The pathway
How you actually get there, here
How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.
- 1
Underwriting Analyst (L1)
2-3 yearsSkills to master
- Financial statement spreading, basic credit memo drafting, data gathering, understanding of internal systems and credit policy basics.
You're ready to move on when
- Consistently accurate data entry and financial calculations.
- Ability to draft coherent sections of credit memos with minimal supervision.
- Proactive in asking clarifying questions and learning new processes.
- Reliable in meeting deadlines for assigned tasks.
- 2
Commercial Banking Analyst / Junior Relationship Manager
3-4 yearsSkills to master
- Client interaction, understanding of business models, basic loan product knowledge, exposure to credit applications and financial data.
You're ready to move on when
- Strong understanding of client needs and business operations.
- Ability to articulate basic credit requirements to clients.
- Experience collecting and organising financial information from businesses.
- A keen interest in the 'risk' side of lending, not just the 'sales' side.
- 3
Credit Risk Graduate Programme
2-3 years (post-graduation)Skills to master
- Structured learning across various credit functions, exposure to different asset classes, foundational risk management principles, financial analysis.
You're ready to move on when
- Successful completion of a structured graduate programme with rotations in credit or risk.
- Demonstrated analytical capability through project work and assessments.
- Strong theoretical understanding of credit risk concepts.
- Enthusiasm to take on direct underwriting responsibility.