Underwriting Assistant

The Legends Agency; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 400 000 - 600 000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic financial services firm is seeking an Underwriter to support a high-performing team. In this pivotal role, you'll manage funding applications and ensure compliance with FCA standards. Ideal candidates will have at least 2 years of experience in financial services or the legal sector, possess strong communication and organizational skills, and be comfortable engaging with stakeholders. The position starts remotely, transitioning to a hybrid setup with office days in Cape Town.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years' experience in financial services or legal sector.
• Strong organizational skills with a proactive approach.
• Confident in engaging with senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Manage collating funding applications and supporting documents.
• Conduct initial due diligence on financial scenarios and client backgrounds.
• Ensure compliance with FCA regulatory policies.

Skills

Financial services experience

Strong case management

Excellent communication

Emotional intelligence

Analytical mindset

Job description

Join a Dynamic Legal and Financial Services Team Remote Start, Hybrid Foreshore Option

About Our Client

Our client is an innovative and rapidly growing company providing specialist financial products to clients navigating complex legal and probate matters. With a strong commitment to ethical funding and client care, the team prides itself on balancing commercial goals with genuine impact. The company fosters a collaborative, fast-paced environment where initiative, integrity, and adaptability are highly valued.

The Role: Underwriter

We are looking for a diligent and detail-oriented Underwriter to support a high-performing underwriting team. This pivotal role involves managing and coordinating funding applications, performing initial due diligence, and ensuring adherence to FCA-aligned compliance standards. Reporting to the Risk Director, the successful candidate will play a key role in helping borrowers access funding with clarity and care.

Key Responsibilities

Manage the collation of funding applications and supporting documents for underwriting.

Conduct initial due diligence on complex financial scenarios and client backgrounds.

Compile schedules of assets and maintain up-to-date records.

Liaise with solicitors and borrowers via email and phone to gather required documentation.

Ensure compliance with FCA regulatory policies, including AML and data protection.

Provide ongoing updates to senior stakeholders on multiple active loan cases.

Keep external parties informed on the progress of their applications.

Assist with the preparation and collation of executed loan documentation.

About You

Minimum 2 years' experience in financial services, complex lending, or the legal sector.

Strong case management and organizational skills with a proactive approach.

Excellent written and verbal communication; confident engaging with senior stakeholders and legal professionals.

High emotional intelligence and tact when dealing with vulnerable clients.

Able to manage multiple cases under pressure in a dynamic environment.

Analytical mindset with an interest in developing underwriting skills.

Background in law or exposure to litigation/FCA regulation is a plus, not a must.

Comfortable with change and capable of pivoting quickly in a fast-evolving setting.

Location & Working Hours

Remote to start, with potential hybrid setup: 3 days in-office (Foreshore), 2 days remote