Reference · Cross-cutting

Generalization Note & Summary Checklist

Load when adapting fintech terms to other sectors; the full final QA checklist.

Part of the Product Strategy skill · loaded on demand from SKILL.md

Part of the product-strategy skill. See SKILL.md for the workflow spine and when to load this file.


XXV. Generalization Note

This playbook is designed to be client-agnostic.

However, some examples and capability references are especially relevant to fintech, payments, issuing, and regulated financial products, including:

  • Issuance
  • Interchange
  • Banking-as-a-Service
  • Sponsorship
  • KYC / KYB
  • Processing and settlement
  • Chargebacks
  • Wallets and tokenization
  • E-money
  • MSB / PSP requirements

When using this playbook outside fintech, translate those terms into broader product strategy language:

Fintech-Specific TermGeneralized Equivalent
Issuance / delivery modelProduct delivery model
Self-issue / own the stackBuild and operate in-house
BaaS sponsorshipRegulated or technical platform partner
InterchangeTransaction revenue or platform fees
ChargebacksRefunds, disputes, reversals, leakage
KYC / KYBCustomer verification or eligibility
Card / account issuanceProduct or account provisioning
Network rulesPlatform, ecosystem, or marketplace rules
Processing and settlementTransaction infrastructure
TokenizationSecure digital credentialing

XXVI. Summary Checklist

Before finalizing a product strategy, confirm that the work answers:

Strategy

  • Which market, segment, or use case should be prioritized?
  • Why is the opportunity attractive?
  • What customer need is being solved?
  • What is the recommended product?
  • Why will the client win?

Product

  • What is the MVP?
  • What is deferred?
  • What is the roadmap?
  • What are the key product requirements?
  • What assumptions need validation?

Economics

  • What is the revenue model?
  • What is the pricing model?
  • Are unit economics attractive?
  • What investment is required?
  • What are the key sensitivities?

GTM

  • What channels will be used?
  • What launch model is recommended?
  • What partners are required?
  • What is the acquisition and activation plan?
  • What is the growth plan?

Execution

  • What capabilities are required?
  • What should be built, bought, or partnered?
  • What regulatory or compliance issues exist?
  • What risks must be managed?
  • What is the operating model?

Measurement

  • What is the North Star metric?
  • What KPIs will be tracked?
  • What are the decision gates?
  • What are the success thresholds?
  • What are the next steps?

Source Note

The original 3-phase scaffolding and multi-method assessment approach — including pillar scoring, top-down sizing, and unit-level economics — were adapted from a best-in-class issuing strategy engagement and generalized for broader product strategy use.

For client-facing materials, replace this note with the relevant source note, internal methodology reference, or engagement-specific citation as appropriate.