Recognise Bank names new MD of commercial banking




Recognise Bank has today (1st December) appointed Ian Workman as its managing director of commercial banking.

Ian joins the SME lender from Barclays Bank, where he spent the majority of his 30-year career in financial services, the last five of which he was head of SME banking relationships in the UK.

At Barclays, Ian led the delivery of business banking relationships, products, and services to SME customers, overseeing its regional director structure and the national coverage of relationship managers, as well as being one of the senior leaders in Barclays UK business banking. 

He also led on Barclays’ strategy for diversity and inclusion in the business banking group and is currently studying for an MA in Equality and Diversity.

In his new role, Ian will oversee Recognise Bank’s entire commercial lending offering, working with its network of regional relationship managers.

Ian said that he was attracted to join the company because of its mission to bring personal banking back to the UK’s SMEs. 

“Small business is in my DNA,” he commented. 

“My father ran his own small business, as did other relatives in my family. 

“Supporting SMEs is not just a job to me, it’s something that I have lived and breathed, talked about at the dinner table, and experienced first-hand.

“I am incredibly excited to be joining Recognise; after so many years at a big bank, I am looking forward to working in a truly entrepreneurial environment, where I will get the opportunity to meet business owners face to face again. 

“With my knowledge of SMEs, I really believe that Recognise Bank’s blend of dedicated relationship managers and cutting-edge technology is just what the small business sector has been crying out for.”

The announcement follows a successful capital raise in the summer, which led to the removal of Recognise Bank’s deposit restrictions and the launch of its personal savings accounts.

The company plans to launch business savings accounts in early 2022.

Jason Oakley, CEO at Recognise Bank, added: “I am delighted that Ian has decided to join us to help drive our commercial banking. 

“Not only will he be a real asset to the business, being able to attract somebody of Ian’s calibre and experience shows just how compelling Recognise Bank is in the world of business banking.”

Recognise Bank offers commercial mortgages and bridging, working capital, and professional practice loans. 

It has also increased its SME lending, by launching a professional BTL product in November.

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