Best Fractional CFOs for Financial Services Companies

Best Fractional CFOs for Financial Services Companies

Fractional CFO Services for Financial Services Companies
In today’s rapidly evolving financial landscape, clarity, control, and confidence are no longer luxuries — they’re imperatives. Across major financial hubs from New York to London, Dubai to Singapore, financial services firms are discovering a new way to lead with precision: Fractional CFOs.
These financial strategists bring the vision of a full-time Chief Financial Officer, but with the flexibility and cost-efficiency that modern businesses demand. Whether guiding a boutique wealth management firm, a fintech startup, or an investment advisory practice, Fractional CFOs help translate complex numbers into growth strategies — steering balance sheets, investors, and operations toward sustainable success.
At Digital Reference, we celebrate the leaders who are quietly transforming how financial services companies scale. We recognize that fractional leadership isn’t just a trend — it’s the future of executive collaboration. Through our global research, we’ve found that the best Fractional CFOs blend financial mastery with emotional intelligence, bringing structure to uncertainty and confidence to growth.
Our Methodology: How We Selected These Financial Services Fractional CFOs
Selecting the right Fractional CFO isn’t about who has the fanciest title — it’s about strategic fit. At Digital Reference, our evaluation process combines research depth, qualitative analysis, and client validation.
Here’s how we curate our global list of financial leaders:
🔍 Rigorous Research: We examine each professional’s track record, from capital management to financial forecasting, fundraising, M&A, and operational restructuring.
💬 Client Testimonials & Case Studies: We assess tangible results — from improving liquidity ratios to optimizing financial reporting systems — ensuring their success stories are measurable.
📈 Sector-Specific Expertise: Each featured CFO has extensive experience in financial services, fintech, or investment sectors, often serving as the bridge between compliance and creativity.
🌍 Global Perspective: Our professionals represent diverse markets — North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East — offering multi-regional expertise for a globalized economy.
This list is not a ranking. It’s a curated showcase of excellence — professionals redefining how financial services firms manage growth, risk, and return.
🌟 Meet the Fractional CFOs Shaping Global Financial Services
Below are the visionary leaders steering financial innovation with precision, creativity, and trust.
♦️ Sam McQuade
Founder & CEO, Panterra Finance
🔗 LinkedIn
Sam McQuade, founder of Panterra Finance, has earned global recognition as one of the most insightful Fractional CFOs serving finance-oriented enterprises. With a strong background in private equity, corporate treasury, and financial strategy, Sam partners with companies to build frameworks that foster scalability and stability.
✨ Highlights:
💡 Created modular CFO programs for fintech startups expanding into cross-border markets.
📊 Led multi-currency cash-flow optimization projects improving liquidity efficiency by 40%.
🚀 Guided strategic fundraising initiatives for venture-backed financial technology firms.
Sam’s hallmark is his global mindset. He doesn’t just implement financial controls — he designs systems that help financial firms pivot confidently in volatile markets. His team at Panterra Finance has worked with firms across Europe, the Middle East, and North America, offering solutions that balance compliance with innovation.
♦️ Lowell Mora
Founder & Managing Partner, Impact CFO
🔗 LinkedIn
Lowell Mora brings over two decades of expertise in fractional financial leadership and corporate transformation. At Impact CFO, Lowell’s mission is to deliver CFO-level insight to growing firms that need structure without overhead.
✨ Highlights:
🧭 Developed advanced forecasting frameworks that helped financial advisory firms scale efficiently.
💬 Mentored finance directors on capital efficiency, regulatory reporting, and stakeholder alignment.
🌱 Known for embedding sustainability metrics into financial decision-making for ESG-minded firms.
Lowell’s philosophy centers on transparency and education — empowering leaders to own their numbers. His fractional model has been instrumental for investment advisory and asset-management clients across the U.S.
♦️ Jen Nalli, CPA
Fractional CFO, DeLuca Financial Services
🔗 LinkedIn
Jen Nalli, CPA, blends deep accounting discipline with modern fractional CFO leadership. At DeLuca Financial Services, she helps financial service providers streamline accounting systems, optimize reporting, and prepare for strategic growth.
✨ Highlights:
💡 Overhauled multi-entity consolidation systems for regional investment firms.
