OUR STORY

Ben Barbanel is Head of Debt Finance at OakNorth, where he leads the team responsible for originating, structuring, and executing bespoke lending solutions for entrepreneurial businesses and property developers. With deep expertise in real estate and corporate lending, Ben has been instrumental in scaling OakNorth’s lending book and fostering key client relationships. Under his leadership, the Debt Finance team has supported over $17 billion in loans. OakNorth has also expanded its reach into the U.S. market, providing direct and note-on-note lending for adaptive reuse and multifamily housing projects across multiple states, furthering its impact on both sides of the Atlantic.

Max is Managing Director of Debt Finance at OakNorth, specializing in commercial real estate (CRE). He joined OakNorth in London in 2018 after previously working at Lloyds Bank. Max has since played a pivotal role in the growth and expansion of OakNorth’s CRE lending capabilities. Now based in New York, he leads transactions across diverse real estate sectors, bringing deep expertise in structuring tailored finance solutions for mid-market developers and investors.

Dylan is a Director of Debt Finance at OakNorth, with a primary focus on commercial real estate. Dylan has been instrumental in supporting OakNorth’s expansion into the US market, having initially joined the team in London back in 2017. Now based in New York, he specializes in structuring and managing tailored finance solutions for mid-market real estate developers.

Adam is an Associate Director of Debt Finance at OakNorth, bringing over a decade of experience in commercial real estate. Prior to joining the team, he helped scale the CRE and construction lending platform at Cross River as a Senior Loan Officer. He has also held underwriting roles at Investors Bank and Meridian Capital, building a strong foundation in credit analysis and deal structuring.

Max is an Associate Director in OakNorth’s Real Estate Debt Finance team, where he helps originate, screen and structure transactions. He supports the full execution process, from initial assessment through to credit approval and legal completion, working closely with clients and advisors to deliver tailored financing solutions.

Connor serves as Director of Debt Finance at OakNorth, specializing in commercial and industrial (C&I) lending solutions. With significant experience originating and executing debt capital structures, Connor previously held senior positions at Modern Bank, where he led numerous successful debt transactions for mid-market businesses. His expertise includes providing customized cash flow lending solutions aligned with strategic client goals to support leveraged buyouts (LBOs), acquisition finance initiatives and working capital.

Mohith is a Managing Director of Debt Finance at OakNorth, which he joined in 2016 after c.15 years at RBS. An expert in Structured and Corporate Finance, he has deep experience across customer relationships, portfolio management, risk, and strategy. Mo leads on originating, structuring, and executing complex transactions that support growing businesses and ambitious funds with tailored funding solutions. Since 2018, he has spearheaded OakNorth’s work in fund finance, demonstrating a strong track record in delivering success across varied and challenging business situations against a backdrop of a constantly changing macro environment.

Lowell is a Senior Director of Credit at OakNorth, bringing over 20 years of extensive industry experience in real estate credit underwriting and risk management. His previous senior leadership roles include positions at J.P. Morgan Chase, Centennial Bank, and JLJ Capital, overseeing complex underwriting processes and strategic credit decisions. Lowell’s deep sector knowledge significantly strengthens OakNorth’s credit risk capabilities.

James joined OakNorth in 2020 and brings decades of experience across major financial institutions including PwC, RBS, Barclays and Santander. A Chartered Accountant by training, he specialises in structuring bespoke corporate debt solutions for growing businesses. With deep expertise in credit analysis and underwriting, James plays a key role in supporting complex C&I transactions across a range of sectors. 

Roberta is a Director of Credit at OakNorth, specializing in real estate finance and credit risk. With a robust background spanning credit risk roles at OakNorth in the UK, a UK alternative lender, and Ireland’s National Asset Management Agency, Roberta brings proven expertise in asset recovery, financial analysis, and risk assessment, ensuring robust credit decision-making and portfolio management.

Alex is a Director of Debt Finance at OakNorth, where he originates bridge and development loans nationally. He joins the team after senior roles at A10 Capital, Builders Capital, and Ready Capital, bringing extensive experience in originating and structuring real estate debt across the US commercial lending market.

Casey is an Associate Director on OakNorth’s Real Estate Debt Finance team, where he helps originate, screen and structure transactions. He joined the team in 2026 after roles at EquityMultiple, JLJ Capital, and First Republic Bank, building over eight years of experience across real estate credit investments, originations, and lending. 

Christopher is an Associate on OakNorth’s Real Estate Debt Finance team, where he sources, underwrites and structures commercial real estate financing transactions across asset classes. He joined the team in 2026 after originator roles at Millbrook Realty Capital and Bluestone Group, building a foundation in CRE debt origination and execution. 

Joshua is an Associate on OakNorth’s Real Estate Debt Finance team, assisting on deal screening, underwriting and execution. He joined in 2024 from Melkonian Capital Management, having previously held a real estate acquisition role at Hoffman & Associates. 

Judah is an Analyst on OakNorth’s Real Estate Debt Finance team, supporting deal screening, underwriting and transaction execution. He joined in 2025 from Rosewood Realty Group, having previously worked as a commercial mortgage broker at FM Capital. 

Kabir is a Senior Associate in OakNorth’s Debt Finance team, specializing in commercial and industrial (C&I) lending. He supports the origination and execution of cash flow lending solutions for mid-market businesses, including financing for leveraged buyouts (LBOs), acquisitions and working capital. 

Noah is a Senior Associate on OakNorth’s Real Estate Debt Finance team, supporting underwriting and execution across the loan lifecycle. He joined after over a decade in real estate underwriting at Greystone, Dwight Capital, and Arbor Commercial Mortgage. 

Sam is an Associate Director of Debt Finance at OakNorth, where he originates bridge and construction loans across all asset types to help grow the direct lending platform. He joined the team after nearly six years at Urban Standard Capital, where he structured and managed debt and equity investments. Having previously worked in construction project management, his hands-on experience informs his approach to structuring construction financing.