Full-Time
Associate Director
Legal and Transaction Management
Posted on 1/14/2025
OakNorth Bank
501-1,000 employees
Provides tailored lending solutions for businesses
No salary listed
Mid, Senior
London, UK
- Strong experience of a wide range of finance transactions and clear understanding of a variety of deal structures
- Good working knowledge and understanding of the documentation required for banking transactions
- Strong training and knowledge of transaction management and structuring experience
- Clear attention to detail on all deal structuring and transaction documents
- Ability to add value and build trust with clients
- Strong communication skills, ability to work in teams and demonstrates ability to remain calm under pressure
- Strong understanding of the regulatory environment
- Work with senior members of the Transaction Execution Team and prospective borrowers to agree deal structures and advise the Business Development and Credit teams to ensure structures of deals comply with terms of credit sanction.
- Ensure Term Sheets are agreed in a time efficient manner for transactions to be commenced quickly.
- Instruct and manage external and internal lawyers on the drafting of finance documents.
- Instruct and manage junior internal lawyers for the management of credit and lending conditions.
- Work on a number of transactions simultaneously and facilitate all CPs to be satisfied as quickly as possible.
- Become an expert in the use and management of the Bank's CRM programme to ensure that the business has full visibility on deal closings and pipeline.
- Leverage GenAI tools to increase productivity and enhance decision-making processes within the role.
OakNorth Bank offers tailored lending solutions to businesses and savers in the UK, focusing on fast and flexible financing options. The bank specializes in senior debt finance, allowing for quick loan approvals that support management buyouts and business growth, particularly in property development and hospitality. Unlike traditional banks, OakNorth works closely with private equity firms to customize its financial products, ensuring they meet specific client needs. Additionally, OakNorth provides savings accounts for individuals, with deposits helping to fund local business expansion and positively impact communities.
Company Size
501-1,000
Company Stage
Grant
Total Funding
$15.8M
Headquarters
London, United Kingdom
Founded
2015
Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- OakNorth's collaboration with OpenAI enhances digital banking with AI-driven personalization and speed.
- The acquisition of Community Unity Bank expands OakNorth's reach in the pro-business US market.
- Over $1 billion in US lending since July 2023 shows strong demand and market success.
What critics are saying
- US expansion may lead to increased regulatory scrutiny and compliance challenges.
- AI integration with OpenAI could raise data privacy and ethical concerns.
- Focus on digital solutions might alienate customers preferring traditional banking methods.
What makes OakNorth Bank unique
- OakNorth offers tailored lending solutions for ambitious UK businesses, unlike traditional banks.
- The bank specializes in fast, flexible finance, crucial for management buyouts and expansions.
- OakNorth combines digital efficiency with personal service, enhancing customer experience and satisfaction.
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Benefits
Flexible Work Hours
Paid Vacation
Parental Leave
Company Equity
Commuter Benefits
Company News
Hugo Oliveira Sousa, who is the Senior Director of Marketing at OakNorth Bank, talks about how the bank manages to combine quick digital services with personal touches in their savings business. Right now, OakNorth has around 300,000 personal savings customers. When it comes to answering calls, they average just 7 seconds, and even during busy times, it’s only about 60 seconds—way quicker than most standard banks.Hugo emphasizes that it’s not just about fast responses on the phone, but also about having an app and online services that make calling less necessary. The aim is to create a straightforward experience that really addresses the specific needs of their customers. He mentions a common pitfall for many companies: trying to cater to everyone. When they try to appeal to various customer groups, from wealthy investors to fresh grads, it gets tough to create services that actually fit anyone.At OakNorth, they concentrate on making products that combine handy automation for simple tasks with real human help when it’s needed
Hugo Oliveira Sousa, Senior Director of Marketing at OakNorth Bank, shares how the bank supports mid-sized businesses, typically those making over £1 million. He points out that these newer business owners want fast, digital services but still appreciate having human help when it counts.Hugo notes that while tech can speed things up, it can’t completely replace the need for personal understanding, especially in tricky situations. OakNorth aims to provide both a smooth digital experience and access to real people, making sure customers get quick service without losing that personal touch.He likens it to using a ride-hailing app: the app gets you a ride fast, but it’s the driver who makes it a good experience. In banking, especially for big transactions or complex needs, tech alone won’t cut it. A chatbot can’t help with a blocked £1 million payment like a real person who understands the customer’s business can.This mix of tech and human support is key to how OakNorth handles its business banking and lending services
The funding deal should allow the business to expand into new markets and become more sustainable
Hugo Oliveira Sousa, Senior Director of Marketing at OakNorth Bank, talks about how the bank fills a gap in the business banking scene. He points out that while digital banks provide quick, app-based services, they often struggle with more complex business needs. On the other hand, traditional banks offer personalized support but tend to have slow and outdated methods.OakNorth aims itself at businesses that want quick, digital solutions but have specific requirements. Rather than starting from the ground up, they rely on existing banking systems and focus on improving the customer experience and technology that speeds up decision-making without adding extra hassle.Their focus on what customers need rather than just tech development has been crucial for OakNorth’s success, particularly in lending, where they value quick and smart credit evaluations over the old, slow processes
Hugo Oliveira Sousa from OakNorth Bank talks about what sets the bank apart from others, starting with its unique background. Unlike typical banks, OakNorth was created by entrepreneurs instead of seasoned bankers. The founders have real experience in building and growing businesses, so they really get the challenges that companies face as they expand. This perspective is part of the whole bank.At OakNorth, every team—from ops and compliance to marketing and product—works with the same goal: tackling genuine customer issues. They focus on where they can provide the most help and know when to step back. Hugo points out that they aren’t trying to do everything; they just want to excel in a specific market in a way that’s smart and sustainable.He mentions that some customers may be better off with digital lenders aimed at micro-businesses, while others might prefer the personal touch of a traditional bank’s relationship manager