📈 Implemented advanced budget-variance analytics, reducing errors by 25%.
💬 Regularly advises boards on aligning capital allocation with growth priorities.
Jen’s methodical approach and CPA-backed precision make her indispensable to firms seeking stability and scale simultaneously.
♦️ Travis McCullough, CFP®, MST
Principal & Founder, Forthright Financial Services
🔗 LinkedIn
Travis McCullough’s career bridges finance strategy, taxation, and wealth management. As the founder of Forthright Financial Services, Travis is known for guiding advisory firms and asset managers through periods of rapid expansion.
✨ Highlights:
🧠 Developed scalable profit frameworks for multi-advisor financial firms.
📊 Created data-driven dashboards to unify accounting and performance analytics.
🤝 Serves as a trusted advisor for M&A integration in boutique investment groups.
Travis’s “financial forthrightness” philosophy is both his brand and his guiding principle — transparency, data-based decisions, and proactive planning.
♦️ Michelle Jreige, CPA
Founder, Jreige Management Group
🔗 LinkedIn
Michelle Jreige, CPA, leads The Jreige Group, a consultancy that provides fractional CFO services, accounting modernization, and financial process automation. With a background in public accounting and corporate leadership, Michelle helps financial organizations adopt agile frameworks that balance control with creativity.
✨ Highlights:
💬 Built comprehensive fractional finance systems for private credit firms.
⚙️ Implemented AI-enabled audit prep workflows reducing cycle times by 35%.
💡 Spearheaded financial transformation programs in high-growth fintech startups.
Michelle’s reputation is built on precision and partnership — her firm serves as an extension of her clients’ leadership teams, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and foresight.
♦️ Ted Davis
Fractional CFO, Financial and Accounting Expert at Escalon Services, Inc.
With over a decade of fractional finance leadership, Ted Davis is a seasoned advisor specializing in financial services firms. He founded and leads his own outsourced-CFO practice (formerly operating under the name Black Ridge Accounting Group, LLC).
✨ Highlights:
💡 Built a scalable “CFO-as-a-service” model that supports finance firms and investment advisors without the overhead of a full-time CFO.
📊 Designed and implemented capital-efficiency and ROI-tracking frameworks for advisory and wealth-management businesses.
🧭 Guides teams in aligning finance operations with strategic business goals — especially helping firms interpret their numbers and use them to drive decisions.
Ted’s approach is characterized by his clarity of communication and practical leadership style, making complex financial systems accessible for executives and boards alike.
♦️ Andy Cottle
Founder & CFO Consultant, Fractional On Demand
🔗 LinkedIn
Andy Cottle is redefining the CFO-on-demand model through his consultancy, Fractional On Demand. With a foundation in both finance and technology, Andy builds systems that allow firms to transition smoothly into real-time financial intelligence.
✨ Highlights:
🚀 Developed modular finance automation systems for payment and banking startups.
💡 Specializes in building scalable finance stacks integrating AI forecasting tools.
📈 Known for helping investment firms modernize financial reporting structures.
Andy’s forward-looking mindset makes him one of the most tech-savvy CFO consultants in the market today.
♦️ Stephen Park
Fractional CFO and Senior Account Manager at West to East Business Solutions
🔗 LinkedIn
Stephen Park’s strength lies in bridging corporate finance and strategic vision. At West to East LLC, he advises financial institutions and wealth management companies on fiscal governance, profitability, and organizational design.
✨ Highlights:
💬 Implemented integrated accounting systems for investment firms operating across borders.
🧭 Expert in scenario-based financial planning and risk mitigation.
📈 Helps executives adopt “finance as a growth lever” strategies rather than cost centers.
Stephen’s mix of analytical thinking and strategic empathy empowers organizations to make smarter, faster, and more confident financial decisions.
♦️ Matt Johnston
Fractional Chief Financial Officer, CEO & Founder, ILA Global
🔗 LinkedIn
As a partner at ILA Global, Matt Johnston provides fractional financial strategy for global financial service providers. His background includes overseeing mergers, cash-flow strategy, and compliance frameworks across multiple jurisdictions.
✨ Highlights:
💡 Guided firms through multi-country financial system integration.
