Lester Lis

Lester Lis currently serves as the Manager of Commercial Portfolio Management at the National Bank of Canada, where he plays a pivotal role in overseeing and optimizing the bank’s mid- and up-market commercial lending portfolio. His expertise lies in structuring and underwriting complex credit solutions, typically ranging from $20 million to $75 million, to support clients’ growth initiatives across various industries. Leveraging his deep understanding of credit risk assessment, financial analysis, and industry trends, Lester ensures that each deal aligns with the bank’s strategic objectives while mitigating potential risks. His role involves collaborating closely with relationship managers, clients, and internal stakeholders to develop tailored financing solutions that facilitate business expansion, acquisitions, and capital investments.

Lester’s involvement extends beyond traditional credit analysis; he actively participates in key projects such as portfolio diversification strategies, credit risk modeling, and the integration of innovative financial technologies to enhance underwriting efficiency. His background in M&A, working capital, equipment, and real estate lending provides him with a comprehensive perspective on client needs and market dynamics. As part of the bank’s Aspiring Leaders Program, Lester demonstrates strong leadership qualities, empathy, and a growth mindset—traits that enable him to mentor junior team members and contribute to a collaborative, high-performance culture.

Outside the office, Lester is passionate about continuous learning and professional development, constantly seeking opportunities to deepen his expertise in finance, equity valuation, and business analysis. His commitment to helping organizations achieve their goals underscores his dedication to fostering sustainable growth and success within the competitive financial services industry.