When it comes to registry transformation, few names carry as much respect as Cora Victorino. With over 25 years of experience working across multiple continents, Cora has helped shape the modern registry landscape as a strategic consultant, solution architect, and trusted partner to governments around the world.
Cora is more than just an expert. She’s a trailblazer. Starting her career as the only female developer in her team and quickly rising through the ranks, she has been at the forefront of digital transformation projects in jurisdictions as diverse as New Zealand, Tonga, Malaysia, Lesotho, Canada, and Namibia. Her deep understanding of legislative frameworks, her collaborative style, and her tireless commitment to delivering public value have made her a go-to leader in complex implementations.
As Foster Moore’s Director of Business Consulting, Cora brings a rare combination of technical expertise, policy insight, and people-first leadership. She has walked in the shoes of both vendors and government officials, having worked inside MBIE, and knows how to navigate the delicate balance between innovation, compliance, and public trust.
In this profile, we sit down with Cora to explore her journey, the lessons she has learned from working face to face with registry leaders around the globe, and what excites her most about the future of government technology.
Q & A with Cora Victorino:
You’ve worked with registries all over the world; how did your journey into the world of registries begin?
My registry journey began in 1998, when I re-entered the workforce after having my second child. I started as a developer at a company called Jarin (which would later become Foster Moore) working on New Zealand’s Intellectual Property Office register. It was a small, tight-knit team, and my role quickly expanded, from developer to business analyst on the newly legislated Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR). That project ignited my passion for registries and government transformation. I’ve been on this path ever since.
What drew you to join Foster Moore, and what has kept you excited about your work here over the years?
What excites me about Foster Moore is that we’re always building something new. I've always been part of the implementation team, working on new legislation, new technology, and new ways to serve the business community and the public in general. That sense of creating something meaningful, something that impacts people’s lives, is what keeps me motivated. Every project feels like a shared achievement, a celebration of problem-solving and innovation.
At some point in your career, you worked at MBIE. How did that government experience help you understand customers’ needs and expectations?
Working at MBIE gave me a whole new appreciation for what happens on the other side. I saw how different internal teams, from communications to customer support, are affected by system changes. It made me much more aware of the ripple effects of implementation decisions. For example, something as “simple” as an email template becomes critical when it reaches thousands of users. That experience helped me deeply understand the importance of clarity, consistency, and public-facing impact.
How would you describe the impact of Foster Moore’s work on the global registry landscape?
I truly believe we’re delivering a public service. Registers are foundational to trust in government and business, and we help make them efficient, secure, and accessible. Whether it’s enabling entrepreneurs or supporting corporate transparency, our work goes beyond software, it enables opportunity, trust, and good governance worldwide.
You’ve had a front-row seat to major digital transformation projects; what’s one that stands out as especially meaningful to you?
The PPSR register in New Zealand is close to my heart. It was my first full end-to-end registry project, fully online 24x7 and introduced government-to-business (G2B) services in its first implementation. It went live at midnight, a real "flip the switch" moment. The sense of pride and accomplishment was incredible. The Ministry also won a technology award for the register, which validated the hard work and innovation the whole team put in.
You’ve travelled extensively as part of your role; what’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned from working face to face with registry leaders around the world?
No matter where you go, registry leaders are deeply committed public servants. Their dedication to creating registers that serve citizens and businesses is inspiring. Whether it's a major economy or a small island nation, the goal is the same: to build something reliable, accessible, and future-proof.
How does seeing registries operate in different countries influence your consulting approach?
It reminds me that context is everything. Each jurisdiction has its own legislation, legacy processes, and unique challenges. My job is to listen, understand, and tailor our approach to fit, not force a one-size-fits-all solution. Being face-to-face allows for that nuance, and it helps build trust.
Is there a particular moment during your travels that perfectly captures the value of in-person collaboration in this field?
Absolutely. In Lesotho, I worked on an initiative where one of the goals was to empower women in business by giving them access to credit to fund their cottage industries. Their passion for public service and social impact really resonated with me. It reminded me that these projects aren’t just about systems, they’re about people.
Joel Foster and Cora Victorino at CRF 2009 in South Africa with other delegates
What are some of the common challenges registry operators face globally, and how can we help them overcome those?
One of the biggest challenges is staying compliant with international standards, particularly around beneficial ownership and anti-money laundering (AML) requirements. Falling short can mean being greylisted or blacklisted, which impacts everything from foreign investment to national reputation. We help by building solutions that meet global compliance needs while also being adaptable to local legislative requirements.
What emerging technologies or trends are you most excited about in the registry and government tech space right now?
Identity verification for officeholders is a game-changer. The rise of digital identity will ensure that only real, verifiable individuals can manage or direct businesses. I’m also excited about the potential of AI and robotic process automation to reduce manual work, improve compliance, and help registrars make better decisions through data analysis and trend monitoring.
What advice would you give to someone in our company just entering the world of business consulting or registry modernization?
Do your homework. Learn the legislation, study the forms, and understand your client's business context. A lot of information is public, take advantage of that - be prepared before meeting new clients. And just as importantly, know our product. Our value comes from bridging the two: understanding the customer and understanding what we can offer.
Looking ahead, what changes or innovations do you hope to see in registries over the next 5–10 years?
I’d love to see wider adoption of AI-driven business intelligence tools. These will allow registry operators to make more informed decisions, spot anomalies, and better serve the public. I also hope to see digital identity become the norm, giving citizens and businesses more secure, streamlined access to services.
What do you love most about being part of Foster Moore’s mission to help governments embrace digital transformation?
I love that we are part of something bigger, something that makes a tangible difference. We’re not just delivering systems; we’re enabling public services that improve people’s lives, from small businesses to major corporations globally. That sense of purpose is what drives me every day.
If you weren’t working in registries and consulting, what career path might you have taken instead?
I'd still be in IT, I love problem-solving and logical thinking. But perhaps I’d be working in telecommunications. It’s another field where technology is constantly evolving and impacting people on a massive scale.
What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you outside of work?
I’m a volunteer crew member on the Ted Ashby, a heritage scow at the New Zealand Maritime Museum. I knew nothing about sailing when I started, but now I spend every other Saturday out on the water, helping passengers and enjoying the camaraderie with the crew. It’s a beautiful way to meet new people, stay active, and give back.
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Cora’s story is a powerful reminder that successful registry transformation isn’t just about technology. It’s about people who understand the purpose, policies that guide the process, and platforms that bring it all to life. At the heart of every modern registry is the ability to connect these elements, and leaders like Cora make that possible.