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.
Vlad Panaite
Vlad is a member of:
Team McAuley
Associate Analyst, Commercial Financing
437-290-0523
Analytical. Precise. Collaborative.
“I add value by delivering data-driven insights, structuring secure financing solutions, and building trust through clear communication.”
Vlad joined the First National team in 2022, bringing a strong foundation in finance and risk management. In his role, he supports the underwriting of new deals by assessing borrower financials, property performance, and market conditions. Vlad’s analytical approach ensures every recommendation is backed by thorough data analysis, helping minimize risk for both First National and its clients.
Before stepping into his current role, Vlad worked in the Commercial Renewals and Assumptions department, where he honed his skills in credit review, borrower analysis, and third-party communications. His Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Toronto, combined with a Canadian Risk Management (CRM) designation, equips him with advanced expertise in structuring secure, goal-aligned financing solutions.
Vlad’s entrepreneurial background—running his own eyewear business during university—taught him the value of customer service, negotiation, and relationship-building. These experiences continue to shape his collaborative approach to client success.
Outside of work, Vlad enjoys working on his car, taking long drives, and staying active through soccer—whether refereeing, playing, or cheering from the sidelines. He also values time spent with friends and family.