Since joining OakNorth in 2019 as an Associate Director, Max Saidman has rapidly progressed in his career, becoming a Director of Debt Finance and, most recently, relocating to New York to help drive our real estate lending efforts in the U.S. We caught up with him to discuss his OakNorth journey, the opportunities he’s had, and how the culture here has supported his growth. 

Q: What first drew you to OakNorth? 

Max: I wasn’t actively looking for a new role, but a former colleague had joined OakNorth and suggested I have a chat. The hiring process was incredibly thorough – not only was it fast, but I also got to meet many different people from across the bank. That gave me the opportunity to ask different questions, hear a range of experiences, and really get a sense of the culture before joining. OakNorth’s approach was different from what I’d experienced in the past – they recognised my skills and ambitions right away and moved quickly to bring me on board. 

Q: In your opinion, how is working at OakNorth different to other banks? 

Max: The flat structure here is a game changer. I have direct access to senior leaders, including our CEO and Co-Founder, Rishi Khosla, and Head of Debt Finance, Ben Barbanel. That kind of exposure to leadership is rare at larger banks. 

On top of that, OakNorth has a team structure that allows me to focus on origination while credit analysts handle the credit process, and the portfolio team manages deals post-closing. That means I can dedicate my time to building relationships and finding great opportunities. 

But what really stands out is how the bank is set up to enable me to do business. I was hired for a reason, and everything – from processes to decision-making – is optimised to support me in delivering on that. Feedback from the team is also encouraged with the aim of continually improving the way we work. 

Q: What qualities do you think someone needs to succeed here? 

Max: You need to be ambitious, hardworking, and confident in your views. Communication is key – you have to be able to clearly articulate your points. It’s also important to be personable and have a sense of humour. We have a strong, supportive culture, and being able to hold your own in conversations while not taking yourself too seriously is a big part of that. 

Q: How has OakNorth supported your career growth? 

Max: The speed of progression here is much faster than at high-street banks. I became a Director within two and a half years. More recently, I was asked to move to New York to help lead our real estate lending efforts. 

What’s unique is that I’m not just growing within the bank – I’m also empowered to help the bank grow. There’s a real sense of ownership here, and the opportunities I’ve had reflect that. Being recognised for my contributions and given such a major opportunity is something I’m really proud of. The level of exposure here means that if you put in the work, there are always opportunities for growth. 

Q: What do you enjoy most about working here? 

Max: The people. It’s a young, ambitious team where everyone is working towards the same goal. I truly believe that the people you work with are more important than the job itself. The culture here is positive, fast-paced, and focused on doing great deals the right way. 

For anyone considering a role in banking and looking for a place where they can accelerate their career, take on real responsibility, and be surrounded by smart, driven colleagues – OakNorth is a great place to be. 

Check out our current career opportunities and take the next step in your professional journey with us today!