If you run an investment banking firm, you know marketing isn’t just about flashy ads or social media posts. It’s about strategy, brand trust, and reaching the right people at the right time. But hiring a full-time Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) can be expensive. That’s where a fractional CMO comes in. In this guide, we’ll break down what a fractional CMO is, list some of the best ones out there for investment banking, explain how to pick the right fit, and show why going fractional might be your smartest move.
What Is a Fractional CMO?
A fractional CMO is a part-time marketing executive who provides high-level expertise without the full-time commitment or cost. Instead of hiring someone to work 40+ hours a week, companies bring in a seasoned marketing leader for a set number of hours or days each month. This approach gives businesses access to strategic guidance from someone who has the experience to lead marketing efforts, set direction, and make smart decisions.
Fractional CMOs are especially helpful for growing firms that need expert input but aren’t ready to hire a full-time CMO. Here’s what they typically handle:
- Developing a marketing strategy that supports overall business goals
- Positioning your brand to stand out in a crowded financial space
- Managing internal teams or external vendors to keep projects moving
- Driving lead generation and growth campaigns
- Tracking results and adjusting tactics for better performance
This setup is a smart, flexible solution for investment banking firms looking to compete and grow without overextending their resources.
NUOPTIMA – C-Suite Connect: Pre-Vetted Fractional C-Level Experts for Investment Banking
At NUOPTIMA, founded by Alexej Pikovsky, we offer access to a carefully selected network of CMOs through C-Suite Connect – a service designed for firms that need experienced leadership without committing to a full-time hire. While our roots are in supporting fast-growing DTC brands, our CMOs bring the same strategic focus and operational depth to complex sectors like investment banking.
Every CMO in our network goes through a vetting process that’s personally overseen by Alexej. To get on the bench, each candidate must have scaled a business from seven to nine figures and passed a five-part evaluation:
- Background check: Verifying a proven track record
- Modeling exam: Testing strategic and analytical thinking
- Reference calls: Confirming reliability and reputation
- Culture fit interview: Ensuring alignment with your firm’s vision
- Paid trial sprint: Proving execution in a real-world setting
Only after passing all five steps do they join the pool.
What sets NUOPTIMA apart:
- Strategy plus execution: These are hands-on operators, not just advisors
- Financial sector focus: Our CMOs bring strong experience in regulated and financial markets
- Fast turnaround: Get matched and onboarded in 7 to 10 days
- Founder alignment: Every placement is reviewed for both cultural and tactical fit
C-Suite Connect helps investment banking firms bring in marketing leadership that can plan, execute, and deliver without the overhead of a full-time role.
Top Fractional CMOs for Investment Banking
1. Nicole Ball
Nicole Ball is a seasoned marketing and client experience executive with over 20 years of hands-on leadership across financial services. She currently operates as a fractional CMO and CXO, supporting organizations through strategic transitions, complex integrations, and rapid growth periods. Her deep understanding of customer experience, organizational design, and data-driven strategy makes her a strong fit for investment banking firms seeking structure, clarity, and measurable outcomes.
Proven Experience in Financial Services
Nicole has held senior roles at institutions like Silicon Valley Bank and Osaic, where she led large-scale marketing and CX initiatives. At Silicon Valley Bank, she played a key role in the post-acquisition integration of Boston Private, managing everything from rebranding to launching interactive materials and aligning marketing strategy with new business goals.
Prior to that, she helped build the marketing function for Capital One Investing, where her strategy drove over $490 million in sales in just 12 months. She also earned the highest individual Net Promoter Score (NPS) in the bank’s retail division, a testament to her focus on client experience and relationship-building.
Key Areas of Expertise
- Strategic marketing planning with measurable ROI
- End-to-end customer journey and NPS strategy
- Organizational design and team development
- Go-to-market strategy and advisor enablement
- Omni-channel marketing execution
How She Works With Investment Firms
Nicole takes a practical, structured approach when working with investment firms. Whether stepping in during a leadership gap or providing advisory support during a rebrand or merger, she focuses on aligning marketing and CX strategy with business outcomes. She offers a signature audit service that identifies gaps and opportunities across marketing and customer experience channels, delivering actionable insights within two weeks.
