At a Glance
- Tasks: Underwrite new SME loans and support credit decision-making.
- Company: Dynamic investment group with a focus on innovative credit platforms.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on experience, and growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a fast-growing team and make an impact in the financial services sector.
- Qualifications: Experience in credit underwriting and strong analytical skills required.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on innovation and process improvement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
I’m working with a highly entrepreneurial investment group that’s quietly building one of the most interesting credit platforms in the market. Backed by evergreen capital (no fundraising cycles), the firm has a strong track record of building and scaling successful businesses across multiple sectors before turning its focus to financial services.
Their strategy is to back and scale specialist lending platforms by providing back-leveraging facilities to private credit managers. The platform currently manages a c. £200m loan book, expected to double over the next 12 months, with a clear ambition to become a credible alternative to the larger private credit houses — best described as investors posing as bankers.
The firm primarily supports lending platforms providing venture and growth capital to UK SMEs, with plans to expand into Europe over time. Individual loan sizes typically range up to £10–11m, with a strong emphasis on diversification. Alongside this, they also run a separate real estate debt strategy, backing specialist property lenders and funds.
The Role
This is a hands-on Credit Associate position, focused on underwriting new SME loans and, on occasion, select property transactions (although this would be supporting a separate CRE team). You’ll work closely with senior investors, playing a meaningful role in credit decision‑making and helping to shape underwriting frameworks as the platform continues to scale.
Key Responsibilities
- Underwrite new SME loans, producing clear, structured credit papers for investment committee.
- Assess deal introductions from partner platforms, reviewing financials, valuations and key risk factors across a range of sectors.
- Support ongoing portfolio monitoring, ensuring exposures, performance data and risk metrics are up to date.
- Liaise with external lending partners and internal stakeholders to ensure transactions align with credit policy and risk appetite.
- Contribute to process improvements, helping to refine underwriting and monitoring systems as the business grows.
What They’re Looking For
- Experience in credit underwriting, lending or transaction due diligence, ideally within SME, corporate or property finance.
- Strong analytical skills and financial modelling capability, with a commercial approach to identifying and mitigating risk.
- A collaborative, curious and entrepreneurial mindset — comfortable operating in a fast‑growing, evolving environment.
- A solid understanding of loan documentation and credit approval processes.
This Role Is Likely to Suit Someone Who Is:
In a Corporate or Leveraged Finance team.
Private Credit Associate - Venture / Growth capital in London employer: Caravel
Contact Detail:
Caravel Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Private Credit Associate - Venture / Growth capital in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and credit sectors. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential employers or colleagues. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its credit strategies. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in underwriting and risk assessment. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply directly through our website! We’ve got some fantastic opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Private Credit Associate - Venture / Growth capital in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Private Credit Associate role. Highlight your experience in credit underwriting and any relevant financial modelling skills. We want to see how your background aligns with our entrepreneurial spirit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're excited about joining our investment group and how you can contribute to our mission. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role requires strong analytical skills, make sure to include examples of how you've successfully assessed risk or made data-driven decisions in previous roles. We love seeing those numbers in action!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on being part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Caravel
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you brush up on your financial modelling skills and understand key metrics related to credit underwriting. Be prepared to discuss how you would assess risk and evaluate financials for SME loans, as this will be crucial in the role.
✨Show Your Collaborative Side
This position requires a team player who can work closely with senior investors and external partners. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully collaborated on projects or improved processes, and be ready to share them during the interview.
✨Understand the Market
Familiarise yourself with the current trends in private credit and venture capital, especially in the UK and Europe. Being able to discuss recent developments or challenges in the market will show that you're genuinely interested and informed about the industry.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with insightful questions about the firm's strategy, culture, and future plans. This not only demonstrates your interest but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.