She takes up the role after Jason Oakley, Recognise’s co-founder, stepped down in March 2022,  having led the business from a fledgling idea to a fully authorised commercial lender and savings bank.

Jean has over 25 years of banking and capital markets experience, having previously held senior roles at a number of international banks, including director of private banking at Morgan Stanley and executive director at Goldman Sachs’ wealth management division.

She is also experienced in building businesses — both within financial institutions and having founded and managed a successful wealth management firm — and set up an investment management consultancy advising family offices and HNWIs.

Since securing its full banking licence in September 2021, Recognise has provided £100m of commercial loans and achieved £100m of business and personal savings deposits.

Jean will now head up the bank as it looks to create new and improved products and services, while maintaining its relationship banking approach.

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She will also use her knowledge of private and institutional investors to spearhead future fundraising rounds for the bank, which has already raised over £65m.

“This is an exciting opportunity to lead a new bank, driven by a talented, energised team of people who are passionate about helping SMEs,” said Jean.

“My role is to set out the next stage of the Recognise journey and build a strategy for growth and innovation.

“British businesses face significant challenges over the coming years, but there is also huge potential for success.

“What they need is the support of a bank that is driven by expertise, insight and imagination, with a strong focus on anticipating and meeting their financial needs.”

Phil Jenks, chair at the City of London Group — the parent company of Recognise — added: "Jean brings huge experience of banking and capital markets to this role, along with a vital entrepreneurial spirit gained from building her own successful company, which gives her an appreciation of the challenges that business owners face.

"On behalf of the board, I am delighted to welcome Jean as CEO and look forward to working with her in the exciting years ahead."

Co-founder Bryce Glover took over as interim CEO while the search for a new CEO was ongoing, and will now return to his former role as deputy CEO.