Education and Recognition
- BS in Mathematics, University of Scranton
- Health Coach Certification, American Council on Exercise
- Recipient of Capital One’s “Lead the Way” and SVB’s President’s Award, both honors for top performance
Contacts
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/nicolemball
- Location: Greater Philadelphia
2. Carla Rossi-Zalmons
Carla Rossi-Zalmons is an experienced fractional CMO and marketing leader with a strong background in financial services, professional services, and high-stakes B2B environments. With over 20 years of experience working with top firms like PwC, Deloitte, and Maximus International, she brings deep insight into how to position brands, lead strategic initiatives, and create meaningful impact inside complex organisations.
Proven Experience in Financial and Professional Services
Carla has worked across leading advisory firms where she’s led marketing strategy, business transformation, and communications at both national and regional levels. At PwC Private Clients, she helped drive go-to-market plans and growth initiatives for listed and private businesses. Prior to that, at Deloitte, she led client engagement efforts and built tailored strategies that supported product launches, customer experience design, and digital storytelling.
Currently, she runs Morganite Advisory, where she works as a fractional CMO for SMEs and professional services firms. Her work is often project-based, stepping in to lead high-priority campaigns, coach marketing teams, or build strategic narratives that support business growth and brand positioning.
Key Areas of Expertise
- Full-funnel marketing strategy and communications
- Go-to-market and client engagement planning
- Account-based marketing and growth support
- Leadership coaching for in-house marketing teams
- Brand positioning and thought leadership development
How She Works With Investment Firms
Carla works closely with founders, CEOs, and executive teams to understand both the business model and market context. She’s comfortable navigating regulated environments and brings a strong strategic lens to brand and growth conversations. For investment banking firms, her approach is especially useful in situations like firm rebranding, new service launches, or supporting fundraising efforts with clear, compelling messaging.
She’s known for stepping into complex scenarios and helping companies cut through noise, aligning brand story, business goals, and execution into a clear path forward.
Education and Certification
- BA in Communications and Industrial Psychology, University of South Africa
- Postgraduate Diploma in Brand Management, AAA School of Advertising, Awarded Top Brand Student of the Year
- Certified Practicing Marketer, Australian Marketing Institute
Contacts
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/carlarossiz
- Location: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
3. Leslie Klein
Leslie Klein is a senior marketing executive and fractional CMO with over two decades of leadership experience across financial services, asset management, fintech, and financial media. Her expertise spans global marketing strategy, demand generation, product launches, and brand positioning for both established institutions and early-stage ventures. Known for transforming complex businesses into client-focused, market-driven organizations, she brings a highly strategic yet grounded approach to her work with investment firms.
Proven Experience in Financial Services and Asset Management
Leslie has led marketing at some of the industry’s most respected firms. At Euromoney Institutional Investor, she served as Global CMO for the Asset Management Division, where she oversaw marketing for brands like Institutional Investor, BCA Research, and Ned Davis Research. Her role included branding, PR, product marketing, and demand generation, all within a highly competitive, research-driven space.
Before that, she held senior marketing roles at First Data, Verifone, and Citi, including leading marketing for Citi’s Institutional Clients Group and Transaction Services business globally. At Citi, she managed a team of over 70 across four regions, leading initiatives across investment banking, capital markets, and private banking. In her current role as Principal at Linford Consulting, she acts as a fractional CMO and advisor, helping firms design and execute marketing strategies that support business growth, repositioning, and lead generation.
Key Areas of Expertise
- Strategic positioning and brand identity development
- Demand generation and sales enablement
- Product marketing and go-to-market strategy
- Digital marketing and lead conversion programs
- Team building and organizational design
How She Works With Investment Firms
Leslie partners with leadership teams to align business priorities with clear, actionable marketing plans. She’s especially effective in situations where firms are launching new services, repositioning their brand, or entering new markets. Her background in institutional finance allows her to speak the same language as bankers, analysts, and C-suite executives, focusing on outcomes and commercial value, not fluff.
Her ability to build marketing functions from the ground up, restructure teams, and drive measurable performance makes her an asset to any investment firm navigating change or seeking growth.
Education and Background
- Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology, Columbia University
- B.Sc. in Psychology, University of Toronto
Contacts
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/leslieaklein
- Location: Great Neck, New York, United States
4. Saurabh Singhal
Saurabh Singhal is a fractional CMO and commercial advisor with more than 24 years of experience leading marketing and growth across enterprise technology, financial services, and digital innovation. With a background spanning Asia-Pacific, the US, and now Australia, he combines deep domain knowledge with hands-on experience helping businesses scale, reposition, and modernize their marketing strategy.
