The Leadership Learns Podcast

Leading Through Transformation and Revolutionising Data Driven Lending with Neil Evans, Head of Credit Risk at OakNorth Bank

Peter Rabey Season 5 Episode 11

Hear from Neil Evans, Head of Credit Risk at OakNorth Bank as he shares his journey from the established world of traditional banking to the agile, fast-scaling environment of OakNorth. Since joining in 2014, he’s helped shape one of the UK’s most resilient and data-driven lending models designed specifically for SMEs.

Discussions in this episode:

  • Background to OakNorth Bank, founded by Rishi Khosla and Joel Perlman
  •  Neil's journey from a long career at RBS to shaping credit strategy at a fast‑growing bank
  • How OakNorth built a billion-pound loan book in just 18 months
  • The role of stress testing and proactive credit policy during economic shocks
  • OakNorth’s strategic U.S. expansion, including its recent acquisition of Community Unity Bank

This conversation is packed with practical leadership insights, bold decision-making and lessons on scaling without compromising on risk.

It's a wonderfully inspiring conversation, full of great insights - Neil tells OakNorth's story beautifully.

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