Senior Credit Underwriter

SECOND LINE CREDIT UNDERWRITERS | MULTIPLE OPPORTUNITIES | LONDON ETRA Talent is working with two established banking institutions, both looking to strengthen their Credit Risk functions with experienced Second Line Credit Underwriters. Across these mandates, we are seeking three credit professionals with strong analytical capabilities, sound commercial judgement and experience independently assessing credit risk across corporate and/or financial institution portfolios. These opportunities offer the chance to join established banking environments where robust credit assessment, independent challenge and prudent risk management are central to the lending process. Key Responsibilities

• Conduct independent second-line reviews of new and existing credit applications across corporate and financial institution portfolios.
• Undertake detailed financial analysis, assessing borrower financial performance, repayment capacity, business models, transactional structures and wider credit risks.
• Prepare clear, objective and well-supported credit recommendations for senior management and Credit Committee consideration.
• Review credit proposals to ensure lending decisions align with established credit policies, risk appetite, internal procedures and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Assess and challenge credit risk ratings, financial analysis and borrower risk classifications to ensure they accurately reflect the underlying risk.
• Monitor existing credit portfolios, identify emerging risks and deterioration in asset quality, and recommend appropriate mitigating actions.
• Evaluate lending exposures across areas such as corporate banking, trade finance, receivables and payables financing, asset-backed finance and real estate lending, depending on portfolio coverage.
• Review financial covenants, facility structures, exposure limits and compliance with agreed credit terms.
• Contribute to portfolio reviews, IFRS 9 assessments, credit policy enhancements and other risk management initiatives.
• Work collaboratively with Relationship Managers, business units and other control functions, providing constructive challenge while supporting sound commercial decision-making.
• Monitor relevant economic, political, sectoral and market developments, escalating potential risks that could affect borrowers or portfolio quality. Experience Required
• Proven experience in Credit Risk, Credit Underwriting or Credit Analysis within a banking environment.
• Demonstrable experience in a second line of defence function, providing independent credit assessment, oversight and challenge.
• Strong experience assessing corporate and/or financial institution credit exposures.
• Excellent financial statement analysis, credit risk assessment and risk rating capabilities.
• Experience reviewing lending proposals, credit facilities and borrower risk profiles.
• Exposure to trade finance, commodity-related lending, real estate finance, corporate banking or asset-backed finance would be advantageous.
• A sound understanding of credit policies, risk appetite frameworks, regulatory requirements and portfolio monitoring.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate credit recommendations and engage effectively with senior stakeholders.
• A degree in Finance, Economics, Business or a related discipline is preferred. Professional qualifications such as CFA, FRM or a recognised credit or risk qualification would be beneficial. The Ideal Candidate You will be analytically strong, commercially aware and confident in exercising independent judgement. You will understand the importance of maintaining robust credit standards while supporting responsible business growth, and be comfortable challenging proposals where risks require further consideration. Opportunity Details Location: London, United Kingdom Function: Credit Risk | Second Line of Defence If you are an experienced credit professional considering your next move, I would welcome a confidential conversation to discuss these opportunities in more detail. Please contact me directly to find out more.