Shankar is available for hire
Hire ShankarShankar Iyer
Verified Expert in Management Consulting
Management Consulting Expert
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Toptal member since February 3, 2026
Bio
Shankar is a finance leader with over 19 years of experience in investment banking at firms such as Lehman Brothers and Deutsche Bank, as well as expertise in corporate FP&A and strategic advisory. With experience in real-world asset tokenization, tokenomics, CBDCs, BRICS+ geoeconomics, and macroeconomic research, he advises startups on financial modelling and operational efficiency. From conceptualizing RWA structures to ghostwriting insights for UHNWIs, Shankar delivers data-driven strategies.
Career Highlights
Senior Associate
CRISIL
Research Assistant
Deutsche Bank
Financial Analyst
Lehman Brothers
Certification Highlights
Blockchain Technology, Cryptocurrency, Digital Assets, Real-world Asset Tokenization, and Tokenomics
Intellipaat
CFA Level I Cleared
Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts
Chartered Accountant (CA Finalist)
Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI)
Case Studies
Real-world Asset Tokenization of Commercial Properties (Hospitality Sector)
Blockchain & CryptocurrencyAsset TokenizationFinancial ModelingStartup ConsultingStartup FundingStartup Growth Strategy Development+ 29 more
Creating Academic Modules on Impact of Blockchain Technology in Finance
Blockchain & CryptocurrencyPrivate Educational ProjectsCurriculum DevelopmentInstructional DesignCentral Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)Cryptocurrency+ 8 more
Expertise
- Blockchain & Cryptocurrency
- Financial Modeling
- Financial Writer
- Geopolitical Research
- Global Markets
- Investment Banking
- Market Feasibility Study
- Media
Work Experience
CFO Advisory
2026 - PRESENT
An Online Freelance Company
- Provided CFO-level financial advisory and strategic finance support, advising businesses to translate financial and operational data into clear insights, sound decisions, and actionable business priorities.
- Covered financial performance analysis, profitability, cash flow, working capital, FP&A, budgeting, forecasting, financial modeling, scenario analysis, KPI management, and strategic decision support.
- Worked on P&L, balance sheet and cash-flow analysis; revenue, gross margin, profitability and cost-structure assessment, FP&A, Forecasting, Budgeting, financial forecasting, variance analysis, scenario planning and performance assessment.
- Managed cash flow and working capital: liquidity analysis, working-capital optimization, cash-flow planning, identification of financial pressures, strategic finance, financial modeling, business-case evaluation, and capital and financing analysis.
- Worked on risk assessment and strategic planning, management Decision Support: Converting complex financial information into concise management insights, identifying decision-critical issues, and translating analysis into practical actions.
- Measured business performance and KPIs, worked on performance management reporting, financial KPIs, and identification of the underlying drivers of business performance.
Focus areas: CFO Advisory, Strategic Finance, Financial Performance, Financial Modeling, Financial Model Auditing, Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A), Executive Consulting, Cash Flow Analysis, Cash Flow Management, Intuit QuickBooks, Bookkeeping, Financial Analysis, Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI), ChatGPT, QuickBooks Online
Independent Contributor
2025 - PRESENT
Self-employed
- Trained multiple AI models for financial modeling and built functional, interlinked worksheets that automatically generate financial forecasts from basic input parameters.
- Provided ghostwriting services for family offices and ultra-high-net-worth individuals on geopolitical and macroeconomic developments. Coverage included international relations, BRICS+ dynamics, and emerging supply chains such as IMEC and INSTC.
- Created on-request market research reports and business feasibility studies with an India-heavy focus, with a wide sectoral coverage. Research covered opportunities to set up business operations in India and a roadmap for growth and expansion.
