Senior Underwriter, Credit & Political Risk

Westfield; London; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A global insurance leader is seeking a Credit Risk Underwriter in London. The role involves assessing credit risks, pricing insurance policies, and mentoring junior staff. Candidates should have over 7 years of experience in credit analysis, with strong analytical skills and proficiency in financial modelling. The position offers a collaborative work environment and opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in credit analysis, corporate banking, or related fields.
• Strong background in financial statement analysis and transaction structures.
• Experience with risk assessment in both emerging and developed markets.

Responsibilities

• Perform detailed credit assessments and price credit risk insurance policies.
• Monitor and reassess credit risk exposure and recommend mitigation actions.
• Contribute to syndicate business planning by analyzing market trends.

Skills

Analytical skills

Decision-making skills

Financial modelling

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving

Education

Degree in finance, economics, accounting or related field

Accountancy qualification (CFA or similar preferred)

Tools

Excel

Job description

Overview

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Job Description

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

• 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.

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.

About the Team

Westfield Specialty International Culture

Our culture is centred around three core values: Excellence, focused on high performance, agility and embracing change; Ambition, where inquisitiveness, challenge and a bold approach is encouraged; and Collaboration, delivering shared goals through collective expertise, diversity of thought and transparency. All three are underpinned by Reward & Recognition, where people are supported & respected, and success is celebrated.