Second Charge Mortgage Underwriter

Job description

**About Abound** We’re redefining consumer lending in the UK, and beyond. Using advanced AI and Open Banking data, we make fair, affordable personal finance available to more people. While traditional lenders rely almost entirely on credit scores, we look at the full financial picture - how much you spend, and what you can afford to repay to build a deeper, more accurate understanding of each customer's unique financial situation. And we've shown it works at scale. We’ve issued over **£1.3bn** in loans directly to customers while delivering **market-leading credit performance** - for every 10 defaults the industry expects, we see only 3. We also reached profitability just 2.5 years after launch. Backed by **£2bn+** of funding from top-tier investors including Citi, GSR Ventures, and Deutsche Bank, we’re recognised as one of Europe’s fastest-growing fintechs (Sifted, CNBC). Now, we’re expanding into new markets and product lines - and we’re looking for ambitious people who want to learn fast, take ownership, and grow with us. **About the Role** We're looking for an experienced Second Charge Mortgage Underwriter to join our underwriting team. This is an exciting opportunity to join a successful business that is expanding into secured lending. We are bringing Open banking and AI to the secured lending process to save customers money. We are looking for someone with strong property underwriter experience in a second charge lending space, someone who can work to targets and thrives in a startup environment. We have great opportunities for progression in an ever-growing business. **About the Team** Unlike traditional lenders, we’re focused on doing things differently. Our underwriting approach combines a state-of-the-art in-house built technology that blends traditional lending methods with Open Banking analysis to create a smoother and more flexible experience for our customers. We work together to our common goals using Ai to assist our daily lives. We are always working towards improvement and encourage feedback from everyone; you can see your ideas comes to life. **Working Hours** Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 6:00pm **What You'll Be Doing** - Assess and underwrite second charge mortgage applications, using Open banking, affordability, credit history, and security property details against lending policy and regulatory requirements - Liaise directly with brokers, request further information, and keep cases progressing to completion within SLA - Ensure every decision is fully documented and auditable, meeting FCA and internal compliance standards (including affordability, vulnerable customer, and consumer duty requirements) - Provide clear, constructive feedback to brokers and internal sales teams on declined or conditioned cases - Contribute to the continuous improvement of underwriting policy, criteria, and process as the second charge product and book matures - Work cross-functionally with Risk, Compliance, and Operations to ensure underwriting practices support both growth and good customer outcomes. **Skills & Experience** - Minimum of 2 years' experience in second charge mortgages - You'll be comfortable working to targets, driving month-on-month growth as the book expands. - Good understanding of property as security — including valuation approaches, equity position, LTV and combined LTV calculations, existing charge structures, and title issues — with the ability to lead confidently on lending decisions where property equity is the primary basis for risk. - Strong working knowledge of FCA regulation, UK responsible lending rules, affordability assessment, MCOB requirements, fraud prevention, and AML regulations, with the credibility to interpret and apply these commercially. - Proven track record in manual underwriting of complex, high-value, and non-standard cases, with the judgement to make balanced decisions beyond a tick-box approach. - Relevant industry qualifications (e.g., CeMAP, CeRER, DipFA or equivalent) are highly desirable. **How We Work** • We prioritise sound credit decisions and continuous learning from outcomes. • We take ownership of our work and support one another to achieve shared goals. • We work collaboratively across the business and contribute beyond individual responsibilities. • We encourage open discussion, constructive challenge, and accountability. • Strong performance and positive contribution are recognised and rewarded. **What we offer** - Everyone owns a piece of the company - equity - Hybrid with 3 days a week in the office - 25 days’ holiday a year, plus 8 bank holidays - 2 paid volunteering days per year - One month paid sabbatical after 4 years - Employee loan - Free gym membership - Team wellness budget to be active together - set up a yoga class, a tennis lesson or go bouldering