Operations Professionals: Insights & Resources

Best Fractional COOs for Financial Services Companies

Ryan Stevens
October 27, 2025
All Insights
Operations Professionals: Insights & Resources

Best Fractional COOs for Financial Services Companies

Fractional COO Services for Financial Services Companies

Financial services is a fast-evolving industry where operational excellence can make or break a firm. From banks and investment firms to fintech startups and credit unions, operational strategy drives everything from regulatory compliance to customer satisfaction. Fractional COOs bring the experience of full-time operational executives but with the flexibility and cost-efficiency that smaller or scaling organizations need.

Cities with thriving financial sectors—like New York, Chicago, London, and Singapore—are shaped by operational leaders who ensure that firms run efficiently while meeting regulatory and strategic demands. A Fractional COO can streamline workflows, optimize back-office functions, and integrate operational strategy with business growth initiatives.

At Digital Reference, our curated list of Fractional COOs is the result of careful research, validation, and evaluation. Our methodology ensures that only the most experienced, effective, and accessible professionals are featured.

Our Methodology for Selecting FinServ Fractional COOs

At Digital Reference, we take a thorough approach to curating top-tier Fractional COOs for financial services companies. Selecting the right operational leadership is critical for maintaining efficiency, compliance, and strategic alignment.

Our methodology includes:

  • Comprehensive Research: Reviewing LinkedIn profiles, professional websites, and verified client case studies to understand expertise and accomplishments.
  • Verification of Achievements: Confirming experience, career milestones, and industry impact.
  • Industry Relevance: Prioritizing professionals with operational experience in banking, fintech, investment management, or related financial services.
  • Measurable Impact: Evaluating results delivered—workflow optimization, compliance enhancements, process automation, and strategic initiatives.
  • Local Accessibility: Highlighting professionals located in or servicing key financial hubs to ensure accessibility for consultation or onsite engagement.
  • Strategic Alignment: Assessing ability to integrate operations with overall business strategy, compliance, and long-term growth objectives.

This process ensures our curated Fractional COOs provide real, verifiable value to financial services organizations.

🌟 Spotlight on Fractional COOs for Financial Services Companies

♦️ Kyle Fields, PhD

CEO & Fractional COO, ScaleUpExec
🔗 LinkedIn | 🌐 Website

Kyle Fields leverages his deep operational expertise to optimize workflows and strategic processes for financial services firms. He focuses on scaling operations, enhancing compliance, and integrating technology to streamline service delivery.

📊 Expert in operational strategy for banks, fintechs, and investment firms

💡 Advisor on process automation and compliance frameworks

🌱 Helps organizations scale efficiently while minimizing operational risks


♦️ John Plescia, CPA, MBA

Fractional CFO & COO
🔗 LinkedIn

John Plescia combines accounting and operational expertise to provide actionable insights for financial services companies. His CPA and MBA credentials allow him to connect operations with strategic financial outcomes.

📊 Streamlines back-office operations and financial reporting

💼 Experience in regulatory compliance and risk mitigation

🌟 Focused on process optimization and cost efficiency

♦️ Anne White

Founder & CEO, Impact Lab
🔗 LinkedIn | 🌐 Website

Anne White brings operational leadership to growing fintech and financial services startups. She specializes in aligning operations with business strategy and customer experience.

📊 Expertise in operational scaling and team alignment

💡 Focus on process optimization and strategic execution

🌱 Supports fintechs in implementing efficient workflows

♦️ Charisse Guzman

Founder & CEO, Islas Consulting LLC
🔗 LinkedIn | 🌐 Website

Charisse Guzman has a proven track record in operational strategy and efficiency for financial services organizations. She emphasizes process improvement, workflow automation, and operational scalability.

📊 Specializes in operational strategy for financial firms

💼 Advisor for compliance, process redesign, and team alignment

🌟 Helps companies optimize operations while reducing costs

♦️ Melissa Franks

Founder, On Call COO
🔗 LinkedIn | 🌐 Website

Melissa Franks focuses on strategic operations for financial services organizations, helping teams implement scalable processes and operational metrics to support growth.

📊 Expert in workflow optimization and operational KPIs

💡 Advisor on strategic execution and compliance

🌱 Supports mid-sized firms and startups in scaling efficiently

♦️ Trena V. Stubbs

CEO, Apex Virtual Solutions
🔗 LinkedIn | 🌐 Website

Trena Stubbs specializes in operational leadership for financial service companies. She emphasizes process efficiency, team alignment, and operational strategy integration.