Focus areas: Content, Geopolitical Risk, AI Trainer, International Affairs, Financial Research, Financial Modeling, Research Reports, Geopolitical Research, Startup Consulting, Market Feasibility Study, Financial Writer, Content Writing, Writing & Editing, Cryptocurrency, Cryptocurrency Exchanges, Blockchain & Cryptocurrency, Cryptocurrency Wallets, Publishing, News, Media, Global Markets, Strategy, Finance, Fractional Chief Strategy Officer, Virtual CFO, International Finance, Spreadsheets, Three-statement Modeling, Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A), Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Microsoft PowerPoint, Pricing Models, Product Management, Visual Storytelling, Leveraged Buyout (LBO), Business Strategy, Management Consulting, Operating Models, Operational Assessments, Workflow Design, Digital Transformation, Operating & Service Model Improvement, Information Memoranda, Investor Presentations, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Executive Consulting, Balance Sheet Optimization, Pitch Deck Consultant, Forecasting, Valuation, Scenario Analysis, Corporate Finance, Financial Advisory, Corporate Strategy, Growth Strategy, Investment Analysis, Intuit QuickBooks, Bookkeeping, Financial Analysis, Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI), ChatGPT, QuickBooks Online
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Chief Content Strategist
2024 - 2025
Think BRICS
- Served as CFO and assessed and strategized the startup's financial feasibility. Presented to the BRICS Chamber of Commerce India during the Startup Series 3.0 event.
- Developed a content strategy focused on BRICS+ and geopolitics, growing channel subscribers by 130%, from 30,000 in June 2024 to more than 75,000 in May 2025.
- Conducted research on geopolitical and macroeconomic shifts, juxtaposing the impact of the G7 and BRICS+ to analyze seismic changes in global power dynamics.
- Reached out to prominent social media geopolitical experts and drafted a questionnaire for interviews.
Focus areas: Geopolitical Research, Media, Geopolitical Risk, Global Markets, Content, Finance, Fractional Chief Strategy Officer, Virtual CFO, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Startup Consulting, Market Feasibility Study, Financial Writer, Content Writing, Writing & Editing, Cryptocurrency, Cryptocurrency Exchanges, Blockchain & Cryptocurrency, Publishing, News, Strategy, Geoeconomics, International Finance, International Affairs, Spreadsheets, Microsoft PowerPoint, Pricing Models, Product Management, Product Packaging, Visual Storytelling, Business Process Management (BPM), Business Strategy, Management Consulting, Operating Models, Operational Assessments, Workflow Design, Digital Transformation, Operating & Service Model Improvement, CFO, Fractional CFO, Information Memoranda, Investor Presentations, Marketplaces, Technology, Consulting, Executive Consulting, Pitch Deck Consultant, Scenario Analysis, Financial Advisory, Corporate Strategy, Growth Strategy, Financial Analysis
Financial News Writer
2023 - 2024
Benzinga
- Wrote financial articles on U.S. commercial real estate and alternative investments.
- Tracked prominent market experts like Robert Kiyosaki, Peter Schiff, and Ray Dalio to decode their latest market analysis.
- Authored long-form articles and news pieces from the latest analysis of known market experts for publication on affiliate websites.
Focus areas: Financial Research, Investment Banking, Content Writing, News, Microsoft Word, Geopolitical Research, Market Feasibility Study, Financial Writer, Writing & Editing, Publishing, Media, Geopolitical Risk, Global Markets, Content, Finance, Geoeconomics, International Finance, International Affairs, Visual Storytelling, Digital Transformation, Operating & Service Model Improvement, Consulting, Investment Analysis
Senior Content Moderator
2022 - 2023
Bitget
- Proofread, edited, and published content on Bitget, including verifying the factual accuracy of the content and content moderation.
- Checked for factual errors in blog posts and proofread content to be shared and published on partner and affiliate websites.
- Gained moderate proficiency in the use of the Akamai content management system.
Focus areas: Writing & Editing, Publishing, Blockchain & Cryptocurrency, Cryptocurrency Exchanges, Cryptocurrency Trading, Cryptocurrency, Cryptocurrency Wallets, Financial Writer, Content Writing, News, Media, Geopolitical Risk, Global Markets, Content, Finance, Visual Storytelling, Operating & Service Model Improvement
Content Specialist
2021 - 2022
Cryptowisser
- Created and published an empirical fee study covering over 300 crypto exchanges.
