About

Since 2019

About Scott McCarthy

I’m Scott McCarthy, founder of SM Consulting. I started as a software developer in western North Dakota, then spent about two decades leading software development teams internationally, on technology initiatives in financial services, retail, and health care.

Since 2019, SM Consulting has helped community banks and other regulated businesses make technology decisions that hold up to examiners, auditors, and insurers. When you hire SM Consulting, you work directly with me.

A Builder’s Mindset

Most consultants advise. I build. Over the past five years I’ve designed and shipped production applications across mobile, desktop, and web, including Elevated Fishing, an app that runs its AI entirely on the device, and a custom legislative data platform used for policy research. When I recommend a technology direction, it’s grounded in doing the work.

Bank-Grade Discipline

Community banks are some of the most scrutinized technology buyers anywhere. Every vendor, policy, and system has to stand up to an examiner. That means documenting decisions, questioning vendor claims, and planning for the audit before it happens. I bring that discipline to every client, whether you’re a bank, a clinic, or a growing company with sensitive data.

Rooted in Bismarck

I’m based in Bismarck and speak publicly on cybersecurity. I work with clients in person across North Dakota and remotely anywhere else.