Hunter, who brings nearly two decades of experience in private markets, will join the fast-growing Venture Banking team, led by Jenny Edwards. His appointment is seen as a key move in the bank’s broader vision to enhance its offerings for scaleups and investors alike, strengthening its position as a leading partner in the innovation sector.
A Critical Addition to NatWest’s Venture Banking Team
In a statement, NatWest expressed its enthusiasm about Hunter’s appointment, highlighting his extensive experience in supporting venture-backed companies and their investors. According to the bank, Hunter’s previous roles at HSBC Innovation Banking and Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) have given him a deep understanding of the needs of high-growth businesses. With 18 years in the industry, he has worked extensively across corporate banking, funds banking, and venture banking, overseeing relationships with some of the most influential investors across the UK and Europe.
The appointment is part of a broader strategy under the leadership of Jenny Edwards, who joined NatWest as Head of Venture Banking earlier this year. Edwards, known for her focus on expanding support for innovative businesses, sees Hunter’s expertise as integral to the bank’s mission to provide tailored financial solutions and strategic advice to some of the UK’s most promising scaleups.
The team’s goal is not just to provide capital but to connect businesses with the right resources, whether that be strategic partnerships or access to the wider ecosystem of investors. Edwards noted, “His deep connections and passion for supporting founders and investors align perfectly with our ambition to build a market-leading proposition for the UK innovation economy.”
Strengthening Relationships with Venture Capital Investors
Hunter’s role at NatWest will primarily focus on strengthening relationships between the bank and the growing number of venture capital investors in the UK. According to the bank, his work will involve coordinating the bank’s outreach to growth stage investors, fostering deeper collaboration between these investors and the bank’s platform. This focus on venture capital ties into NatWest’s broader strategy of creating a strong support network for innovation-driven businesses.
The collaboration between Hunter and Greg Brown, who was appointed Head of Venture Capital in October 2025, will be crucial in ensuring that venture-backed businesses have access to a suite of services that include everything from capital and payment solutions to advanced credit risk assessments and hedging strategies.
While the UK economy continues to pivot towards innovation and technology-driven growth, the role of banks like NatWest is becoming ever more critical. By expanding its team and improving its relationships with key venture capital players, NatWest is positioning itself as a key enabler for future business success.
Hunter’s arrival is also part of a broader trend of investment in talent to secure a leading position within the competitive venture banking sector. According to NatWest, the team is growing rapidly, with an official launch of its full-scale Venture Banking platform planned for early 2026.
This will be marked by a major event bringing together investors, customers, and venture capital firms, further solidifying NatWest’s role as a key player in the UK’s innovation economy. Hunter’s leadership is expected to drive the bank’s efforts forward, offering not just financial products but a comprehensive ecosystem for high-growth businesses.
