Last Updated: 7th January 2025.

How to Use This Questionnaire

• Answer succinctly: One or two sentences per question is enough to capture the high-level direction.
• Identify priorities: If certain questions seem more critical to you, prioritize those for deeper discussion.
• Refine over time: You may revise answers as you gain more clarity or conduct market research.

By completing (even in brief) each section above, you will provide your strategist, product development lead, and CEO consultant with enough information to create a robust executive-level blueprint for your financial services venture. This blueprint will guide decisions regarding licensing, regulatory compliance, product scope, and growth strategy over the next five years—without bogging you down in micro-level details.

As always, if you have a question or a comment, please do not hesitate to ask.

Section 1: High-Level Vision & Mission

Introduction

The first step in shaping your financial services venture is to clearly articulate your overarching vision and mission. This section helps you define the “North Star” that will guide every strategic and operational decision. Think of it as the compass directing your venture’s long-term journey. By crystallizing the problem you aim to solve and the impact you hope to make, you lay the foundation for all subsequent sections—whether it’s product features, target markets, or regulatory strategy. A well-defined vision and mission keep your team aligned and focused, even as you adapt to changing market conditions over time.

Questions to Guide Your Thinking

1. What overarching problem are you trying to solve in the financial services space?
   • Is there a specific gap you’ve identified (e.g., access to affordable banking, efficient cross-border payments, better wealth management for underserved markets)?
   • How does solving this problem create tangible value for your end-users?
2. What is your long-term vision (5-year horizon) for this venture?
   • Envision the ideal future state of your business: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
   • Consider whether you want to be a niche specialist or a broad-based financial services provider.
3. How would you describe your mission in one or two concise sentences?
   • Think of this as your guiding principle that shapes day-to-day decisions.
   • A good mission statement often captures both the “what” (your main activity) and the “why” (your core motivation).
4. What does success look like for you in the next five years?
   • Are you aiming for a particular level of user adoption, revenue targets, or geographic presence?
   • Beyond metrics, do you have social or industry-specific impact goals (e.g., financial inclusion, innovation leadership)?
5. Who or what inspires this vision, and how does it set you apart from existing players?
   • Consider whether you’re drawing on personal experiences, observed market failures, or emerging global trends.
   • Reflect on how this inspiration can help differentiate you from competitors.

Section 2: Target Market & Audience

Introduction