Behind every deal at Recognise Bank is someone who does more than crunch numbers, they bring experience, perspective and a genuine commitment to helping businesses grow.
For Chris Stevens, Senior Lending Manager, that commitment is rooted in a career that spans high street and challenger banks, shaped by lessons learned on the frontline of finance. He balances pragmatism with passion and is focused on supporting SMEs to achieve their goals by structuring deals that stand the test of time.
This isn’t just a Q&A. It’s a closer look at Chris’s journey, what drives him, and how he helps brokers and businesses turn ambition into achievement.
What brought you into lending, and to Recognise Bank?
I’ve always been interested in numbers and finance, which led me to study for a degree in accounting and finance. I had previously worked with several people who joined Recognise Bank right from the outset. The opportunity to join such a great team and to have real influence in shaping a new bank was something I was really keen to be part of.
What do you love most about working with brokers and SMEs?
Working with SMEs enables me to help businesses achieve their goals. I really enjoy getting a deal through to completion.
Is there something unique or unexpected in your background that shaped your career?
Early in my career, I worked at a high street bank that encountered major difficulties. It was frustrating because I couldn’t properly support my customers during that time. That experience really shaped my mindset, it made me want to work in smaller organisations where I could be more hands-on and make a real difference for clients.
What makes a deal stand out to you?
Deals where the customer has a clear vision for a property, and we’re able to help them realise it, always stand out for me.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give a business considering bridging or commercial lending?
Always consider the potential downsides as well as the upsides. If you can be confident about meeting your obligations in every scenario, you’ll be in a strong position.
What’s the most rewarding part of completing a deal?
Navigating challenges together and the thanks we receive from customers and brokers, particularly when the deal is a complex one. Knowing that we’ve helped deliver a positive outcome is incredibly rewarding.
What do you think sets Recognise Bank apart from other lenders?
Our pragmatic approach. We don’t believe in “one size fits all”, we look for ways to achieve results that work for each individual customer and their circumstances.
Whether it’s Chris’s dedication to helping SMEs achieve their property visions, his pragmatic approach to complex deals, or his impressive sporting feats, Chris brings both authenticity and insight to every conversation.
What have you learned from working with brokers?
That they’re highly experienced people who have excellent relationships with their customers. They also bring valuable insight into the wider market, which helps ensure the solutions we provide are competitive and relevant.
How do you like to spend your time outside of work?
Spending time with my children is my top priority. I love going to music festivals with my daughter and football or supercar events with my son.
Complete this sentence: “People might not guess this about me, but…”
As a youngster, I once achieved a hole-in-one at golf, a hattrick in cricket, and scored from the halfway line in football. Sadly, it still wasn’t enough to get me playing professionally in any of those sports!
Whether it’s Chris’s dedication to helping SMEs achieve their property visions, his pragmatic approach to complex deals, or his impressive sporting feats, Chris brings both personality and professionalism to every conversation.
If you’re a broker or business looking to work with someone who will take the time to understand your goals and deliver practical solutions, Chris would love to hear from you.
Get in touch with him at [email protected].
Or connect on LinkedIn Chris Stevens.
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