Our team

Better people make better lending

We lend billions of dollars to commercial real estate projects every year. But it’s not just capital that distinguishes us. It’s the empowered nature of our workforce. Our advisors are experienced experts whose sole focus is to deliver financing strategies that enable you to achieve greater success.

Our Better Lending culture – three decades in the making – is built on the skill that comes from pure mortgage lending. Because we start from a position of knowledge about you, your project, and your market, we can design solutions that are fit for your purpose. And because accountability is in our nature, we meet our commitments.

Better by design, better by nature, better for you in every corner of the country.

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Pehlaj Malhotra

Pehlaj is a member of:
Commercial leadership team

Vice President, Commercial Financing, British Columbia and the Prairies

pehlaj.malhotra@firstnational.ca

778.873.0223

Pehlaj H R Malhotra joined First National Financial in October 2026 as Regional Vice President, Commercial Mortgages, responsible for British Columbia and the Prairie provinces. Based in Vancouver, his mandate is to grow First National's presence across Western Canada, expand the brokerage channel, and support the continued development and success of the commercial team.

Prior to joining First National, Pehlaj built an accomplished career spanning more than three decades in financial services, holding senior leadership roles with HSBC and RBC. Most recently, he led HSBC Canada's Real Estate business and later oversaw the combined HSBC and RBC Real Estate business in British Columbia. Throughout his career, he earned a strong reputation for client relationship management, team leadership, and driving sustainable business growth.

Pehlaj believes that long-term success is built on trust, collaboration, and a deep understanding of clients' goals. Over the years, he has developed lasting relationships with real estate owners, developers, investors, and industry stakeholders across Western Canada. He is passionate about creating value for clients by combining market knowledge, strategic thinking, and responsive service, while helping clients navigate an evolving real estate landscape.

Known for his coaching and mentorship style, Pehlaj is committed to developing high-performing teams and fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence. He enjoys helping individuals grow professionally, sharing insights gained throughout his career, and empowering teams to achieve exceptional results for clients and business partners alike.

Pehlaj's extensive experience leading large commercial real estate portfolios and teams, combined with his deep market knowledge and established industry network, position him well to accelerate First National's growth across British Columbia and the Prairie provinces. He looks forward to reconnecting with clients and industry partners, building new relationships, and creating opportunities that strengthen First National's leadership position in Western Canada.