Abby Butkus Wood

Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) at Arro

Inclusive FintechStrategic PlanningFinancial StrategyMulticultural Team LeadershipOperational ExcellenceVenture Philanthropy

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About

I'm Abby Butkus Wood, the Chief Strategy Officer at Arro. My career has been defined by a passion for financial inclusion, moving from corporate finance at GE to managing global operations for organizations like One Acre Fund and the Catalyst Fund. Currently, I'm focused on disrupting the credit industry by building fair and inclusive financial products that help underserved populations improve their financial health. I specialize in scaling fintech operations and navigating the intersection of international development and venture building. I'm always looking to connect with digital marketing partners and fellow innovators who believe that financial tools should empower, not exclude. Whether it's discussing the latest in inclusive fintech or exploring strategic growth for social impact startups, I'm eager to find ways we can collaborate to drive meaningful change.

Networking

What I can offer

›Expertise in scaling fintech operations
›Strategic growth for social impact startups
›Navigating international development landscapes
›Facilitating corporate and investor connections

Looking for

›Digital and affiliate marketing partners
›Crowdfunding participants
›Collaborations to expand fair credit access

Best fit for

Fintech foundersAffiliate marketing partnersSocial impact investorsCorporate innovation leaders

Current Interests

Credit-building platformsStartup acceleratorsFinancial education toolsEmerging markets (Sub-Saharan Africa, India, Mexico)Venture building

Background

Career

Began in finance at GE and KPMG, transitioned into international development and finance operations at One Acre Fund and New Profit, then moved into fintech consulting and leadership at BFA Global and Catalyst Fund before becoming CSO at Arro.

Education

Master’s degree, Development Economics and International Development from Sciences Po (2012 – 2014); BS Accountancy, BSBA International Business from Villanova University (Magna Cum Laude).

Achievements

›Reduced monthly financial close from 15 days to 2 days at One Acre Fund.
›Managed a global finance shared services function supporting an $84M budget.
›Secured Arro’s placement in the Visa Inclusive Fintech Accelerator and 1871’s Fintech Innovation Lab.
›Generated 5% budget savings within three months by launching a procurement department.
›Forecasted Rwanda revenue within 3% accuracy for One Acre Fund.

Opinions

Advocates for fair and inclusive financial products that remove traditional barriers to financial health.
Believes facilitating connections between corporates, investors, and founders is a 'superpower' for growth.