Managing Director, Head Of Banking & Lending

Managing Director, Head Of Banking & Lending

Salary Range $ - $ Salary/year Level Senior

Cresset is a firm built by clients, for clients. As an independent, award-winning multi-family office and private investment firm, we are reimagining the way wealth is experienced. Our purpose is to help ensure that both wealth and life are fully optimized—integrated, intentional, and aligned with each client's vision of success.

We provide access to the caliber of talent, ideas, and investment opportunities typically available to the largest single-family offices and institutions. Our approach is personalized, entrepreneurial, and client-first.

Proudly owned by our clients and employees, Cresset was built to endure. We are creating a 100+ year firm—one focused on delivering an exceptional experience, not only for the families we serve but for the team that serves them. Recognized by Barron's and Forbes among the nation's top RIA firms, and as one of the industry's best places to work, Cresset is guided by long-term relationships, shared success, and a belief that wealth should serve a life well lived.

The Managing Director, Head of Banking & Lending will lead the strategy, development, and execution of Cresset's banking and lending platform. This role is responsible for building and managing a best-in-class network of banking and lending partners to serve the complex personal needs of ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) clients.

This individual will act as both a strategic architect and hands-on expert, partnering closely with wealth advisors to enhance client outcomes through sophisticated credit solutions. The role requires deep expertise in credit, strong industry relationships, and the ability to translate lending strategies into actionable opportunities for advisors and clients.

• Platform Strategy & Partnership Development
• Design and execute the firm's banking and lending strategy, including defining the optimal partner ecosystem.
• Build and maintain relationships with a curated network of national, regional, and specialty banks and lenders.
• Evaluate and select partners based on their ability to deliver differentiated solutions for UHNW clients.
• Advisor Enablement & Internal Leadership
• Serve as the internal leader for banking and lending capabilities across the firm.
• Educate and train advisors on how to effectively position and deliver lending solutions as part of holistic Family Office Services.
• Develop frameworks, playbooks, and best practices to help advisors identify and execute lending opportunities.
• Partner with advisors to integrate lending into client acquisition, retention, and overall relationship strategy.
• Client & Deal Execution Support
• Act as a senior subject matter expert, advising on various credit strategies for clients and prospects.
• Partner directly with advisors and clients to structure and position lending opportunities for successful execution.
• Navigate complex balance sheets, nuanced client needs, and varying lender requirements to optimize outcomes.
• Facilitate communication and coordination between clients, advisors, and lending partners throughout the deal lifecycle.
• Credit Expertise & Risk Advisory
• Provide informed perspectives on credit markets, interest rate environment, and lending trends.
• Assess credit opportunities and associated risks, ensuring alignment with client objectives and prudent risk management.
• Guide advisors and clients in understanding trade-offs across different lending structures and providers, particularly with residential mortgages and securities-based lending.
• Platform Evolution & Continuous Improvement
• Gather feedback from advisors and clients to continuously refine the banking and lending platform.
• Identify gaps in product offerings or partner capabilities and drive enhancements.
• Monitor competitive landscape and emerging trends to ensure Cresset maintains a differentiated offering.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Economics, or a related field required.
• Advanced degree (MBA or similar) preferred.

Experience:

• 10+ years of experience in private banking or middle market/commercial banking.
• Demonstrated expertise in structuring and executing lending transactions for UHNW/HNW clients, particularly across residential mortgages and securities-based lending.
• Proven track record of building and managing relationships with banking and lending institutions.

Technical Proficiency:

• Knowledge of a broad range of credit products, including residential and commercial real estate lending, securities-based lending, concentrated collateral and structured liquidity solutions, and unsecured and specialty lending (e.g., aircraft, art, niche assets).
• Strong understanding of the national banking landscape, including lender-specific credit appetites and underwriting approaches.
• Knowledge of capital markets and macroeconomic factors impacting lending (e.g., interest rates, liquidity conditions).
• Advanced analytical and financial modeling skills, with the…