At a Glance
- Tasks: Underwrite and manage diverse commercial real estate transactions while collaborating with industry experts.
- Company: Join Wells Fargo, a leading global financial services provider with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with exposure to complex transactions across European markets.
- Why this job: Be part of sophisticated real estate financings and develop a hybrid skill set in finance.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial real estate lending or investment banking with strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
Wells Fargo Corporate & Investment Banking delivers a comprehensive suite of capital markets, banking, and financial products and services. A trusted partner to our clients, we provide corporate and transactional banking, commercial real estate lending and servicing, investment banking, equity and fixed income solutions including sales, trading, and research capabilities to corporate, commercial real estate, government, and institutional clients across the globe.
Commercial Real Estate (CRE) delivers a comprehensive platform of financing and banking products for experienced commercial real estate clients, including balance sheet lending, CMBS origination and distribution, loan warehousing, agency financing for multifamily properties, and debt and equity capital for affordable housing.
About the Role:
We are seeking a Commercial Real Estate Associate with strong underwriting experience to join our EMEA Commercial Real Estate team. This role is ideal for an individual who has developed robust commercial real estate credit skills through direct lending, investment banking, debt investing, or structured finance, and is looking to apply those capabilities within a leading global CRE platform.
As a key member of the deal team, the Associate will be responsible for underwriting, executing, and actively managing a diversified portfolio of Commercial Real Estate direct lending and structured finance transactions, including repo and CMBS-related exposures. The successful candidate will possess strong analytical and financial modelling capabilities, a solid understanding of commercial real estate fundamentals, and the ability to assess complex credit structures across multiple property sectors.
CRE EMEA forms part of Wells Fargo's Global Commercial Real Estate platform within the Corporate & Investment Banking division, providing access to a broad range of financing solutions and exposure to sophisticated transactions across European markets.
Joining Wells Fargo's Commercial Real Estate team offers the opportunity to work on some of the most sophisticated and complex real estate financings in the market. You'll collaborate with experienced professionals across banking, capital markets, risk and structured finance while developing a broad skill set spanning both traditional CRE lending and securitised products. We foster a collaborative, inclusive culture where team members are empowered to take ownership, build deep expertise and contribute to delivering exceptional outcomes for our clients.
In this role you will:
- Underwriting & Execution
- Underwrite new direct secured lending CRE loans across property types (industrial, office, retail, mixed‑use and living sectors) and facility types (construction, bridge, term, perm).
- Analyse and underwrite structured finance transactions, including repo and CMBS.
- Perform sponsor‑, loan‑, and property‑ financial analysis, including cash flow modelling, leverage metrics, and downside scenarios.
- Support deal structuring, sizing, pricing, and credit positioning across senior and subordinate exposures.
- Prepare underwriting materials, credit memos, and investment committee packages.
- Review third‑party reports (appraisals, property condition reports, environmental, insurance reviews, market studies).
- Portfolio Management
- Assist in the ongoing management of a portfolio of CRE loans and CMBS-related exposures including risk retention interests and liquidity facilities.
- Monitor credit performance, covenant compliance, collateral value, and sponsor strength.
- Review and manage quarterly waterfalls and construction draws where applicable.
- Support loan amendments, extensions, modifications, reserve releases, and consent requests.
- Prepare reporting for quarterly and annual portfolio reviews, identifying and presenting any emerging risks and mitigation strategies.
- Preparing adhoc reporting as applicable such as sector reviews or watchlist reporting.
- Structured Finance & Capital Markets Experience
- Support securitization and structured finance activity, including CMBS, CRE CLO and Data Center ABS transactions.
- Assist with analysis of capital structures, bond tranching, ratings considerations, and investor requirements.
- Coordinate with internal structured credit, capital markets, and risk teams, as well as external parties (counsel, rating agencies, investors).
- Coordination & Stakeholder Management
- Work closely with bankers, senior portfolio managers, credit, legal, and operations teams to execute transactions.
- Interface with external sponsors, borrowers, investors and counterparties as part of deal execution and portfolio oversight.
Required Qualifications
- Experience in commercial real estate lending, structured credit, or investment banking.
- Strong foundational CRE underwriting skills with exposure to cash flow modelling and credit analysis.
- Familiarity with structured lending concepts (repo, CMBS, securitization structures).
- Advanced Excel skills; experience building and reviewing financial models.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with experience preparing credit and investment materials.
Desirable Qualifications
- Experience across both direct lending and structured finance transactions.
- Exposure to CMBS, CRE CLOs, Data Center ABS or other securitized products.
- Understanding of risk retention, securitization parties, and ratings agency frameworks.
Key Attributes
- Strong analytical judgment with attention to detail.
- Ability to identify and articulate credit risk on complex structures.
- Collaborative, execution‑oriented mindset.
- Interest in developing a hybrid skill set across CRE and structured finance.
- Ability to manage multiple transactions and priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
Job Expectations
This position is deemed to be a Certified Person function under the FCA and PRA Certification Regime. You must at all times remain fit and proper to perform your role, and this will be assessed on at least an annual basis.