Proven Experience in Financial and Enterprise Sectors
Saurabh has held senior leadership roles across some of the region’s most influential firms, including DBS Bank, where he was Group Head of Marketing for Institutional Banking. In that role, he oversaw B2B marketing for transaction banking, SME, and institutional investor segments, leading a team that managed everything from digital campaigns and thought leadership to customer engagement programs and MarTech stack development.
More recently, at GIFT City, a major financial services hub in India, Saurabh led commercial operations, fintech innovation, and customer experience. He helped attract global institutions and build a scalable fintech ecosystem, an experience that gives him a rare blend of strategic insight and operational know-how. As a fractional CMO at KRSV Consulting, Saurabh now supports scale-ups and financial ventures expanding into the Australian market. His portfolio includes a Series B fintech company focused on financial inclusion and a GenAI-based marketing technology firm — both examples of how he works at the edge of innovation and finance.
Key Areas of Expertise
- B2B marketing for financial institutions and enterprise technology firms
- MarTech strategy and digital infrastructure
- Commercial growth planning and international market expansion
- Brand development and go-to-market strategy
- Thought leadership and customer insight programs
How He Works With Investment Firms
Saurabh takes a structured, outcome-focused approach, helping investment banking firms modernize their marketing, build clear messaging, and set up systems that deliver measurable results. He is especially valuable during times of expansion, transformation, or when a firm is looking to strengthen its institutional brand while improving demand generation efforts.
Having worked in both tech-led environments and regulated banking sectors, he understands how to balance innovation with governance, a key advantage for firms operating in tightly controlled financial ecosystems.
Education and Recognition
- MBA in Marketing and Corporate Strategy, Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad
- Stanford Certified Project Manager, Stanford University
- Certified Customer Experience Professional, CXPA
Contacts
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ssinghal79
- Location: Putney, New South Wales, Australia
5. Jennifer Burns
Jennifer Burns is a fractional CMO with over two decades of experience helping credit unions and community banks improve marketing performance, strengthen brand presence, and align strategy with operations. With a career grounded in financial services, she brings practical insight into how smaller institutions can scale their marketing efforts and improve ROI without the overhead of a full-time executive hire.
Proven Experience in Financial Institutions
Jennifer spent over 14 years at We Florida Financial, rising from VP of Sales to Chief Marketing Officer. In that role, she led initiatives across marketing, sales, business development, and mortgage origination, helping the credit union achieve key growth goals. Her experience covers the full marketing lifecycle: from customer acquisition and retention to brand development and digital channel optimization.
Through her current firm, 17 North, Jennifer provides fractional CMO services to credit unions, community banks, and regional financial institutions. She helps teams get more done with less, offering structure, strategy, and clarity around what’s working and what’s not. Her work often includes marketing audits, process reviews, and efficiency planning to ensure alignment between marketing efforts and business outcomes.
Key Areas of Expertise
- Strategic marketing for credit unions and community banks
- Marketing team leadership and operational improvement
- Brand voice development and audit
- Lead generation and automation
- Social media and content strategy
How She Works With Investment and Regional Banking Firms
Jennifer focuses on helping smaller, mission-driven institutions compete with larger players by improving how marketing connects with day-to-day business. She understands how to design systems that support both brand growth and operational efficiency, especially where marketing and sales processes intersect.
Her approach is highly hands-on and process-driven. Whether stepping in during a leadership gap, launching a new brand initiative, or improving marketing team output, she’s focused on making marketing work better, and proving it with results.
Education and Credentials
- BA in Economics, University of Maryland
- MA in Publications Design, University of Baltimore
- Graduate, Maryland Banking School
Contacts
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/burnsjen
- Location: Miami-Fort Lauderdale Area
6. Kati Iordache
Kati Iordache is a strategic growth leader and fractional CMO with over 20 years of experience across marketing operations, digital transformation, and performance-driven leadership. With a strong background in fintech, banking, B2B SaaS, and enterprise marketing, Kati has held key leadership roles at IBM, Genpact, FintechOS, and ABN AMRO-RBS. Her work spans multiple regions and industries, helping organizations build scalable marketing systems and improve performance through data, martech, and talent development.
