Recognise Bank appoints new Chief Commercial Officer

By Bridging Loan Directory 28th January 2025

Following its recent £25m capital raise, Recognise Bank has announced the appointment of Caroline Luxmore as Chief Commercial Officer.

This latest capital injection takes the total raised by the Bank to over £120 million and will fuel the Bank’s continued growth and support for its customers, brokers and strategic partners with their real estate funding requirements.

Caroline will lead the Bank’s lending and savings teams with the aim of growing the Bank’s balance sheet by diversifying its offering to create a sustainable platform on which to grow the business.

Caroline has over 25 years of experience in the SME lending market, most recently as part of the executive team building Ashman Bank, having previously held senior positions at Aldermore and Yorkshire Bank.

Mark Bampton, current Chief Commercial Officer, will continue in role until the Bank’s March 2025 financial year end.

Mark has been a member of the founding executive team from the beginning, creating Recognise Bank, achieving the banking licence and implementing the Bank’s business plan.

Mark has decided that the time is right for him to leave the Bank as the business moves on to the next phase of its journey.

Chief Executive Officer, Simon Bateman, commented:

“I am delighted we have secured the services of someone of Caroline’s calibre and expertise as we embark on this exciting new chapter for the Bank.

Mark played a pivotal role in the launch of Recognise Bank and has been influential in getting it to where it is today.

On behalf of everyone at the Bank, I would like to thank Mark for his commitment over the past 7 years and wish him the best for the future.”

Caroline Luxmore commented:

“Recognise is already making a difference to underserved SME property investors and its growing retail and SME savings customer base.

The ethos of ‘recognising’ that financial services must do more to support this market matches my own deep belief that SMEs are so crucial to wider economic growth.

I look forward to working with an amazing team to broaden the product offering and set the business up for success.”

Mark Bampton commented:

“It has been a privilege to work with many talented people who together have built a new bank from the ground up, serving our savers and borrowers alike.

I am proud of what we have achieved. I would like to congratulate Caroline on her appointment and wish the Bank continued success under Simon’s leadership.”