📊 Expert in process improvement and workflow automation

💼 Focus on scaling operations and strategic execution

🌟 Advisor for compliance and operational risk management

♦️ Jessica Lee

Fractional COO, Founder & CEO, Optimized Execs, LLC
🔗 LinkedIn | 🌐 Website

Jessica Lee brings expertise in operations and strategy to financial service startups and established firms. She focuses on scaling operations, integrating technology, and improving efficiency.

📊 Expertise in operational strategy and process optimization

💡 Advisor on team alignment and workflow automation

🌱 Helps firms implement scalable operations and metrics

♦️ Michael Hammond

Fractional Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer
🔗 LinkedIn

Michael Hammond provides operational leadership and strategic oversight for financial services organizations. He focuses on operational efficiency, process improvement, and compliance management.

📊 Specializes in operational planning and workflow optimization

💼 Advisor for risk management and regulatory compliance

🌟 Supports firms in scaling efficiently and sustainably

♦️ Andre Botha

Fractional COO
🔗 LinkedIn

Andre Botha helps financial services firms streamline operations, integrate strategic planning, and improve team performance.

📊 Expertise in operational scalability and workflow optimization

💡 Advisor on process redesign and operational KPIs

🌱 Focused on sustainable growth and efficiency

♦️ Brendan Ryan

Owner & Fractional COO, BZU Consulting
🔗 LinkedIn | 🌐 Website

Brendan Ryan delivers operational strategy and process optimization to financial services organizations. He specializes in aligning operations with business objectives for growth.

📊 Expert in operational efficiency and compliance

💡 Advisor for strategic execution and team alignment

🌱 Focused on process optimization and measurable results

♦️ Lucy Bulley

Fractional COO
🔗 LinkedIn | 🌐 Website

Lucy Bulley brings fractional operational leadership to fintech and banking organizations, helping them streamline workflows and improve efficiency.

📊 Expert in operational strategy and process improvement

💼 Focus on team alignment and workflow automation

🌟 Advisor for compliance and scalable operations

♦️ Michelle Benson

Founder & Principal, ClearPath Leadership Partners
🔗 LinkedIn | 🌐 Website

Michelle Benson specializes in operational leadership for financial service organizations, helping firms optimize processes and improve team efficiency.

📊 Expertise in operational strategy and workflow optimization

💡 Advisor on compliance and process redesign

🌱 Focused on scaling operations efficiently

♦️ Samantha Nehra

Fractional COO, PsycheDHD
🔗 LinkedIn | 🌐 Website

Samantha Nehra delivers operational strategy and process optimization to financial and health-related service organizations.

📊 Expert in operational efficiency and strategic execution

💼 Advisor for workflow optimization and compliance

🌟 Focused on operational scalability and results

♦️ Kevin Morgan

Fractional COO
🔗 LinkedIn | 🌐 Website

Kevin Morgan helps financial services firms align operations with strategy, optimize workflows, and improve organizational efficiency.

📊 Expertise in process redesign and operational KPIs

💡 Advisor on compliance and strategic execution

🌱 Supports growth and operational efficiency

♦️ Roy Cooke

Managing Partner, Ganmain Partners
🔗 LinkedIn | 🌐 Website

Roy Cooke specializes in operational leadership for financial services companies. He focuses on scaling operations, aligning teams, and improving compliance and efficiency.

📊 Expert in operational planning and process optimization

💼 Advisor for team alignment and workflow efficiency

🌟 Focused on sustainable operational growth

Why These Financial Services Fractional COOs Stand Out

Each professional featured brings measurable results and expertise in operations, compliance, and strategic execution for financial services companies. They help firms navigate complex regulations, optimize workflows, and scale efficiently.

At Digital Reference, we showcase verified professionals to make connecting with top-tier Fractional COOs simple. Our platform emphasizes structured data, transparency, and authenticity, helping firms discover operational leaders who bring real, verifiable value.

Looking for more resources? Don’t miss our guide to:

By leveraging our curated network, financial services companies gain access to professionals who combine strategic insight with hands-on execution—ensuring operational excellence, compliance, and sustainable growth.

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