SME bank Recognise given green light by UK regulator

UK challenger bank Recognise has been given approval from the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) to start offering its products.

Recognise is led by former Metro Bank exec Jason Oakley

Recognise, which launched to target small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), also offers a range of personal banking services.

The bank is the brainchild of the City of London Investment Group, which completed a £14 million fundraise to secure capital requirements for its new venture.

The bank is led by Jason Oakley, former managing director of Metro Bank’s commercial and mortgage lending business.

Recognise has launched its personal savings accounts this week, and also offers commercial mortgages and bridging loans.

It claims to have received more than £750 million in loan enquiries, and has targeted £1.3 billion of total lending by 2026.

For its technology, Recognise deploys nCino’s Bank Operating System, as well as a suite of extra services from the vendor.

These include biometrics, video conferencing, due diligence checks, and open banking initiatives.