- Detailed the average quarterly fees for spot fee rates, contract fee rates, and average withdrawal fees.
- Researched emerging areas in crypto, including asset tokenization, NFTs and NFT marketplaces, decentralized finance (DeFi), and crypto carbon footprints. Ensured published work adhered to editorial and publishing guidelines.
- Published and updated web content using a content management system. Gained proficiency in Laravel Nova, maintained content calendar, and ensured timely and regular publication of articles and reports.
Focus areas: Writing & Editing, Cryptocurrency, Cryptocurrency Exchanges, Blockchain & Cryptocurrency, Cryptocurrency Trading, Cryptocurrency Wallets, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Research Reports, Startup Consulting, Financial Writer, Content Writing, Publishing, News, Media, Geopolitical Risk, Global Markets, Strategy, Content, Finance, Fractional Chief Strategy Officer, Geoeconomics, International Affairs, Accounts Receivable, Microsoft PowerPoint, Product Packaging, Visual Storytelling, Business Process Management (BPM), Business Strategy, Management Consulting, Operating Models, Workflow Design, Digital Transformation, Operating & Service Model Improvement
SEO Specialist
2020 - 2022
Learning Bull
- Created specialized content on personal finance, investing, and the stock market news with a focus on Canadian retail investors.
- Proofread, fact-checked, edited, and published financial articles and ensured compliance with the company's editorial guidelines. Provided feedback to writers and improved the overall SEO score.
- Designed and created a content calendar, assigned topics for coverage, and gained proficiency in the WordPress CMS.
Focus areas: Financial Research, Writing & Editing, Financial Writer, Content Writing, Startup Consulting, Cryptocurrency, Blockchain & Cryptocurrency, Cryptocurrency Trading, Cryptocurrency Wallets, Publishing, News, Media, Geopolitical Risk, Global Markets, Content, Finance, Product Packaging, Visual Storytelling, Business Process Management (BPM), Management Consulting, Digital Transformation, Operating & Service Model Improvement
Equity Research Analyst
2019 - 2020
Market Realist
- Covered a wide range of technology stocks listed on the NYSE and Nasdaq, with a strong focus on blockchain-as-a-service (BaaS) and cloud computing businesses, fintech and payment platforms, and innovations in AI, analyzing their business impact.
- Wrote content in the blockchain domain, including enterprise solutions deployed using blockchain as a service. Covered country-level impacts on blockchain adoption and analyzed business strategies and future growth potential.
- Performed cryptocurrency research based on technical analysis and wrote informative content. Tracked the global regulatory approach to digital assets to determine the cryptocurrency trading ecosystem.
- Gained proficiency in tools including Reuters, Bloomberg, WordPress, SEO and keyword research, Flesch readability scores, Semrush, and Google Analytics.
Focus areas: Financial Research, Marketing Research & Analysis, Financial Writer, Content Writing, Writing & Editing, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Geopolitical Research, Investment Banking, Startup Consulting, Market Feasibility Study, Cryptocurrency, Cryptocurrency Exchanges, Blockchain & Cryptocurrency, Cryptocurrency Trading, Cryptocurrency Wallets, Publishing, News, Media, Geopolitical Risk, Global Markets, Content, Finance, Geoeconomics, International Finance, International Affairs, Leveraged Buyout (LBO), Operating & Service Model Improvement, Consulting, Investment Analysis, Equity Research, Financial Analysis
Senior Associate
2013 - 2019
CRISIL
- Provided subject-matter knowledge in FP&A. Ensured a thorough understanding of corporate wallet business practices and streamlined and delivered analytical reporting within a sophisticated framework, supporting ad-hoc needs of institutional clients.
- Conducted competitive investment banking analysis (CIBA), including revenue calculations, for the top 10 global investment banks and tracked their investment products and asset classes.
