Credit Risk Solutions Graduate Programme

targetjobs UK; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 34,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Fully funded professional quals (CII/C

Graduate development programme

25 days annual leave

Job summary

Howden in London is seeking a graduate to join the Credit Risk Solutions team, combining analytical thinking with commercial insight to help banks manage risk and deploy capital efficiently.

From day one you’ll work on real deals across corporate lending, project finance, and trade finance, with exposure to clients, insurers and cross-functional teams in a fast-paced, international environment. This role offers a structured development programme and clear early responsibility.

Qualifications

• Recent graduate or final year student with a 2:1 or above in any degree subject.
• Interest in finance, global markets and current affairs, with a curiosity about how banks and businesses manage risk.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills with clients and partners.
• Numerate and analytical with the ability to assess information and solve problems.

Responsibilities

• Support the placement of credit risk insurance solutions for major global banks.
• Conduct research into borrowers, industries and market developments to understand risk factors.
• Assist with drafting contracts, preparing client presentations and supporting documentation throughout the deal lifecycle.
• Develop relationships with clients and insurers, gaining exposure to meetings and negotiations.
• Support market analysis and business development activities across sectors and geographies.
• Collaborate with banking, legal and finance professionals to grow technical and advisory skills.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Commercial awareness

Relationship-building

Numerate

Excel

Data analysis

Strong communicator

Education

2:1 or above in any degree subject

Job description

Location: London

Start date: September 2027

Salary: £40,000

Working structure: Hybrid

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

• 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 centre. 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!

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.

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.