Mortgage Underwriter

Mortgage Underwriter

Newcastle upon Tyne Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Atom Bank

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Review and underwrite mortgage applications, ensuring fair lending decisions.
  • Company: Join Atom, a mobile-first bank revolutionising the fintech industry.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible hybrid working, a 4-day work week, and generous pension contributions.
  • Why this job: Make impactful decisions in a dynamic role while enhancing customer experiences.
  • Qualifications: Experience in residential mortgage lending and strong problem-solving skills required.
  • Other info: Opportunity for personal development funding and a supportive team culture.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Job Description

We’re Atom…

The bank that's leading the fintech charge!

We’re not like the rest. We’re true innovators, and we’re redefining what a bank should be. Ours is a bank for today and the future, a mobile-first bank. Forget the stuffy branches, with Atom you can bank whenever, wherever, faster, and simpler.

Could you be the next innovator to join us?

What will your typical day look like? Different that’s for sure…

Our Mortgage Underwriting team plays a critical role in delivering fair, transparent, and efficient lending for our customers. As a Mortgage Underwriter, you won't just process applications – you'll be the ultimate owner of case assessments, driving balanced lending decisions and ensuring "the buck stops with you." We're looking for an individual who thrives on problem-solving, is meticulous in investigation, and comfortable making clear decisions within policy and risk appetite.

This is a dynamic role where your expertise directly impacts both our business objectives and our commitment to an exceptional customer journey.

What you’ll be doing:

  • Own Lending Decisions: Primarily responsible for reviewing and underwriting new residential mortgage applications, further advances, account reviews, and loan modifications within your mandated authority.
  • Masterful Assessment: Underwrite in line with Atom's lending policy, applying principles of credit assessment models (e.g., CAMPARI) and ensuring adherence to Conduct Risk, TCF, Responsible Lending, and all relevant regulatory principles (e.g., MCOB, MCD, KYC, KYB, AML).
  • Investigative Problem Solver: Manage your own caseload, investigate applications, handle underwriting queries, and resolve issues on individual cases to ensure effective and timely processing.
  • Clear Communicator: Interact effectively via digital channels and face-to-face with a variety of stakeholders, including brokers, customers, valuers, and internal teams, to gather information, explain decisions, and maintain productive relationships.
  • Drive Quality & Improvement: Ensure all applications are complete and accurate, manage personal and team KPIs, and proactively identify improvements to underwriting systems, policies, andprocesses.

What’s the process?

  • Competency-Based Assessment (completed under supervision).
  • First Stage Interview.
  • Second Stage Interview with the Head of Department.

What do we need from you?

  • Experience in residential mortgage lending is essential.
  • Experience holding a commercial or residential lending mandate, or a proven track record in making mortgage application assessments and decisions.
  • A strong understanding of mortgage regulation including MCOB, Consumer Duty, KYC, AML, CDD, Responsible Lending, TCF, and FCA thematic reviews.
  • A natural problem solver and critical thinker, able to investigate applications thoroughly and come to clear decisions autonomously based on the available information and your expertise.
  • Strong verbal and non-verbal communication skills, with the ability to deliver challenging messages effectively to a variety of stakeholders.
  • A 'go-getter' who is proactive, highly adaptable, flexible, and comfortable taking ownership of cases. You'll possess the confidence and assertive, pragmatic approach to exercise judgment and discretion where appropriate.
  • CeMAP qualification is preferable but not essential.

What you’ll get from us?

  • Flexible hybrid working (in Newcastle from September)
  • Salary dependant on experience
  • 4-day work week
  • Discretionary Cash Bonus – Individual and Company Performance based.
  • Incredibly generous company pension scheme (maximum of 13% of Atom input – you can put in more)
  • 'All About Me’ fund: £200 per year to spend on personal development.
  • 22.5 days annual leave plus public holidays
  • Private Medical Insurance, Health Cash Plan & Life Insurance
  • Electric Vehicle Scheme

Mortgage Underwriter employer: Atom Bank

At Atom, we pride ourselves on being a forward-thinking fintech bank that champions innovation and flexibility. As a Mortgage Underwriter, you'll enjoy a dynamic work culture that values problem-solving and decision-making autonomy, all while benefiting from a generous pension scheme, a 4-day work week, and a commitment to personal development. With our hybrid working model based in Newcastle, you’ll be part of a team that not only drives exceptional customer experiences but also fosters your professional growth in a supportive environment.
Atom Bank

Contact Detail:

Atom Bank Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Mortgage Underwriter

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with Atom's unique approach to banking. Understanding their mobile-first strategy and innovative culture will help you align your answers during interviews, showcasing how your values match theirs.

✨Tip Number 2

Brush up on your knowledge of mortgage regulations, especially MCOB and TCF principles. Being able to discuss these confidently will demonstrate your expertise and commitment to responsible lending practices.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare examples of past experiences where you've successfully solved complex problems in mortgage underwriting. Highlighting your investigative skills and decision-making process will set you apart as a strong candidate.

✨Tip Number 4

Practice your communication skills, especially in digital formats. Since you'll be interacting with various stakeholders, being able to convey complex information clearly and effectively is crucial for this role.

We think you need these skills to ace Mortgage Underwriter

Residential Mortgage Lending Experience
Credit Assessment Models (e.g., CAMPARI)
Understanding of Mortgage Regulation (MCOB, Consumer Duty, KYC, AML, CDD)
Problem-Solving Skills
Critical Thinking
Decision-Making Skills
Strong Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication Skills
Stakeholder Management
Attention to Detail
Adaptability
Ownership and Accountability
Proactive Approach
CeMAP Qualification (preferable but not essential)

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Mortgage Underwriter at Atom. Familiarise yourself with their lending policies and the importance of adhering to regulations like MCOB and AML.

Tailor Your CV: Highlight your relevant experience in residential mortgage lending and any specific mandates you've held. Use keywords from the job description to ensure your CV aligns with what Atom is looking for.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, emphasise your problem-solving skills and ability to make clear decisions. Mention specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your expertise in mortgage assessments and customer communication.

Prepare for Competency-Based Questions: Since the application process includes competency-based assessments, think of examples that showcase your critical thinking, decision-making, and communication skills. Be ready to discuss how you've handled challenging situations in previous roles.

How to prepare for a job interview at Atom Bank

✨Understand the Role

Make sure you have a solid grasp of what a Mortgage Underwriter does. Familiarise yourself with key responsibilities like reviewing applications and making lending decisions. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge during the interview.

✨Brush Up on Regulations

Since the role requires a strong understanding of mortgage regulations, review MCOB, KYC, AML, and other relevant guidelines. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're well-prepared and knowledgeable.

✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think of examples from your past experience where you had to investigate applications or resolve issues. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.

✨Showcase Your Communication Skills

As a Mortgage Underwriter, you'll need to communicate effectively with various stakeholders. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully interacted with clients or colleagues in the past, especially in challenging situations.

Mortgage Underwriter
Atom Bank
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
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