Underwriter - Political Risk & Specialty Credit

Overview

In this role you will underwrite political risk and specialty credit opportunities, tailoring risk structure to portfolio objectives. You’ll work with brokers, clients and internal partners to assess risk, justify pricing, and support disciplined underwriting. The position combines technical analysis with market engagement and ongoing portfolio management to sustain a diversified book. You will stay informed on geopolitical and macro trends and contribute to policy execution and portfolio reviews. This role offers the chance to shape risk strategies within a global specialty team.

Responsibilities

• Underwrite political risk and specialty credit risks in line with delegated authority, appetite and portfolio objectives
• Review submissions, conduct financial and country risk analysis, and assess transaction structures, obligor quality, security package and policy wording requirements
• Prepare underwriting recommendations, pricing rationale and file documentation that clearly support risk selection decisions
• Develop and maintain relationships with brokers and clients, including participation in meetings, renewals and new business discussions
• Negotiate terms, conditions and endorsements while ensuring consistency with underwriting guidelines and legal, compliance and regulatory requirements
• Manage a portfolio of new and renewal business, monitoring exposure, accumulation, tenor, sector and country concentrations
• Work closely with colleagues across claims, legal, operations, finance and actuarial functions to support effective policy execution and portfolio management
• Contribute to internal reporting, renewal strategy, pipeline management and portfolio reviews
• Maintain awareness of geopolitical, macroeconomic and market developments relevant to political risk and specialty credit underwriting

Key requirements

• Proven experience in political risk, trade credit, structured credit, surety, financial lines or a related commercial underwriting discipline
• Strong analytical capability, including the ability to review financial information, assess transaction risk and form balanced underwriting conclusions
• Sound understanding of policy structure, wording considerations and the practical application of terms and conditions
• Commercial judgement and the ability to balance client needs with underwriting discipline
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present recommendations succinctly and engage confidently with brokers and internal stakeholders
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment
• Attention to detail and a disciplined approach to documentation, governance and file management
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in finance, economics, law, commerce, international relations or a related field would be beneficial

• Clear written and verbal communication
• Commercial judgement
• Relationship building
• Underwriting political risk and specialty credit
• Financial analysis and risk assessment
• Policy structure and wording

Full job description from WhatJobs. Apply for this role →