- Conducted and participated in a wide range of accounting and financial analyses on complex issues, including variance analysis, forecasting, budgeting, revenue drivers, and accounting transactions.
- Provided revenue estimates for strategic business decisions, along with detailed financial commentaries and executive summary reports. Developed new investment models and updated existing models to generate a combination of analyses.
Focus areas: Financial Modeling, Financial Research, Investment Banking, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Research Reports, Market Feasibility Study, Marketing Research & Analysis, Geopolitical Research, Financial Writer, Writing & Editing, Geopolitical Risk, Global Markets, Strategy, Finance, Geoeconomics, International Finance, Spreadsheets, Three-statement Modeling, Invoicing, Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A), Accounts Payable, Microsoft PowerPoint, Pricing Models, Product Management, Product Packaging, Business Process Management (BPM), Business Strategy, Management Consulting, Operational Assessments, Workflow Design, Digital Transformation, Operating & Service Model Improvement, Financial Consultation, Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A), Marketplaces, Consulting, Executive Consulting, Balance Sheet Optimization, Sensitivity Analysis, Corporate Finance, Financial Advisory, Strategic Planning, Investment Analysis, Equity Research, Financial Analysis
Research Assistant
2012 - 2013
Deutsche Bank
- Served as a research assistant to the vice president of global transaction banking (GTB), India team, at Deutsche Bank AG.
- Reviewed trade finance transactions, including export/import letters of credit and standby letters of credit. Generated CASA balance reports, prepared cash reserve ratio calculations, and produced mid-month sales progress reports for GTB India.
- Created an executive summary of risk assessments, including risk control self-assessments, key risk indicators, AML assessments, and related analyses.
- Was accountable for onboarding all clients onto the in-house client mapping system, GEMS, and liaised closely with the bank's business divisions across APAC, including Singapore, Hong Kong, and other emerging Asian markets.
Focus areas: Market Feasibility Study, Investment Banking, Financial Research, Marketing Research & Analysis, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Research Reports, Geopolitical Research, Financial Writer, Geopolitical Risk, Global Markets, Strategy, Finance, Geoeconomics, International Finance, Spreadsheets, Three-statement Modeling, Accounting, Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A), Accounts Receivable, Microsoft PowerPoint, Pricing Models, Due Diligence, Leveraged Buyout (LBO), Business Process Management (BPM), Business Strategy, Management Consulting, Operational Assessments, Digital Transformation, Consumer Finance, Consumer Lending, Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A), Marketplaces, Consulting, Executive Consulting, Balance Sheet Optimization, Forecasting, Sensitivity Analysis, Corporate Finance, Financial Advisory, Investment Analysis, Equity Research, Financial Analysis
Debt Syndication Consultant
2009 - 2012
Elite Resources Pvt Ltd
- Prepared client presentations and marketing materials for syndicated transactions, including pitch books, loan market overviews, credentials, industry and transaction comparables, and amortization schedules.
- Supported the underwriting and syndication process of existing and new credit facilities, including the creation of underwriting memos and sell-down strategies for internal approvals, information memoranda, bank presentations, and due diligence.
- Collaborated with deal teams to ensure a smooth closing, including liaising with borrowers, agency services, lenders, and legal counsel to finalize documentation and funding of syndicated transactions.
- Suggested risk mitigation measures to the client and safeguard the bank's assets to maintain portfolio quality.
- Adhered to commercial lending processes, policies, and procedures; legal and ethical requirements and regulations; and audit requirements. Established risk guidelines, ensuring all business conformed with bank policies and prescribed guidelines.
