The strong personal relationships we’ve built with clients over our decades of lending are at the heart of our business. We believe in good, old-fashioned banking — no call centres or automated responses — with a trusted team of experts at the end of the phone. Here we meet some familiar and less familiar faces, who help ensure Commercial Acceptances’ longevity and success.
This blog is from John King, who talks to us about the most rewarding moments of his time at Commercial Acceptances, his top travel destinations, favourite book and more!
Can you give us an overview of your role?
I joined CA in 2018. In my current role as an Assistant Director, I lead a team of experienced colleagues and, together, we manage a large portfolio of property-based clients.
We cover all aspects from origination, underwriting, and longer-term management of clients’ facilities. Their borrowing requirements are a mix of bridging, refurbishment, development and term.
A large proportion of our portfolio are return borrowers, who are sophisticated property individuals and companies.
Did you always expect to be working in financial services?
In truth I wanted to join an industry which did not work on weekends, so I could continue my season ticket watching football. So as a happy accident, I went into banking and haven’t looked back. This will be my 20th year in the industry, so I chose well.
What have been some of the most rewarding moments of your time at CA?
Being part of a team of people which are assisting bringing old properties back to life or building new houses. Driving past a house which CA provided funding on is always special.
When you agree to fund a new property, you end up on a journey with the client that can last up to a couple of years and it helps you to be invested in the scheme you are funding.
Where is your favourite place/s to travel?
I was lucky to take a 6 month sabbatical early in my career and I travelled through Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and America. If I could manage my way back to Queenstown in New Zealand, do some kayaking, visit Fergburger for dinner and finish the day with a Monteiths Radler, that would be a good trip.
What is one of your proudest moments?
I have two young daughters - witnessing their growth and watching them navigate the world is pretty special.
What is your favourite book?
I’m currently reading ‘A Confederacy of Dunces’ which is a great book that I’d highly recommend. The way it managed to get published is a story in itself.
