Managing Director, Head of Banking and Lending

Cresset; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 250,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

Cresset is seeking a Managing Director, Head of Banking & Lending in Chicago to lead the strategy, development, and execution of the firm's banking and lending platform for UHNW clients.

You will build a national network of banking partners, educate wealth advisors on lending solutions, and translate credit insights into actionable opportunities for clients. This is a high-impact leadership role in private banking with a client-first culture.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Design and execute the banking and lending strategy, including defining the optimal partner ecosystem.
• Build and maintain relationships with a network of national, regional, and specialty banks and lenders.
• Evaluate and select partners based on their ability to deliver differentiated solutions for UHNW clients.
• Serve as internal leader for banking and lending capabilities across the firm.
• Educate and train advisors on how to position and deliver lending solutions as part of 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 relationship strategy.
• Advise on credit strategies for clients and prospects and structure lending opportunities for successful execution.
• Navigate complex balance sheets and lender requirements to optimize outcomes.
• Monitor market trends and support product enhancements for the platform.

Skills

Credit expertise

Relationship building

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Economics

MBA or similar preferred

Tools

Excel

Financial modeling tools

CRM systems

Job description

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.

Job Description

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.

Key Responsibilities

• 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.
• 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.

Qualifications

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 ability to evaluate credit opportunities and risks.
• Ability to clearly communicate complex credit concepts to advisors, clients, and prospects.

Leadership and Professional Skills:

• Client-Centric Mindset: Commitment to delivering a high-touch, white-glove client experience.
• Influence & Collaboration: Ability to build trust and influence advisors, clients, and external partners without direct authority.
• Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills; able to simplify complex concepts.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to balance long-term platform development with near-term execution.
• Execution-Oriented: Hands-on approach with strong attention to detail and follow-through.
• Adaptability: Thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment with evolving priorities.
• Team Leadership: Ability to mentor and develop junior team members and contribute to a collaborative culture.

What We Offer:

At Cresset, we focus on people first. As a service business, our people are our assets. Engaging our clients and employees is our highest priority. Cresset offers a competitive compensation package for the Internship Program. We also offer an opportunity to work in the wealth management environment allowing you to understand the industry and determine if it is the right step for you in your future endeavors. The program includes learning and development activities to give you broader exposure to the company and networking opportunities.

It is the policy of Cresset to ensure equal employment opportunity (EEO) for all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, or related conditions), national origin or ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, uniformed servicemember status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a parent, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. It is Cresset's policy to comply with applicable laws concerning the employment of persons with disabilities, including reasonable accommodation for applicants and employees with disabilities.

Everything Starts With Culture.

Our Vision

We exist to optimize wealth and elevate life-giving clients the time, clarity, and trusted partnership to pursue what matters most.

*Disclosures related to awards, recognitions, and rankings available here.

Cresset refers to Cresset Capital Management, and all its respective subsidiaries and affiliates. Cresset Asset Management, LLC, also conducts advisory business under the names of Cresset Sports & Entertainment, CH Investment Partners, and Cresset Capital. Cresset provides investment advisory, family office, and other services to individuals, families, and institutional clients. Cresset also provides investment advisory services to investment vehicles investing in private equity, real estate, and other investment opportunities. Cresset Asset Management, LLC is an SEC registered investment advisor. SEC registration does not imply any specific level of skill or training.