Credit unions · fintechs · CUSOs · founders
Woods Strategy Advisors works with credit union executives building innovation functions, fintechs scaling into the credit union market, credit unions launching CUSOs and foundations, and founders seeking go-to-market support in cooperative finance.
Strategy. Innovation. Partnerships. Impact.
From building innovation teams inside credit unions to helping fintechs crack the credit union market. Blake Woods brings rare dual-sided experience to the work that matters most.
Who I Work With
For credit union leaders
Whether you're standing up an innovation team, modernizing your product strategy, or launching a new line of business, Blake helps you design the structure, governance, and systems to make innovation real, not just a pilot program that fades out.
For fintechs & growth companies
The credit union ecosystem rewards patience, trust, and the right positioning. Blake has navigated it from both sides, helping fintechs sharpen their value proposition, build the right relationships, and convert more of the right credit union partners.
For credit unions building CUSOs & foundations
Blake has founded and operated a CUSO and brings end-to-end advisory for organizations exploring or launching CUSOs and foundations, from business model design and governance structure through capitalization strategy and market launch.
For founders & startup leaders
Breaking into the credit union market requires insider knowledge, not just a great product. Blake helps founders develop market positioning, identify the right credit union segments, and build the relationships that drive early adoption and scalable distribution.
Services
Design the team structure, process, and governance for a functioning innovation practice inside your credit union, including pilot design, opportunity prioritization, and executive alignment frameworks.
For fintechs navigating the credit union ecosystem: positioning strategy, buyer persona development, pilot structuring, partnership frameworks, and scaling your credit union distribution channel.
End-to-end advisory for credit unions exploring or building CUSOs and foundations, business model design, governance structure, capitalization strategy, member agreements, and operational launch planning.
Fractional strategic advisory, board facilitation, executive retreats, innovation workshops, keynotes, and strategic briefings for credit union leaders and financial services organizations.
How It Works
A focused strategy call to understand your situation, goals, and where the right support would make the biggest difference. No pitch, no pressure, just clarity on the problem.
Together we scope the work: what you need, over what timeframe, and with what outcomes in mind. Most engagements are advisory, project-based, or facilitation-focused.
Strategic advisory, facilitated sessions, deliverables, and introductions. Whatever form the work takes, the goal is always measurable momentum.
About
Blake Woods brings rare insider perspective to financial services strategy: as a former credit union executive, CUSO founder, and fintech partnership architect, he has been on both sides of the table, building from within and advising from outside.
His work sits at the intersection of growth, innovation, partnerships, and member impact. Blake has helped credit unions design innovation functions, supported CUSOs as they launch and scale, helped fintechs develop go-to-market strategies for the credit union channel, and guided executive teams through the decisions that move strategy from conversation to execution.
Ready to talk?
Most engagements start with a 30-minute strategy call. If you've been referred here or want to explore working together, the calendar is the easiest first step.