2. Money Talks, Technology Rocks: OakNorth unleashed a clever move by licensing its cutting-edge technology, OakNorth Credit Intelligence(ONCI), to banks outside the UK. Instead of chasing licences globally, they opened doors for lenders to get a taste of their advanced tech. This not only earned them fast cash but also built a global reputation. Several tier-1 banks in the US, such as Customers Bank, Old National Bank, and PNC, and a few others in Europe, such as NIBC Bank and real-estate lender OIMIO have embraced ONCI to enhance their credit assessment and portfolio monitoring capabilities. 

3. Allies in Arms: Partnerships lie at the core of OakNorth’s business model. They have formed collaborations with fintechs such as Monzo, Raisin, Moneybox, Flagstone, Insignis, Aviva, etc., to expand their deposit base through retail investors. On the lending side, it partners with Accountants and Brokers such as Cottons Group, Crowe, and BHP, among others, to cost-effectively acquire SMB Customers. OakNorth also has co-lending partnerships with The Mezz Lender, Blend, etc., to jointly deploy capital to SMB customers.  

4. Banking on Believers: OakNorth impressed the banks that relied on their credit intelligence platform so much that some of their clients, such as SMBC Bank and NIBC Bank, have chosen to invest in the company, showcasing the belief in the technology and the business model that OakNorth has established. 

5. Sustainability Squad: OakNorth not only chased profits but also took a stand for sustainability. They developed the ON Climate product, empowering lenders to assess climate transition risk in their loan portfolios. By leading the charge against climate change, OakNorth proved they’re not just about money, and they care about making a positive impact too.

With these five power moves, OakNorth’s playbook has propelled them to new heights of profitability, scalability, and growth. By targeting the missing middle, leveraging technology licensing, and forming strategic partnerships OakNorth has carved a unique path for itself in the financial world. As it sets its sights on truly becoming a global player and evaluates its options to go public, OakNorth’s future holds immense promise and potential.