Proven Experience in Banking, Fintech, and Enterprise Environments
Kati led IBM’s global web optimization and digital marketing functions, managing a team of 120+ across regions. She built and scaled the company’s Marketing Centre of Excellence and introduced operational frameworks that improved performance visibility and marketing-driven revenue. During her time at Genpact, she owned the full global website strategy and transformation, delivering 35% YoY growth in marketing-qualified leads while optimizing the brand’s digital footprint.
At FintechOS, a B2B SaaS fintech, she helped scale demand generation and go-to-market strategy across multiple regions. She developed full-funnel programs tied to pipeline acceleration and ABM, directly supporting investor readiness and GTM expansion. Her leadership has proven especially valuable for organizations navigating complex digital transformations, from CMS migrations to SEO and personalization efforts.
Key Areas of Expertise
- Global marketing operations and revenue alignment
- Martech strategy, CRM, and performance analytics
- Web experience optimization, UX, and personalization
- ABM and demand generation in B2B tech and financial services
- Cross-regional team leadership and vendor management
How She Works With Investment and Financial Services Organizations
Kati brings both strategic vision and operational execution to investment-backed fintechs and traditional banking institutions. Her approach is grounded in measurable impact, often tied to marketing-generated revenue, pipeline growth, and operational efficiency. She is especially experienced in building frameworks that connect digital marketing efforts to business outcomes, making her a strong fit for firms undergoing growth, scale, or transformation.
Her fractional CMO work often focuses on launching new brands, evolving go-to-market strategy, and aligning cross-functional teams across marketing, sales, product, and digital channels. She operates as both a senior advisor and hands-on partner, frequently stepping into transformation-critical roles without requiring long onboarding time or internal restructuring.
Education and Credentials
- MBA (International Marketing & Finance), HEC Montréal (Romanian-Canadian program)
- Graduate, IBM Women Leadership Development Program
- Advisor, Global ESG Leadership Organization
Contacts
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kativoicu
- Location: Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
7. Cameron Roberts
Cameron Roberts is a fractional CMO and strategic growth consultant with over 30 years of experience driving results across industries including property, financial services, education, and ecommerce. Based in Queensland, Australia, Cameron has helped businesses generate over $450 million in revenue through data-driven marketing strategies and full-funnel campaign execution. As the founder of Bubblegum Marketing and Managing Director of CAM Roberts Enterprises, he brings deep operational and strategic knowledge to fast-scaling businesses.
Proven Experience in Service-Based and Investment-Oriented Industries
Cameron has worked with a wide range of service-based and investment-focused businesses, including real estate companies, mortgage brokers, training providers, and high-growth ecommerce brands. He has launched and scaled campaigns for clients like SmartPlate USA, Amazon power sellers, property mentors, and digital coaches, helping them consistently generate qualified leads and revenue.
As a marketing advisor to both startups and mature companies, Cameron understands what levers to pull at different growth stages. He has also run brick-and-mortar businesses with up to 25 staff and 1500 clients per week, giving him practical insight into operational scaling.
Key Areas of Expertise
- Omnichannel lead generation and marketing automation
- Funnel design and CRO for service businesses
- Paid ads across Facebook, Google, and programmatic platforms
- Brand messaging and positioning for market expansion
- Consulting for real estate, finance, and training sectors
How He Works With Investment Firms
Cameron works closely with investment and service-led businesses that are looking to systematize their lead generation, professionalize their brand, and build predictable marketing engines. His approach is direct, performance-focused, and grounded in business outcomes. Whether helping a mortgage firm scale loan applications or supporting a wealth education brand, Cameron brings clarity to growth challenges.
His ability to bridge digital strategy with day-to-day operations makes him especially effective in firms where marketing and sales need tighter alignment. He helps define the right channels, implement scalable systems, and establish marketing as a key driver of revenue.
Education and Credentials
- Certified Business Advisor
- Project management certifications (Skillsoft CAPM)
- Multi-award-winning business owner
Contacts
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/camjroberts
- Location: Mons, Queensland, Australia
Why a Fractional CMO Works for Investment Banking
1. Strategic Marketing Without the Overhead
Investment banking firms often need senior marketing leadership but not on a full-time basis. A fractional CMO offers the strategic insight of a seasoned executive without the ongoing cost of a permanent hire. This setup is particularly useful during key phases such as entering new markets, launching services, or navigating a brand transition.
