Underwriter

Job Description Summary

The primary purpose of this position is to underwrite and develop a profitable portfolio of structured trade credit and non-payment risks within the agreed business plan, risk appetite and underwriting authority. The Underwriter will assess corporate, financial institution, transaction, country and sector risk; structure commercially appropriate policy coverage; and manage opportunities from initial enquiry through binding, servicing and renewal. The ability to communicate effectively across a range of internal stakeholders and business partners is essential.

Job Responsibilities

• Underwrite structured trade credit and non-payment opportunities for corporate and financial institution clients across Asia Pacific and other approved markets.
• Assess obligor and transaction risk through financial statement analysis, cash-flow review, sector analysis, country and political risk assessment, and evaluation of repayment sources.
• Analyse the trade or financing structure, contractual framework, payment mechanics, tenor, concentration, security package, recourse and potential loss scenarios.
• Structure, price and negotiate policy terms, limits, deductibles, conditions, warranties, exclusions and risk mitigants within underwriting authority and referral requirements.
• Prepare concise underwriting submissions setting out the risk, mitigants, pricing rationale, downside sensitivities and proposed coverage.
• Manage policies from enquiry through quote, binding and servicing, including endorsements, renewals, exposure monitoring, compliance with conditions and emerging-risk escalation.
• Build effective relationships with brokers, insureds, banks, insurers and internal stakeholders.
• Contribute to profitable portfolio development, new-product assessment and consistent underwriting approaches.
• Maintain complete and timely records and support portfolio reviews, market analysis, audits and projects.
• Collaborate across Markel offices to apply portfolio strategy, underwriting standards and authority consistently.

Expectations

• At least five years of relevant experience in credit insurance, trade finance, banking, structured credit or corporate credit analysis, with direct underwriting experience strongly preferred.
• Experience of non-payment and trade credit insurance for corporate and financial institution clients across more than one geography.
• Knowledge of structured trade credit, single-situation or single-buyer risk, structured finance, and pre- and post-shipment cover. Experience of non-cancellable excess of loss policies is advantageous.
• Strong financial analysis skills covering cash flow, leverage, liquidity, debt service capacity and downside scenarios.
• Ability to assess sector, sovereign, political, legal, contractual and structural risks and forma clear underwriting recommendation.
• Good working knowledge of credit insurance policy wordings and the ability to structure and negotiate coverage.
• Ability to manage opportunities under time pressure while producing accurate and well-supported analysis.
• Strong broker and client relationship skills and clear communication with technical and non-technical audiences.
• Commercial judgement, curiosity and adaptability, including support for new product development.
• A relevant degree or equivalent professional experience. Economics, finance, business, mathematics or a related discipline is desirable.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel and the ability to learn internal underwriting and portfolio systems.