At a Glance
- Tasks: Support drafting contracts and managing client relationships in a dynamic insurance environment.
- Company: Join Howden, a global insurance group with a unique employee-owned culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 25 days leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in geopolitical finance and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Recent STEM, Law, or Finance graduates with strong analytical and interpersonal skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 40000 £ per year.
Who are we? 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.
Location: London
Start date: September 2026
Salary: £40,000
Closing date: Friday 5th June
Working structure: 4 days in office
Howden CAP and Credit Risk Solutions Team
Howden CAP (Capital, Advisory and Placement) advises banks, large corporate firms and investment funds on how insurance can facilitate transactions such as investments, loans and acquisitions. Within CAP, is our Credit Risk Solutions team who offer a specialty insurance product for large financial institutions (large well-known global banks). Credit solutions insurance protects banks if a borrower fails to repay a loan. By reducing this risk, banks can lend more with confidence and do not need to hold as much capital against each loan. We work across many different loans including aviation finance, renewable loans and trade finance.
The Graduate Programme
You will be joining a vibrant and tight-knit team who serve a diverse global client base. We are looking for soon-to-be or recent graduates from STEM, Finance and Legal backgrounds and have a keen interest in geopolitical finance. This programme is designed to give you early exposure to real client work, supported by structured training and hands-on learning from experienced professionals.
What you’ll be doing:
- Support with drafting contractual documentation for risk transfer between banks and insurers.
- Assist with taking accurate meeting notes and updating client files.
- Learn the full end-to-end transaction lifecycle, including understanding our policy framework which outlines the loan being insured.
- Researching and vetting underlying borrowers, reviewing contracts and looking into their credit profiles and financial health.
- Support with managing the policy once secured, such as handling amendments.
- Gain exposure early on to clients and insurers, learning how our experts advise and negotiate the best deals for our clients.
- Play an active role in business origination by supporting with client proposals and presentations.
What are we looking for?
- Soon-to-be or recent STEM, Law or Finance graduates who have an interest in geopolitical finance.
- A keen eye for detail and strong analytical skills.
- Strong mathematical skills and comfortable dealing with large sums of money.
- Individuals with strong interpersonal skills who thrive on connecting and building relationships with others.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, and comfortable speaking with senior individuals.
- Resilient and hard-working graduates who thrive on working under pressure.
- Curious individuals who are keen to learn quickly and apply technical concepts.
- Ability to analyse data using Excel.
- You must have full unrestricted right to work in the UK.
Why should you apply?
- Opportunity to complete fully funded professional and technical qualifications relevant for your role and career pathway.
- Access to discounted personal health policies as well as a range of insurance products.
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays and an extra day off for Christmas.
- Competitive salary and generous pension scheme.
- Excellent training and development schemes and accelerated career progression.
- Cycle to work loan scheme and discount on gym memberships.
- 2 days allocated to take part in volunteering schemes.
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: These games 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 day at one of our offices close to you. 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!
At Howden, we are committed to developing and maintaining a culture of equality and diversity in the workplace and welcome applications from all backgrounds.
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. Not all positions can accommodate changes to working hours or locations. Reach out to your Recruitment Partner if you want to know more.
Credit Risk Solutions Insurance Graduate Programme employer: Howden Group
Howden is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, where employee ownership drives collaboration and innovation. With a strong focus on professional development, employees benefit from fully funded qualifications, generous annual leave, and a supportive environment that encourages volunteering and work-life balance. Located in London, the Credit Risk Solutions Insurance Graduate Programme offers graduates a unique opportunity to engage with global clients while gaining hands-on experience in a dynamic team setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Credit Risk Solutions Insurance Graduate Programme
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know Howden and its culture! Before your interview, dive into their values and what makes them tick. This will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their vibrant community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Use mock interviews to get comfortable with the format. Focus on articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing your interest in geopolitical finance and how your background fits into the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to showcase your analytical skills! Brush up on your Excel abilities and be prepared to discuss how you've used data in past projects or studies. This will demonstrate your readiness for the analytical demands of the Credit Risk Solutions team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your assessment centre, send a quick thank-you note to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decisions.
We think you need these skills to ace Credit Risk Solutions Insurance Graduate Programme
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When filling out the online application form, remember that we want to get to know the real you! Don’t stress about crafting the perfect CV; just be genuine and let your personality shine through.
Nail the Gamified Assessment:These games are designed to showcase your natural strengths, so relax and approach them with an open mind. There are no right or wrong answers, just be yourself and enjoy the process!
Prepare for the Video Interview:This is your chance to tell us more about yourself in a relaxed setting. Think about what makes you tick and how your experiences align with our values. Practice speaking clearly and confidently!
Engage at the Assessment Centre:The final stage is all about getting to know you better. Be ready to participate in group activities and show us how you collaborate with others. It’s a great opportunity to experience our culture, so have fun!
How to prepare for a job interview at Howden Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Howden's Credit Risk Solutions and understand how they operate. Familiarise yourself with the types of loans they cover and the importance of credit risk insurance. This will show your genuine interest and help you answer questions confidently.
✨Show Off Your Analytical Skills
Since the role requires strong analytical skills, be prepared to discuss your experience with data analysis, especially using Excel. Bring examples of how you've tackled complex problems or analysed data in your studies or previous roles to demonstrate your capabilities.
✨Practice Your Communication
As you'll be interacting with clients and senior individuals, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Consider doing mock interviews with friends or family to refine your verbal communication skills and ensure you're comfortable discussing your ideas.
✨Embrace the Culture
Howden prides itself on its unique culture, so be ready to discuss how your values align with theirs. Think about what makes you a good fit for their team and how you can contribute to their collaborative environment. Showing that you understand and appreciate their culture can set you apart.
