At a Glance
- Tasks: Support major banks in managing risk and unlocking lending opportunities through credit risk solutions.
- Company: Join Howden, a global insurance group with a collaborative and employee-owned culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a £40,000 salary, 25 days' leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Participate in a structured 18-month development programme and enjoy a hybrid working model.
- Why this job: Gain real-world experience in finance while building relationships and developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Recent graduates or final-year students with a 2:1 or above in any degree.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 40000 £ per year.
Howden is a global insurance group with employee ownership at its heart. Together, we have pushed the boundaries of insurance. We are united by a shared passion and no-limits mindset, and our strength lies in our ability to collaborate as a powerful international team comprised of 24,000 employees spanning over 56 countries. People join Howden for many different reasons, but they stay for the same one: our culture. It’s what sets us apart, and the reason our employees have been turning down headhunters for years. Whatever your priorities – work / life balance, career progression, sustainability, volunteering – you’ll find like-minded people driving change at Howden.
Specialty Credit Risk Solutions Graduate Programme
Location: London
Start date: September 2027
Salary: £40,000
Working structure: Hybrid (4 days in office)
Build Expertise at the Intersection of Banking, Insurance and Global Finance
Looking for a graduate role where you'll combine analytical thinking, commercial awareness and relationship-building? Join Howden's Credit Risk Solutions team and work on complex transactions that help some of the world's leading banks manage risk and deploy capital more efficiently. From day one, you'll gain exposure to real deals, supporting global financial institutions across areas including corporate lending, project finance (inc. renewables), infrastructure finance, aviation finance, leveraged finance, fund finance and commodity & trade finance. You'll work alongside specialists from banking, law and finance backgrounds, developing an understanding of credit risk, transaction structuring, insurance solutions and client relationships. This is a fast-paced, international environment where you'll engage with major banks, insurers and corporates, gaining early responsibility and insight into a growing area of the market. You'll develop both technical knowledge and commercial skills while learning how transactions are negotiated, structured and executed. This is a permanent role supported by a structured development programme, designed to accelerate your technical expertise, professional confidence and long-term career growth.
What you’ll be doing?
- Support the placement of credit risk insurance solutions for major global banks, helping clients manage risk and unlock lending opportunities.
- Conduct research into borrowers, industries and market developments, building an understanding of the factors that influence credit and lending decisions.
- Assist with drafting contracts, preparing client presentations and supporting transaction documentation throughout the deal lifecycle.
- Develop relationships with clients and insurers, gaining exposure to meetings and learning how complex transactions are negotiated and delivered.
- Support market analysis and business development activities, helping identify opportunities and trends across a range of sectors and geographies.
- Work closely with experienced professionals from banking, legal and finance backgrounds, developing your technical expertise, commercial awareness and client advisory skills.
Who are we looking for?
No insurance experience is needed; we’ll teach you everything you need to know!
- A recent graduate, or in your final year of university study, and on track to achieve or have achieved a 2:1 or above in any degree subject.
- Interested in finance, global markets and current affairs, with a curiosity about how banks and businesses manage risk.
- A strong communicator who enjoys building relationships and working with clients, colleagues and external partners.
- Numerate and analytical, with the ability to assess information, solve problems and make sound judgements.
- Resilient and able to perform under pressure, particularly in a fast-paced environment where priorities can shift quickly.
- Organised, detail-oriented and capable of managing multiple tasks and competing deadlines.
- Adaptable, commercially aware and keen to learn from experienced professionals and take on responsibility early in your career.
- Comfortable using Excel and working with data to support analysis and decision-making.
- Someone who takes ownership, shows initiative and enjoys working collaboratively as part of a high-performing team.
To be eligible for our programme, you must have the full and unrestricted right to work in the UK.
Application process
Our application process is designed to help you show your potential, not to test what you already know!
- Online application form – no CV required: We believe you're more than just a document, so we won’t ask you to submit a CV. Please upload a blank document on the application form.
- Online gamified assessment: We’ve created games that will help us understand your natural strengths and how you approach different situations. There are no right or wrong answers. You can complete this stage on your phone or laptop, whichever suits you best!
- Pre-recorded video interview: You will record your answers to a few questions using your phone or laptop, giving you the chance to tell us more about yourself in your own time in a relaxed setting.
- Assessment centre: Our final stage is an in-person assessment centre at one of our offices. You'll take part in some fun group activities and meet our team in a relaxed setting. This day is all about getting to know you better and for you to see what it's like to be part of Howden and experience our culture. We'll cover all your travel costs for this day, because where you are now, shouldn’t hold back your future!
Why should you apply?
At Howden, people are at the heart of everything we do. As an employee-owned business, we believe success is built through collaboration, learning and supporting one another. You'll join a permanent role from day one and take part in our structured 18-month development programme, designed to accelerate your technical, commercial and professional growth. You'll also benefit from:
- £40,000 salary and a generous pension scheme.
- Opportunity to complete fully funded professional qualifications, such as the CII or CFA, to support your long-term career development.
- Structured learning and development through our 18-month graduate development programme.
- 25 days' annual leave, plus bank holidays and an additional day off at Christmas.
- Access to discounted personal health policies, wellbeing support and a range of employee benefits and insurance products.
- 2 days allocated to take part in volunteering schemes.
Ready to apply?
Follow our TikTok pages: @earlycareersjo and @millieinsurancecareers, and explore our Connectr hub to discover more about Howden, our culture, and the insurance industry. You'll find resources to help you prepare for our recruitment process and understand which career path could be the best fit for you.
What do we offer in return?
A career that you define. At Howden, we value diversity – there is no one Howden type. Instead, we’re looking for individuals who share the same values as us:
- Our successes have all come from someone brave enough to try something new.
- We support each other in the small everyday moments and the bigger challenges.
- We are determined to make a positive difference at work and beyond.
Reasonable adjustments
We're committed to providing reasonable accommodations at Howden to ensure that our positions align well with your needs. Besides the usual adjustments such as software, IT, and office setups, we can also accommodate other changes such as flexible hours or hybrid working. If you're excited by this role but have some doubts about whether it’s the right fit for you, send us your application – if your profile fits the role’s criteria, we will be in touch to assist in helping to get you set up with any reasonable adjustments you may require.
Credit Risk Solutions Graduate Programme 2027 in London employer: Endsleigh
Howden is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and entrepreneurial culture, where employee ownership is at the core of our operations. With a strong emphasis on collaboration, career progression, and work-life balance, we empower our team members to drive innovation and operational excellence in the reinsurance sector. Joining Howden means being part of a supportive community that values diversity and encourages personal growth, all while making a meaningful impact in the industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Credit Risk Solutions Graduate Programme 2027 in London
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Endsleigh. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Credit Risk Solutions Graduate Programme 2027 in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Endsleigh.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Endsleigh's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Endsleigh
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Endsleigh.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Endsleigh will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Endsleigh employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