🚀 Streamlined treasury operations for fintech companies.
🧩 Known for aligning finance operations with brand expansion goals.
Matt’s global perspective and strategic thinking make him a trusted guide for financial companies navigating international complexity.
♦️ Keith Griggs
Chartered Accountant, Fractional CFO and Founder, Redbox Financial
🔗 LinkedIn
Keith Griggs, founder of Redbox Financial, has become a household name among UK-based financial professionals seeking agile CFO solutions. With decades of experience in finance, technology, and business transformation, Keith combines deep analytical rigor with entrepreneurial foresight.
✨ Highlights:
📊 Developed advanced risk-management frameworks for wealth advisory firms.
🧠 Introduced fractional CFO programs tailored to small-cap fintech companies.
🚀 Regularly contributes thought leadership on CFO innovation and governance.
Keith’s global client portfolio and calm, strategic leadership style make him a top-tier advisor for modern finance leaders.
♦️ Emily Kessler
Strategic Financial Executive and Fractional CFO & COO at The RMZ Group
🔗 LinkedIn
Emily Kessler is a dynamic financial strategist who blends analytical precision with people-centric leadership. As a global Fractional CFO and Strategic Advisor, she partners with early-stage finance firms and investment collectives to build resilient structures for scaling.
✨ Highlights:
💬 Advises emerging funds on cash-flow management and investor reporting.
🌱 Known for sustainable growth planning and KPI alignment.
🚀 Helps transform financial data into actionable storytelling for stakeholders.
Emily’s human-centered approach ensures that every number reflects both purpose and progress.
♦️ Chase Andrews
Partner, CFO Consultant, Harborcreek Financial
🔗 LinkedIn
Chase Andrews brings a wealth of knowledge in financial planning and strategic growth. Through Harborcreek Financial, he supports advisory firms in improving efficiency and navigating expansion phases.
✨ Highlights:
📊 Designed cash-flow analytics systems to improve decision-making.
💡 Specializes in optimizing profitability for boutique investment advisors.
🧭 Known for integrating business development insights with financial planning.
Chase’s balance of precision and entrepreneurial energy makes him a sought-after partner for financial firms poised for growth.
♦️ Martin Neall
Fractional CFO and Founder, Fintech Connex
🔗 LinkedIn
Martin Neall is the visionary behind Fintech Connex, a platform that unites finance experts and technology innovators. As a Fractional CFO, Martin brings a strategic lens to fintech scaling, capital allocation, and compliance integration.
✨ Highlights:
🚀 Designed CFO-as-a-Service models tailored for digital finance startups.
🧠 Expert in building investor relations frameworks for scaling fintechs.
💬 Frequent speaker on cross-border financial innovation and collaboration.
Martin’s rare combination of technical insight and strategic storytelling makes him one of the leading minds in global financial transformation.
♦️ Ana Marques
Fractional CFO & Strategic Finance Advisor
🔗 LinkedIn
Ana Marques stands out as a cross-border finance strategist known for her work with international financial consultancies and fintech accelerators. Her fractional CFO services focus on long-term sustainability and financial storytelling that resonates with investors.
✨ Highlights:
💬 Advised European fintechs on navigating complex funding ecosystems.
📈 Developed financial models that supported Series-A fundraising efforts.
🌍 Known for promoting diversity and governance in global financial leadership.
Ana’s empathetic leadership and ability to simplify financial complexity have made her a trusted partner to finance innovators worldwide.
Final Thoughts: How Fractional CFOs Are Transforming Global Finance
In a world where agility drives advantage, Fractional CFOs have become the architects of modern financial leadership. From streamlining reporting systems to guiding cross-border capital strategy, these professionals prove that excellence doesn’t need to come in full-time packages — it can be fractional, focused, and transformative.
At Digital Reference, we champion this new era of executive collaboration. Our mission is to help financial institutions and advisory firms discover the right consultants — leaders who bring clarity, accountability, and growth to every balance sheet they touch.
If you’re looking to explore more curated insights, check out our latest features:
Because at Digital Reference, we believe great leadership isn’t hired — it’s discovered. And the right Fractional CFO doesn’t just manage your numbers — they help you write your next chapter of growth.
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