2. Stronger Positioning With Measurable Outcomes
In a field where trust and authority are essential, a fractional CMO helps clarify positioning and messaging. They focus on aligning marketing with business objectives, whether that’s building brand equity among institutional investors or developing thought leadership. The work is tied to clear goals, making it easy to track what’s working and what needs adjusting.
3. Faster Execution With Less Risk
Fractional CMOs bring ready-to-use systems and experience across different financial contexts. They’re able to deliver progress quickly by working with internal teams or trusted vendors. For firms looking to improve marketing efficiency without overhauling their structure, this approach allows for focused action without unnecessary risk or disruption.
4. Marketing That Supports the Deal Pipeline
Marketing in investment banking must be tightly linked to business development. A fractional CMO works to connect brand visibility with real deal flow by identifying where marketing can improve lead quality, client engagement, and conversion. They focus on creating a consistent narrative that builds trust with investors and clients while supporting the firm’s commercial goals.
5. A Flexible Fit for Complex Environments
Whether preparing for a capital raise, expanding into a new geography, or modernizing an outdated approach, fractional CMOs offer support that adapts to your needs. They can step in for a few months or longer, depending on your goals. This makes them especially valuable for boutique firms, emerging funds, or businesses working through periods of change.
How to Choose the Right Fractional CMO
Understand Your Business Goals First
Before choosing a fractional CMO, get clear on what you actually need. Are you looking to raise brand awareness, support fundraising efforts, improve lead quality, or expand into a new market? Different goals require different types of marketing leadership. Some CMOs are great at building from the ground up, while others are better at fixing systems already in place. The more specific you are, the easier it is to find someone who fits.
Look for Industry-Relevant Experience
Not all marketers understand the financial world. Investment banking comes with its own language, pace, and compliance requirements. The right fractional CMO should have experience in or around regulated industries and be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of how marketing supports relationship-driven sales cycles. Look for someone who understands both strategic positioning and the operational side of execution.
Evaluate Their Process, Not Just Their Past
A strong track record matters, but it’s just as important to understand how the CMO works day to day. How do they assess your current marketing? What’s their approach to planning, reporting, and working with your team? You’re not hiring just for ideas, you need someone who brings clarity, structure, and consistency to the work. Ask about their framework, timelines, and how they’ll integrate with your current operations.
Make Sure There’s a Cultural Fit
Because a fractional CMO works closely with founders, partners, and other senior leaders, cultural alignment matters. They need to be able to operate at a strategic level while still rolling up their sleeves when needed. Look for someone who communicates clearly, adapts to your team’s pace, and respects how your business makes decisions. Trust and collaboration are just as important as skills on paper.
Start Small and Scale Up if Needed
A trial project or limited engagement can help you test the relationship without a long-term commitment. The right CMO will be comfortable starting with a clear scope, delivering early wins, and adjusting based on what your business needs most. If it works, you can always expand the role or keep them on longer. Flexibility is part of what makes the fractional model effective.
Final Word
Fractional CMOs offer founder-led and investor-backed firms a flexible way to bring in senior marketing leadership without the overhead of a full-time hire. Whether your goal is to sharpen your brand, scale a go-to-market strategy, or bring structure to your marketing efforts, a fractional CMO can step in with clarity, direction, and real-world experience.
FAQ
A fractional CMO acts as a part-time senior leader who helps guide strategy, manage teams, and drive execution. They typically work as an embedded part of your leadership team. A consultant, on the other hand, usually provides external advice on a short-term or project basis and may not be involved in ongoing decision-making or team leadership.
It varies based on your needs. Some engagements are as light as one or two days per month. Others involve weekly check-ins, team oversight, or sprint-based work. The scope is flexible and can scale up or down as needed.
Yes. Many fractional CMOs support pitch deck development, fundraising strategy, and investor-facing messaging. They can also work closely with founders to align marketing goals with growth targets that investors care about.
Not necessarily. A fractional CMO can work with your existing team or help you build one. They can also manage external vendors and freelancers if you’re not ready for in-house hires. Their role is to create the structure and direction your marketing function needs to perform.
