We are a *knowledge business

We are pleased to announce that Lawrence Stephens has been appointed to the legal panel of Recognise Bank, a new digital bank focused on providing tailored banking solutions to UK SMEs.

Recognise Bank was launched in December 2020 by Founder and CEO Jason Oakley, formerly the Managing Director of Commercial Banking at Metro Bank.

The appointment follows a successful three-year working relationship with Recognise, in which Lawrence Stephens assisted the lender in various legal matters which enabled it to attain its Banking License in November 2020.

In addition, Lawrence Stephens’ team of Real Estate Finance solicitors have been instructed on the Bank’s first case, involving a refinance of an existing loan secured against a recently renovated and extended property configured as a 5-bed HMO.

A leading provider of legal services to Challenger Banks, Lawrence Stephens brings specialist expertise in real estate finance and banking to Recognise Bank’s inaugural panel of legal advisors.

By developing an in-depth knowledge of each organisation’s business plan, and working collaboratively with clients to drive deals over the line at pace, Lawrence Stephens has become the trusted legal partner of many banks, lenders and investors. The law firm has considerable experience in assisting starter banks from their earliest days, helping them meet their targets, grow and develop into successful, established businesses.

Jason Oakley, CEO of Recognise Bank, comments:

“I welcome Lawrence Stephens to our exclusive panel of advisors. Their relationship management capabilities, track record and their knowledge of real estate finance is extremely valuable and supports our vision to help starved SMEs in the sector and make the journey seamless for them. Recognise Bank panel of lawyers works alongside the deal team as true partners. This helps us a great deal in progressing the clients’ loan with speed, providing them with a frictionless experience.”

Shami Sharma, Recognise Bank’s Business Development Manager, comments:

“Delighted that Lawrence Stephens Limited have been appointed to our Legal Panel. Having known Greg, Andreas and Stavros for a number of years, there is already an excellent personal relationship and look forward to this continuing in partnership with Recognise Bank, which has already started!

Greg and his Team are proactive in the way they deal with clients and I can always pick up the ‘phone for a chat on any matter with confidence that impartial and pertinent advice is given. This is in line with Recognise’s culture and ethos which is greatly dependent on strong relationships and knowledge of the client’s business.”

Gregory Palos, Head of Real Estate Finance at Lawrence Stephens, comments:

“We are delighted to have been appointed to Recognise Bank’s inaugural legal panel and on their very first case. It’s a pleasure to be working with a new bank whose emphasis on building strong relationships, and providing clients with a bespoke, tailored service aligns so closely with our own values.

We look forward to working collaboratively with Recognise to achieve its goal of accelerating British SMEs in the months to come.”