Metro Bank has appointed Jason Oakley as managing director of commercial banking.

Oakley will be responsible for growing Metro Bank’s lending to small and medium-sized companies. He will report to chief executive Craig Donaldson.

He joined Metro Bank in July following roles as head of business banking at RBS and Natwest, regional managing director of RBS and chief executive of Hanco ATM Systems.

Donaldson said: “Metro Bank has ambitious expansion plans and Jason’s appointment will continue to turbo charge our growth in the commercial markets. We’ve been blown away by local reaction to our style of community banking. In particular, our strong lending book is a direct result of our model of local bankers making local loans, providing unparalleled personal service.

“With Jason and Mark both focused on developing our Commercial offering, Metro Bank is set up to help London’s businesses achieve success.”