I didn’t want Oakstead to be just another volume-based firm – it had to be a business built around client relationships, not transaction numbers. –
James Blackler, Founder of Oakstead Finance
James Blackler’s career spans over 15 years in London’s property market, followed by leadership in enterprise technology and a transition into mortgage broking.
He began his career at Foxtons, progressing from Sales Negotiator to Operations Director at Sloane Square – gaining deep experience in client relationships, high-performance environments, and running complex operations.
He later moved into the tech sector as Head of Enterprise Sales at Krystal, where he led enterprise growth and developed a strong grounding in cloud infrastructure and scalable systems – experience that would later shape his approach to building a brokerage.
The Transition to Mortgage Broking
In 2022, James transitioned into mortgage broking, working with LDN Finance and Trinity Financial.
Having spent years on the property side of transactions, he brought a unique perspective:
- First-hand understanding of buyer behaviour
- Deep knowledge of property transactions
- Ability to bridge the gap between estate agents and finance
This positioned him strongly to support clients navigating complex purchases.
Launching Oakstead Finance
In early 2026, James launched Oakstead Finance, a Battersea-based, whole-of-market brokerage.
Built from the ground up, Oakstead focuses on:
- Complex client profiles (self-employed, expats, overseas buyers)
- Bespoke lending solutions
- Relationship-led service, not volume
The brand itself was developed in collaboration with a designer, creating a business with distinct identity and personality – a deliberate move away from traditional “faceless” brokerages.
Why Cornerstone?
When selecting a network, James had two non-negotiables:
- Best-in-class technology
- Full flexibility to serve international clients
After evaluating options, Cornerstone stood out as the only network clearly delivering both.
Supported by strong industry recommendations, the decision was straightforward.
Building for Scale
Six months into launch, Oakstead has focused heavily on infrastructure.
Drawing on his experience in tech, James has:
- Implemented automation across admin workflows
- Built systems that reduce manual processing
- Designed operations to scale efficiently from day one
This approach allows more time spent on client relationships and ensures the business is not constrained by legacy processes.
Results So Far
- Successfully launched in early 2026
- Established a technology-led brokerage model
- Built a platform designed for scaling and team growth
- Positioned Oakstead as a specialist in complex mortgage cases
Looking Ahead
James is actively growing the Oakstead team and continuing to invest in systems and client experience.
His ambition is to become the broker of choice for clients with complex financial lives, and to build a business chosen for its experience, not just its rates.
Looking to build a modern, scalable brokerage like Oakstead?
Join a network designed for advisers who want flexibility, technology, and the ability to serve complex clients without compromise.
