Pros
I have been working for Lab49 for nearly 2 years, but I feel like I have gained many more years' worth of experience in terms of learning about capital markets and modern product / project management and development best practices. Lab49 places an enormous emphasis on quality over quantity from a recruiting perspective, and as a result you are surrounded by incredibly talented and motivated individuals (which can be quite humbling on day one). One of the biggest challenges that consulting firms face is establishing a methodology that allows for *just enough* standardization and consistency across projects from inception through completion, while acknowledging that different clients invariably have different needs and constraints. Lab49 has made impressive strides in this regard. It's easy to talk about Agile in a vacuum, but actually applying it in a context that gives clients the certainty they need is where Lab49 truly differentiates itself. In support of this, there are formally established and empowered "practices" within the company which enables the firm to divide and conquer in terms of honing its methodology.
Cons
Many marquee organizations in finance / capital markets are a bit more behind the curve in terms of technology adoption than some would feel comfortable with, but this creates opportunities for Lab49 to educate and advocate for process improvements and establish itself as a "trusted advisor" in this regard. This can be a bit of an uphill battle at times, admittedly. All globally-distributed firms face challenges in creating and sustaining a consistent overarching culture beyond locale-specific dynamics, but this is a recognized challenge that Lab49 makes continued and conscious efforts to solve.