just solve today’s problem – it also laid the foundation for what’s next. With structured data and modern platforms in place, the team is now exploring how AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot can enhance productivity and improve consistency across advisory services.
Rather than using AI as a novelty, HHG views it as a means to elevate its client service further, while also improving operational efficiency.
Trusted support from start to finish
CodeBlue was a trusted guide at every step – from planning and implementation to post-go-live support – and liaised with the firm’s third-party vendors to ensure a smooth transition.
Nearly two years after going live, HHG’s relationship with CodeBlue remains a cornerstone of its IT strategy. Regular check-ins and quarterly reviews provide opportunities to continually refine its approach and maintain sharp, compliant systems in an ever-evolving landscape.
Modernised and future-ready
From server-based risk to cloud-based control, HHG’s journey is a powerful example of how even the most established organisations can transform – without losing what makes them unique.
With a trusted IT partner in CodeBlue, Ian says HHG has not only secured its operations but also empowered its people, strengthened client trust, and created a platform for future growth.
