Credit Underwriter in Southampton

Hello,

We are Recognise Bank; a modern business bank built to support the UK’s SMEs with tailored lending and savings solutions. Founded in 2017 by experienced business owners, we set out to challenge traditional banking by offering more flexibility, understanding, and practical support to help businesses thrive. Since receiving our banking licence in 2021, we’ve built a loyal customer base and a strong, diverse team that puts people first.

Our vision is building stronger futures with bespoke financial solutions. We understand that no two financial needs are the same, which is why we work closely with UK SMEs and individuals to unlock potential others often overlook. Through smart, flexible lending and savings products, we’re here to build and grow stronger futures for lasting success.

Our values shape how we work and grow together:

• Can do, will do: We take ownership, solve problems, and adapt as our customers’ needs evolve.
• Be brilliant: We show up with curiosity and energy, always striving for better.
• Do the right thing: We act with integrity, responsibility, and care in everything we do.
• Make a difference: We focus on impact, helping our customers, colleagues, and communities succeed.

About the role

The Underwriter role acts as a member of the second line of defence in the assessment and underwriting of a broad range of commercial property secured loans reporting to the Senior Underwriter. The Underwriter works in collaboration with the Loan Operations team to review and assess information provided by customer-facing Lending Managers as part of customer lending applications. Together, the Lending Manager and Underwriter assess applications against Recognise Bank credit policies and appetite, making a recommendation or decision whether or not the Bank should lend.

Responsibilities will include providing support to the Loan Operations team in monitoring and oversight of the performance of the lending portfolios and any under-performing loans to achieve remediation or recovery of the debt. The role extends to assisting with the drafting, periodic review and updating of lending policies as well as the production of a suite of credit risk related management information.

As part of this role the expectation is that the individual will be able to play an important part in supporting the business in the ongoing review of lending proposals and giving feedback to Lending Managers on how they can improve their credit applications.

In summary, this role will deliver a first-class service to the front office teams whilst operating within credit risk appetite and lending policy/criteria to maintain and control the quality of the lending portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

• Able to interact with customers to understand their business model, forecasted cash flows, business risks, etc. with a view to optimising Recognise’s exposure within its credit risk appetite.
• Assessment and Underwriting of loan facilities within Recognise’s agreed credit risk appetite, lending policy/criteria and delegated authority framework.
• Review, analysis and formulation of recommendations of lending proposals for Credit Committee consideration.
• Interaction and dialogue with front line Lending Managers and Loan Operations team members to ensure the quality and accuracy of credit applications.
• Support the business in the implementation and maintenance of high standards of Credit stewardship operating within Recognise’s credit risk appetite and lending policy ensuring loan approvals meet internal requirements such as lending criteria and return on capital.
• Drafting and periodic review of credit and lending policies covering all Recognise loan products ensuring they are maintained up to date and reflect lessons learnt.
• Ownership of the production of a suite of credit risk related management information to monitor.
• Provide oversight of the performance of the lending portfolios.
• Assist in the management of under-performing loans to achieve remediation or recovery of the debt including debt restructuring where applicable.
• Providing open communication and transparency with multiple stakeholders internally (e.g. Front Line, Credit Committee, Second Line Risk (credit assurance and compliance), Internal Audit) and externally (e.g. Regulators, Auditors, Customers).
• Support on projects both within the Credit Underwriting Team and across the wider business on credit risk related initiatives.

Corporate Responsibilities

• Read and follow all relevant company policies and procedures.
• Adhere to all risk-related responsibilities applicable to your role, as set out in the Employee Handbook.
• Abide by all compliance and financial crime related policies, procedures and reporting obligations applicable to your role.

Required Skills & Experience

• Good knowledge of a broad range of property secured lending sectors and up to date market knowledge from a credit risk perspective is essential.
• High standard of verbal and numerical reasoning.
• Good understanding of loan and security documentation.
• General Banking experience including specific credit analysis and underwriting of commercial loans.
• Experience in debt restructuring, remediation and workout/recovery is desirable but not essential.
• Evidence of Performance Focus and Continuous Improvement.

£50,000 - £60,000 a year

Why Join?

At Recognise Bank, we’re building more than a bank — we’re creating a culture where people feel empowered to make a difference, supported to be brilliant with a can do will do attitude, and trusted to do the right thing. We believe that when our people thrive, so do our customers. That’s why we invest in an environment that reflects our values and supports your growth, flexibility, and wellbeing.

Here’s what you can look forward to:

• Competitive Time Off: Generous annual leave plus bank holidays to rest, recharge, and enjoy life outside of work.
• Work From Anywhere: Up to 6 weeks per year to work remotely from anywhere in the world.
• Learning & Development: Tailored training and support to grow your skills and achieve your professional goals.
• Hybrid Working: To support your work-life balance, we offer a hybrid working model with 3 days in the office and 2 days remote.
• Private Medical Care with Vitality: Comprehensive healthcare including optical and dental coverage to keep you healthy.
• Enhanced Pension Scheme: Helping you plan and save for a secure future.
• Maternity, Paternity & Adoption Pay: Supporting you and your family during important life moments.
• Discretionary Company Bonus: Rewarding your contribution to our shared success.

If you’re curious, driven, and ready to be part of something meaningful — where your ideas matter, your growth is supported, and your work makes a real impact — then we’d love to hear from you.