In addition to the responsibilities summarised in your job description, you are also required to comply at all times with the FCA/PRA Conduct Rules:
- You must act with integrity.
- You must act with due skill, care and diligence.
- You must be open and cooperative with the FCA, the PRA and other regulators.
- You must pay due regard to the interests of customers and treat them fairly.
- You must observe proper standards of market conduct.
We Value Equal Opportunity
Wells Fargo is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other legally protected characteristic.
Employees support our focus on building strong customer relationships balanced with a strong risk mitigating and compliance-driven culture which firmly establishes those disciplines as critical to the success of our customers and company. They are accountable for execution of all applicable risk programs (Credit, Market, Financial Crimes, Operational, Regulatory Compliance), which includes effectively following and adhering to applicable Wells Fargo policies and procedures, appropriately fulfilling risk and compliance obligations, timely and effective escalation and remediation of issues, and making sound risk decisions.
Candidates applying to job openings posted in Canada: Applications for employment are encouraged from all qualified candidates, including women, persons with disabilities, aboriginal peoples and visible minorities. Accommodation for applicants with disabilities is available upon request in connection with the recruitment process.
Applicants with Disabilities
To request a medical accommodation during the application or interview process, visit Disability Inclusion at Wells Fargo.
Drug and Alcohol Policy
Wells Fargo maintains a drug free workplace. Please see our Drug and Alcohol Policy to learn more.
Wells Fargo Recruitment and Hiring Requirements:
- Third-Party recordings are prohibited unless authorized by Wells Fargo.
- Wells Fargo requires you to directly represent your own experiences during the recruiting and hiring process.
Summary Location: CITY OF LONDON, Type: Full time
Commercial Real Estate Associate employer: Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises collaboration and innovation within the Corporate & Investment Banking Operations sector. Employees benefit from comprehensive growth opportunities, competitive compensation, and a commitment to professional development, all while working in a vibrant location that fosters both personal and career advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Real Estate Associate
✨Get Involved in Local Property Events
Dive into local property expos and networking events! Real estate thrives on connections, so attending these events helps us meet potential employers and industry leaders, plus it's a chance to show off your enthusiasm for the field.
✨Connect with Local Agents on Social Media
Follow and engage with local real estate agents and firms on platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn. Sharing their posts and commenting with your insights can put you on their radar and might even lead to job opportunities at companies like Wells Fargo.
✨Don’t Underestimate the Power of Cold Outreach
Got your eye on a specific company like Wells Fargo? Don't hesitate to send a direct message or an email expressing your interest. Personalise your approach, maybe mentioning a recent listing or project of theirs, and it could set you apart from other candidates.
✨Utilise Property Management Platforms
Check out property management platforms and job boards tailored for the real estate sector. They often have exclusive listings, especially for full-time roles. Don't forget to visit Wells Fargo's careers page directly; we love seeing passionate candidates applying through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Real Estate Associate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Real-Estate Savvy:When crafting your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight any relevant experience in the real estate sector. If you've done internships, assistant roles, or even relevant coursework, lay it out clearly. We want to see your familiarity with market trends, property management, or any sales experience you've got under your belt!
Quantify Your Achievements:In real estate, numbers speak volumes! When detailing your past roles, use concrete figures to demonstrate your achievements. For example, mention how many properties you sold, the percentage increase in client satisfaction, or any successful negotiations. These metrics can give your application that extra punch it needs!
Tailor Your Documents for the Job:Every application should feel personal. When applying for the Commercial Real Estate Associate role at Wells Fargo, tweak your CV to focus on aspects that are important to them. If they value client relationships, emphasise your interpersonal skills. We want to see you aligning your experiences with what they're looking for!
Keep It Professional Yet Approachable:While we want you to show off your expertise, don't forget to let your personality shine through in your cover letter. A touch of friendliness can set you apart, especially in real estate where client interaction is key. Show that you're ready not just to work with the property but also with people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wells Fargo
✨Know Your Market Trends
In real estate, it’s all about staying ahead of the curve. Make sure we brush up on the latest market trends in the area where Wells Fargo operates. Being able to discuss local property values, demand, and upcoming developments will show that we’re not just interested in the job, but genuinely invested in the industry.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions during the interview. We might get asked how we’d handle different client situations or property evaluations. Preparing our responses for common real estate scenarios not only demonstrates our problem-solving skills but also shows that we can think on our feet in a client-facing role.
✨Showcase Your Connections
In full-time real estate, networking is key! Let’s think about our connections in the industry and what we can bring to Wells Fargo. Whether it’s insights on prospective clients or relationships with local contractors, talking about these experiences can set us apart from other candidates.
✨Demonstrate Technical Savvy
Familiarity with different real estate software tools is a big plus. We should be ready to discuss any platforms we've used, whether it's for property management, CRM, or data analysis. Being comfortable with technology not only makes us more efficient, but also shows that we’re adaptable to the tools used at Wells Fargo.
