Core Capabilities
Topanga Consulting delivers high levels of growth in the Fintech space by bridging the gap of understanding and execution across two axes: First, by building and updating product strategies with an eye on how they can be successfully executed within the capabilities of the organization and versus competition. Secondly, by effectively partnering with technology teams to clearly communicate, and drive execution of, a product roadmap built on analytical-based approaches to understanding the consumer, market and internal stakeholder needs.
Industry Focus
Industry expert level of knowledge in the following product areas through P&L, product or program ownership leadership across multiple firms:
- Alternative Financial Services for the underbanked including international remittance, prepaid products, check cashing, bill pay and cash payments
- Payments including cryptocurrencies, P2P, closed loop/gift cards, wallets, disbursements and credit cards
- In-person payment technologies including kiosks, ATMs and in-person cash payments
- Technology contracting and outsourcing
Additional experience leading teams for the following product areas
- Retail banking (deposits, debit, lending, branch management)
- Small business credit cards
- Ecommerce
- Marketplaces
- Retail POS integrations
- Digital-Out-Of-Home (DOOH) advertising networks
- P&C Insurance
Function Focus
Industry expert level of knowledge in the following functional areas:
- Product Management
- Program Management
- Strategy
- Business/Client/Partner Development in the fintech industry
- P&L Ownership
Additional experience leading teams in the following functions:
- Marketing
- Technology
- Analytics/Analysis/Machine Learning
- Finance/Accounting
- Supply Chain/Sourcing
- Front & Back Office Operations
Example Projects/Engagements
Given the above expertise and background, below is a sampling of the type of Fintech consulting projects we deliver:
Fractional Chief Product Officer/Head of Product
- Provide part-time work to build/create/grow a product organization
- Gain the expertise of a veteran Fintech product leader without the full cost
- Build detailed product strategies and roadmaps, hire and build a team, mentor and guide teams and work output
- Create a transition strategy to turn over to a full-time internal lead as budgets and team maturity enable
Product Market Studies & Strategies
- Analyze market, strategic and capability fit and market size of potential new markets, products or product extensions
- Perform in-depth market studies
- Manage consumer research studies
- Recommend product roadmaps/approaches
- Buy vs build analysis
Partnership Development
- Leverage two decades of contacts in the Fintech space to identify potential product / company partners
- Establish relationships and partnership approaches
- Negotiate contracts
Business Development/Client Engagement
- Contract business development partner to grow sales, establish partners, and/or identify M&A targets
- Contract work to build and establish deep relationships with clients before turning over to staff
- Negotiate contracts
Product Organization and Process Reviews
- Review internal structure of product teams
- Make recommendations on how to build-out and structure product and program execution teams
- Recommend and help implement hiring, organization and process improvements
- Establish an Agile development process
Program Management
- Drive implementation of special programs/large projects
- Establish program structure and team recommendations including governance, KPI’s and project plan structure
- Identify and source contract technology partners