Since joining Fintelligent 18 months ago, Owen Nayar, Principal Consultant specialising in Real Estate and Commercial Finance, has played a key role in supporting lenders through a changing market landscape. With a background spanning seven years in recruitment and a strong focus on relationship-led delivery, Owen has successfully transitioned into permanent recruitment and quickly established himself within the specialist lending space.
From record-breaking results to navigating a volatile but increasingly optimistic market, Owen shares his experience of life at Fintelligent so far, his proudest achievements, and what he’s focused on as we move through 2026.
You’ve been with Fintelligent for 18 months now – how would you describe your time within the business so far?
I’d describe my time with Fintelligent as rewarding, I am lucky to work with an ambitious business, filled with ambitious and hard working people who are consistently looking to improve and provide the best standard of work . I started with the Business mid-2024, following 7 years of temp recruitment so it was a bit of a switch in mindset transitioning into the world of permanent recruitment. What has stood out most is the culture.
We are quick to celebrate each other’s wins, whether that is a client success or a candidate placement, but there is always a healthy drive to push on to the next one. I have really enjoyed building deeper relationships with clients and candidates, and the role has definitely supported both my personal and professional growth.
What has been your biggest achievement or proudest moment since joining Fintelligent?
My biggest achievement since joining Fintelligent has been achieving a record month and record quarter across my entire recruitment career. This came after a year working in the industry and followed a transition into the Specialist Real Estate lending market just months prior. During that period, I supported 10 professionals in taking the next step in their careers, while also delivering a record breaking fee. The achievement was built through a mix of existing relationships and new client partnerships, which made it even more rewarding. There is no better feeling than supporting both candidates and businesses at pivotal moments and playing a genuine role in helping lending teams grow and scale.
How would you describe the market you work in, and what have you learned about it over the past six months?
Across Specialist Real Estate Finance and Commercial Based Lending, the market can be volatile and heavily influenced by external factors. Over the past year we have seen changes driven by government policy, fluctuating base rates, and broader economic uncertainty, all of which have impacted how businesses approach recruitment. Over the last six months, however, there has been a noticeable shift in sentiment. 2025 brought renewed optimism and that momentum has continued into early 2026. The market currently feels more candidate driven, with lenders looking to grow teams and invest in strong talent. There are more high quality opportunities available, and businesses are increasingly focused on securing the right people rather than rushing hires. Overall, the outlook feels positive and the year ahead looks promising.
Looking ahead to 2026, what are your personal goals at Fintelligent and what are you most excited to work on?
Looking ahead to 2026, my main goal is to continue developing and expanding my relationships across the Specialist Real Estate and Commercial Based Lending markets. With renewed optimism in the sector, I am excited to build on my experience and share market insights to support clients with their growth plans. Over the past year I have supported a wide range of roles within lending businesses, from Origination and Credit through to Marketing and Compliance. Each placement has deepened my understanding of what is required to run a successful lending operation. In 2026, I want to build on that knowledge, deliver even stronger results than last year, and continue improving as a consultant.
Anything else you’d like to add
I am proud to be part of a business that values collaboration, ambition, and continuous improvement. The support within the team, combined with the freedom to develop your own market and relationships, makes Fintelligent a genuinely rewarding place to work, and I am excited about what the next year will bring.
Explore Opportunities in Real Estate & Commercial Finance
Whether you’re a lender looking to grow your team or a candidate considering your next move within real estate or commercial finance, Fintelligent offers specialist insight, market knowledge, and a consultative approach built on long-term relationships.
To explore current opportunities, access market insights, or learn more about how we support businesses and professionals across the sector, visit our Real Estate Finance, Commercial Finance, and Jobs pages — or speak directly with our specialist team to start the conversation.
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