Focus areas: Financial Modeling, Marketing Research & Analysis, Market Feasibility Study, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Research Reports, Startup Consulting, Financial Research, Investment Banking, Global Markets, Strategy, Finance, International Finance, Spreadsheets, Three-statement Modeling, Accounting, Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A), Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Microsoft PowerPoint, Pricing Models, Product Management, Product Packaging, Due Diligence, Leveraged Buyout (LBO), Business Process Management (BPM), Business Strategy, Management Consulting, Financial Consultation, Consumer Finance, Consumer Lending, Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A), Information Memoranda, Marketplaces, Balance Sheet Optimization, Forecasting, Valuation, Corporate Finance, Financial Advisory, Investment Analysis, Equity Research, Bookkeeping, Financial Analysis
Financial Analyst
2006 - 2008
Lehman Brothers
- Received a quarterly outstanding performance award in six months of joining the company for introducing multiple process improvements.
- Selected as a lead in the pilot team to transition wealth management reporting, trust reporting, and private asset management.
- Handled portfolio management operations and reporting for UHNIs and family offices.
Focus areas: Financial Research, Investment Banking, Microsoft Excel, Marketing Research & Analysis, Research Reports, Market Feasibility Study, Geopolitical Risk, Global Markets, Finance, Geoeconomics, International Finance, Spreadsheets, Three-statement Modeling, Accounting, Accounts Receivable, Pricing Models, Due Diligence, Leveraged Buyout (LBO), Business Strategy, Management Consulting, Financial Consultation, Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A), Marketplaces, Corporate Finance, Financial Advisory, Investment Analysis, Equity Research, Financial Analysis
Education
2003 - 2006
Bachelor's Degree in Economics, Finance, and Accounting
SIES College of Commerce and Economics - Mumbai, India
Certifications
OCTOBER 2019 - PRESENT
Blockchain Technology, Cryptocurrency, Digital Assets, Real-world Asset Tokenization, and Tokenomics
Intellipaat
OCTOBER 2013 - PRESENT
CFA Level I Cleared
Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts
MAY 2006 - PRESENT
Chartered Accountant (CA Finalist)
Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI)
Skills
Finance
Financial Modeling, Accounting, Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A), Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A), Forecasting, Corporate Finance, Financial Advisory, Equity Research, International Finance, Three-statement Modeling, Due Diligence, CFO, Consumer Lending, Valuation, Cash Management, Startup Funding, Global Macro Strategy, Financial Model Auditing
Output Software
Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint
Data & Analysis Software
Intuit QuickBooks, QuickBooks Online
Industry Expertise
Consumer Finance, Technology, Education Technology (Edtech)
Other
Marketing Research & Analysis, Financial Research, Research Reports, Investment Banking, Financial Writer, Content Writing, Writing & Editing, Blockchain & Cryptocurrency, Publishing, News, Geopolitical Risk, Global Markets, Strategy, Content, Finance, Spreadsheets, Pricing Models, Product Management, Business Process Management (BPM), Business Strategy, Management Consulting, Digital Transformation, Operating & Service Model Improvement, Financial Consultation, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Consulting, Executive Consulting, Education, Balance Sheet Optimization, Investment Analysis, Financial Analysis, Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI), ChatGPT, Geopolitical Research, Startup Consulting, Market Feasibility Study, Cryptocurrency, Cryptocurrency Exchanges, Cryptocurrency Wallets, Media, Fractional Chief Strategy Officer, AI Trainer, Geoeconomics, International Affairs, Product Packaging, Visual Storytelling, Leveraged Buyout (LBO), Operating Models, Operational Assessments, Workflow Design, Asset Securitization, Fractional CFO, Information Memoranda, Investor Presentations, Marketplaces, Educational Platform Design, Pitch Deck Consultant, Sensitivity Analysis, Scenario Analysis, Corporate Strategy, Strategic Planning, Growth Strategy, Treasury, Treasury Management, Bookkeeping, Cryptocurrency Trading, Virtual CFO, Asset Tokenization, Startup Growth Strategy Development, Fintech, Fintech Consultant, Regulatory Analysis, Tokenization, Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), Private Educational Projects, Curriculum Development, Instructional Design, Research, Reports, Feasibility Studies, Invoicing, Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, CFO Advisory, Strategic Finance, Financial Performance, Cash Flow Analysis, Cash Flow Management
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