Senior Underwriter, Credit & Political Risk

Westfield Specialty; City Of London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A renowned insurance company located in London is seeking an experienced Senior Credit Analyst. The role involves detailed credit assessments, structuring credit risk insurance policies, and monitoring credit risk exposure. Ideal candidates will have over 7 years of experience in credit analysis and strong financial modelling skills. The company values collaboration and compliance with regulatory requirements, alongside a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in credit analysis, corporate banking, credit risk underwriting or equivalent.
• Strong background in financial statement analysis and transaction structures.
• Experience underwriting or analysing risks in emerging and developed markets.

Responsibilities

• Perform detailed credit assessments of corporates and financial institutions.
• Structure and price credit risk insurance policies.
• Monitor and reassess credit risk exposure within the portfolio.

Skills

Excellent analytical and decision-making skills

Financial modelling proficiency

Strong interpersonal skills

Proactive problem-solving

Education

Degree in finance, economics, accounting or related field

Accountancy qualification, CFA or similar

Tools

Excel

Data analysis tools

Job description

About Us

Founded in 1848, Westfield is a global leader in property and casualty insurance, delivering superior risk insights and innovative solutions to customers through a diverse portfolio of insurance products. Westfield underwrites commercial, personal, surety, and specialty lines of coverage through a network of leading independent agents and brokers in the United States and specialty products through Lloyd’s of London Syndicate 1200. As a mutual insurance company with more than 3,000 employees, Westfield has revenues in excess of $4 billion and more than $10 billion in assets.

Key Accountabilities & Role Requirements:

• Perform detailed credit assessments of corporates, financial institutions, sovereigns and sub-sovereigns across global markets.
• Structure and price credit risk insurance policies, considering counterparty creditworthiness and macroeconomic conditions.
• Scrutinise transactions structures for various asset classes (including collateral, covenants, cashflow modelling and commercial aspects).
• Assist with the development and maintenance of internal credit rating models/methodologies and risk scoring for obligors.
• Monitor and reassess credit risk exposure within the existing portfolio, recommending mitigation actions where necessary.
• Contribute to syndicate business planning by analysing market trends, industry sectors, and geopolitical developments.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including Claims, Actuarial, DUA and other support functions within Westfield, as well as reinsurance brokers and reinsurers.
• Maintain and develop strong relationships with brokers and clients, to support origination and retention of quality business.
• Ensure compliance with all necessary company, Syndicate, Lloyd’s and external regulatory (FCA, PRA) requirements, in a timely and comprehensive manner.
• Mentor junior team members and contribute to internal training and knowledge-sharing.

Skills & Competencies Required:

• Excellent analytical and decision-making skills with a strong commercial focus.
• Ability to articulate complex credit issues clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• High proficiency in financial modelling, Excel, and relevant data tools.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a collaborative underwriting environment.
• Sound judgment and proactive approach to problem-solving and portfolio risk management.

Qualifications & Experience:

• 7+ years’ experience in credit analysis, corporate banking, credit risk underwriting and/or accountancy (or equivalent roles).
• Strong background in financial statement analysis, transaction structures, and/or sovereign/country risk assessment.
• Ideally, experience underwriting or analysing risks in both emerging and developed markets.
• Familiarity with Lloyd’s market operations and CPR product lines is desirable.
• Ideally, degree in finance, economics, accounting or related field; accountancy qualification, CFA or similar preferred.

This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed in this role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, skills, responsibilities, knowledge, etc. These may be subject to change and additional functions may be assigned as needed by management.