Jack Camilatto: Building a career through relationships, leadership and purpose

The Finance Connect Rising Star of the Year Award recognises individuals who have made an exceptional impact early in their careers while demonstrating the potential to become future leaders of the asset finance industry. This year, that honour went to Jack Camilatto of Arkle Finance.

As Finance Connect continues its series profiling the winners of the Finance Connect Summer Awards 2026, we caught up with Jack Camilatto to discuss what the award means to him, the people who have shaped his career and his ambitions for the future.

For Camilatto, the recognition is as much about the people around him as it is about his own achievements.

“It’s a real honour and one that I’m incredibly grateful for,” he said. “Whilst it’s an individual award, I don’t see it as an individual achievement. It’s only been possible because of the support, trust and opportunities I’ve been given by the incredible people around me at Arkle and Weatherbys.

“I’m proud to represent an organisation that genuinely invests in its people and encourages them to grow, and I’m honoured to have received this recognition.”

While Camilatto is proud of the contribution he has made to the growth of the business and the relationships he has built with introducers and customers, he says his greatest achievement lies away from the workplace.

“Professionally, I’m proud of the contribution I’ve been able to make to the growth of the business, the relationships I’ve built and the outcomes we’ve delivered for our introducers and customers,” he said. “However, the achievement that means the most to me is being able to provide a happy, secure life for my family.

“Becoming a parent has given me a completely different perspective on success. Every opportunity and milestone in my career is ultimately about creating a better future for those closest to me, and that’s what motivates me every day.”

That perspective has also shaped the kind of leader he hopes to become.

“I want to create an environment where people genuinely feel part of something, enjoy coming to work and are supported to succeed – not just professionally, but personally too,” he said. “I believe everyone deserves the opportunity to build a fulfilling career whilst still having the time and support to enjoy life outside of work with the people who matter most.

“If I can help create that for others, alongside providing for my own family, I’ll consider that one of my greatest achievements.”

Camilatto credits several colleagues with influencing his development but says one individual has had the greatest impact.

“I’ve been fortunate to work alongside a number of great people throughout my career, all of whom have helped shape the way I think and work today,” he said. “However, Keir Bradie, Commercial Director at Arkle, has had a particularly significant influence on my development.

“He’s challenged me to think differently, trusted me with opportunities outside my comfort zone and given me the confidence to take on responsibilities I wouldn’t have imagined a few years ago. His support has shaped not only my professional development, but also the way I approach leadership, relationships and continuous learning.”

Looking ahead, Camilatto believes the future of asset finance will be shaped by technology but defined by relationships.

“What excites me most is how technology, data and AI can help us work smarter whilst strengthening, rather than replacing, relationships,” he said. “Used well, these tools will enable faster, more informed decisions and allow us to spend more time having meaningful conversations with introducers and customers alike.

“The businesses that will prosper will be those that successfully combine the efficiencies of technology with the personal service, trusted relationships and agility that have always been at the heart of asset finance. Whilst the industry will continue to evolve, I firmly believe that strong relationships, trust and exceptional service will always be what sets businesses apart.”

Over the next five years, he hopes to continue developing as a commercial leader while helping others achieve their own potential.

“I want to continue developing as a commercial leader, helping shape the future direction of the business and industry whilst supporting others to develop their own careers,” he said. “I’m a people person at heart, and building genuine, long-lasting relationships has always been one of the most rewarding aspects of my role.

“My focus is on continuing to learn, delivering meaningful improvements and contributing to Arkle’s long-term success.”

Reflecting on the Finance Connect Summer Awards evening, Camilatto described it as a fitting celebration of the industry’s achievements.

“It was a fantastic evening and a real privilege to celebrate the achievements of so many talented people and organisations across the asset finance industry,” he said. “A huge thank you to Finance Connect for organising such an outstanding event and for everything they continue to do to bring the industry together, encourage collaboration and recognise excellence.

“I was genuinely honoured to receive the Rising Star Award and to be recognised alongside so many deserving winners.”