Azure Virtual Desktop
Full desktop virtualisation for a remote-first financial services team. Work from anywhere on any device with centralised management, enhanced security, and complete data sovereignty—enabling true flexibility without compromising compliance.
Remote Work Without Compromising Compliance
This FCA-regulated financial services firm had embraced remote working but was struggling with the security and compliance implications. Staff were using a mix of personal and company devices, VPN access was inconsistent, and there was no central control over how client data was being accessed.
Their compliance officer was increasingly concerned about the lack of visibility. With sensitive financial data being accessed from home networks and personal devices, they couldn't demonstrate the controls their regulator expected.
Key challenges:
- Staff working from home on personal devices with no corporate management
- Sensitive client data potentially being stored on uncontrolled machines
- VPN unreliable—staff bypassing it to use web-based tools
- No ability to audit data access or enforce DLP policies
- FCA expectations around operational resilience and data security
- Recruitment limited by geographic location despite remote capability
They needed a solution that would let staff work from anywhere while keeping all data centralised and controlled.
Desktop Virtualisation with Azure Virtual Desktop
We implemented Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD), giving every user a full Windows desktop running in the Azure UK South datacentre. Users connect from any device—work laptop, home PC, tablet, or even their phone—and get a consistent, secure desktop experience.
Any Device, Same Desktop
Users connect via a thin client, browser, or native app. Their desktop, applications, and files are always the same regardless of which device they use.
Data Never Leaves the Cloud
Client data stays in the Azure UK datacentre. Only screen pixels travel to the user's device—nothing is stored locally.
Centralised Management
All desktops managed from a single console. Deploy applications, enforce policies, and patch systems without touching individual machines.
True BYOD
Staff can use personal devices without IT needing to manage them. The corporate environment is completely isolated from the personal device.
Implementation included:
- AVD host pools deployed in Azure UK South region
- FSLogix profile containers for seamless user experience
- Conditional Access requiring MFA and compliant connection
- Session recording capability for compliance
- DLP policies preventing data exfiltration
- Integration with existing line-of-business applications
- Multi-monitor support for power users
- Print redirection for necessary local printing
Flexibility Meets Compliance
The firm now has complete flexibility in how and where their team works, while maintaining—and exceeding—their compliance obligations. Their regulator is satisfied, their staff are happier, and they've expanded their recruitment pool nationally.
Work Anywhere
Any location, any device
FCA Compliant
Audit-ready controls
National Hiring
No location limits
Zero Local Data
Nothing on devices
"We've gone from worrying about what data might be on staff laptops to knowing that everything is centralised and controlled. Our team loves the flexibility—they can work from anywhere and it just works. The compliance team finally sleeps at night."
— Managing Director, Financial Services FirmThe solution also improved their business continuity posture. When a staff member's laptop failed, they simply logged into AVD from another device and continued working immediately. No data lost, no downtime, no emergency hardware purchase.
Want True Remote Working Flexibility?
Azure Virtual Desktop lets your team work from anywhere while keeping data centralised and secure. Let's explore if it's right for you.