Underwriter - Bridging Finance

About Allica bank Allica is the UK’s fastest growing company - and the fastest-growing financial technology (fintech) firm ever. Our purpose is to help established SMEs, one of the last major underserved opportunities in fintech. Established SMEs are the backbone of local communities - representing over a third of our economy - yet have been largely neglected both by traditional high street banks and modern fintech providers.Department Description In August 2024, Allica Bank entered the bridging finance market by acquiring Tuscan Capital, retaining its highly experienced team to establish a specialist division with the goal of becoming a market leader in the bridging finance sector, building on our proven success in commercial mortgages and asset finance.To support this growth, we are expanding our team in the risk department to meet the increasing demands of the intermediary market.Role DescriptionThe purpose of the role is to underwrite borrowing requests received via a variety of channels in line with the Bank’s approved Credit Policy and in accordance with the Banks asset portfolio (including but not limited to Residential Investment properties, Commercial and Semi-Commercial properties and refurbishment drawdowns).Principle AccountabilitiesAssess and underwrite credit loan applications within personal discretion, in line with all regulatory requirements, the Bank’s credit appetite policy and underwriting policies utilising appropriate credit data and analytical tools.Produce clear, accurate and concise written documentation, making clear recommendations to the Credit team for loan application requests falling outside of personal discretion or outside of credit policy, escalating cases where necessary to the appropriate Delegated Lending Authorities.Manage and own the end to end application process, from initial enquiry to completion, liaising effectively with valuers, asset managers and the panel solicitors in terms of required security and ensure loans are appropriately documented and borrowing is fully secured before draw-down.Taking ownership of the loan post-completions all the way through to repayment of the loan including interest payments, stage drawdowns, conditions subsequent and loan covenants and recovery action where necessary.Liaise with the Credit team as required in managing the credit risk environment, concentration risk and developing credit policy.Undertake regular checks and monitor agreed controls to ensure the Bank’s risk and customer requirements are met at all times; escalating immediately any areas of concernManage a portfolio of advances to a defined arrears and collections policy.Liaise effectively with applicants (or their brokers) and valuers in requests for additional relevant information to support the credit decisioning process.Deliver an excellent service is given to customers, their brokers and Relationship Managers, building and maintaining strong relationships in line with the Bank’s values and defined customer experience standards.Ensure compliance with all mandatory policies and adherence to credit procedures to maintain internal credit controls.Fully understand and comply with operational procedures, requirements and SLA’s.Help develop appropriate MI and KPI indicators and reporting, maintaining suitable MI to enable a detailed understanding of Mortgage processing pipelineEstablish and actively manage a personal development plan.Actively search for areas of improvement for the Bank and your team and take ownership for delivery of these, setting a good example by displaying appropriate values and behavior.Personal Attributes & ExperienceExposure/knowledge of underwriting (particularly manual underwriting) with experience in the Bridging sector, with an understanding of the competitor landscape and the dynamics and trends of the Bridging market.Excellent credit/financial analysis skills including the analysis of financial accounts, budgets and cashflow forecasting, understanding of the loan underwriting process and the risks involved and be able to assess applications within a personal discretion and make recommendations and take commercial decisions.Experience of escalating and presenting at Credit Committee level and Arrears Management.Strong analytical, verbal and written communication skills.Excellent time management, organisation and prioritisation of workload and able to produce quality work whilst in a fast-paced environmentAbility to build strong and lasting relationships with internal stakeholders such as the distribution team, operations team and senior management, plus 3rd party suppliers such as Intermediaries, Valuers and Solicitors.Understand and comply with all regulatory requirements, plus internal policies / procedures, guidelines, risks and controls and service levels.Good understanding of TCF, AML, KYC and Conduct risk.Technology skills – CRM systems, MS Excel and WordDon’t tick every box?Don’t worry if you don’t have all the skills or requirements listed on the job description. If you think you’ll be a good fit, we’d still love to hear from you!Flexible working We know the ‘9-to-5’ isn’t right for everyone. That’s why Allica Bank is fully committed to flexible and hybrid working. Please let us know what is best for you and, if we can, we will do our best to accommodate.Diversity We’re a diverse bunch here at Allica, with all kinds of experiences, backgrounds and lifestyles. Our openness and differences make us stronger, and we want everybody to feel comfortable bringing as much of themselves to work with them as they like.Additional InformationWorking at Allica BankAt Allica Bank we want to ensure our employees have the right tools and environment in which to succeed in their role and in support of our customers.Our employees are at the heart of everything we do, so our benefits are designed with you in mind:Full onboarding support and continued development opportunities.Options for flexible workingRegular social activities25 days holiday – with the option to Buy/SellPension contributionsDiscretionary bonus schemePrivate health cover (with the option to add family members)Life assuranceIncome ProtectionFamily friendly policies including enhanced Maternity & Paternity leaveSeason ticket loan