In Episode 42 of the Leaders & Founders podcast, Jason Oakley, CEO of Afin Bank, shares his journey from traditional banking to leading a challenger bank. Here are five key takeaways from his insightful conversation:
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1. Vision over red tape: why purpose still wins in banking
Jason Oakley knows first hand how complex the world of banking can be, especially under the weight of regulation. But for him, a clear, compelling vision isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s the compass that keeps everything aligned. Even in the most regulated environments, purpose-driven leadership, paired with a focused mission, can unlock both innovation and compliance. The message? Vision isn’t sacrificed for structure - it powers it.

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2. Old-school wisdom still matters
While Jason is leading the charge in modern banking, he’s quick to champion the enduring lessons of traditional finance. Things like earning customer trust, managing risk responsibly, and staying grounded in ethical practices don’t go out of style. Instead, they form the solid foundation on which the future of banking is built. Adapt, yes - but never abandon what works.

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3. Customer relationships are still king
Forget faceless transactions - Jason is all about real relationships. He underscores the need for meaningful engagement and truly listening to what customers want and need. In an industry that can feel distant and transactional, he believes that authentic connection is not just a differentiator - it’s the key to lasting success, and he's trying to bring as much of that into the Afin Bank journey as possible.

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4. Listen to the next generation
Great leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about knowing where to find them. Jason advocates for amplifying the voices of younger team members, whose fresh perspectives often hold the key to breakthrough ideas. In all aspects of business, he likes to gather key information from his younger team, understand their needs and always stays open to new ways of thinking.

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5. Building a bank from scratch? Expect a rollercoaster!
Starting a challenger bank in a crowded market like the UK isn’t for the faint-hearted -but Jason’s done it. He shares what it really takes: grit, vision, and a willingness to challenge everything you thought you knew. From building a team to navigating regulation, the process is anything but easy, but the reward is the chance to create something truly transformative.

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For a deeper dive into Jason Oakley's insights and experiences, you can watch the full episode here:
🎧 Jason Oakley - Episode 42 | Leaders & Founders podcast

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