Client Services Associate - Bridging Finance
About Allica Bank
Allica is the UK’s fastest growing company - and the fastest-growing financial technology (Fintech) firm ever. Our purpose is to help established SMEs, one of the last major underserved opportunities in Fintech.
Established SMEs are the backbone of local communities - representing over a third of our economy - yet have been largely neglected both by traditional high street banks and modern fintech providers.
Department Description
In August 2024, Allica Bank entered the bridging finance market with the acquisition of Tuscan Capital where its highly experienced team has been retained to help build a specialist division with the ambition to become a market leader in the bridging finance sector, leveraging our proven success in commercial mortgages and asset finance.
To support this growth, we are expanding our team to meet the increasing demands of the intermediary market.
Role Description
The purpose of the role in Client Services cover a range of processes and are responsible from enquiry stage - structuring Indicative Terms to evaluating and determining the feasibility of loan applications whist preparing a file for submission to Credit. Working closely alongside the Credit Team and BDM’s the job involves liaising with various Third Parties including surveyors & solicitors as part of the process to ensure a smooth journey to completion.
Principle Accountabilities
Manage and assess new enquiries in line with all regulatory requirements, the Bank’s credit appetite policy and underwriting policies, generate indicative terms and advance loan applications within specified SLA’s utilising appropriate credit data and analytical tools.
Support the Underwriting team with management and organisation of workflow.
Undertake regular checks, Customer due diligence, and monitor agreed controls to ensure the Bank’s risk and customer requirements are met at all times, escalating immediately any areas of concern.
Proactively manage the application process, from initial enquiry to completion, liaising effectively with the panel solicitors, valuers, project monitors and asset managers in terms of instructions and supporting documentation.
Produce clear, accurate and concise written documentation, making clear recommendations to the Credit team and ensure CRM systems are updated.
Further liaise effectively with applicants, brokers, valuers and solicitors in requests for additional relevant information to support the process through to completion.
Deliver an excellent service to customers, their brokers and Relationship Managers, building and maintaining strong relationships in line with the Bank’s values and defined customer experience standards.
Supporting the external BDM’s and identify and nurture new broker and customer leads
Ensure compliance with all mandatory policies and adherence to credit procedures to maintain internal credit controls.
Help develop appropriate MI and KPI indicators and reporting, maintaining suitable MI to enable a detailed understanding of Mortgage processing pipeline
Personal Attributes & Experience
Exposure/knowledge in the Bridging sector, with an understanding of the competitor landscape and the dynamics and trends of the Bridging market.
Strong analytical, verbal and written communication skills.
High level problem solving and ability to fully justify commercial decisions
Excellent time management, organisation and prioritisation of workload and able to produce quality work whilst in a fast-paced environment
Ability to build strong and lasting relationships with internal stakeholders such as the distribution team, operations team and senior management, plus 3rd party suppliers such as Intermediaries, Valuers and Solicitors.
Understand and comply with all regulatory requirements, plus internal policies / procedures, guidelines, risks and controls and service levels.
Good understanding of TCF, AML, KYC and Conduct risk.
Technology skills – CRM systems, MS Excel and Word
Working at Allica Bank
At Allica Bank we want to ensure our employees have the right tools and environment in which to succeed in their role and in support of our customers.
Our employees are at the heart of everything we do, so our benefits are designed with you in mind:
Full onboarding support and continued development opportunities
Options for flexible working
Regular social activities
Pension contributions
Discretionary bonus scheme
Private health cover
Life assurance
Family friendly policies including enhanced Maternity & Paternity leave
Don’t tick every box?
Don’t worry if you don’t have all the skills or requirements listed on the job description. If you think you’ll be a good fit, we’d still love to hear from you!
Flexible working
We know the ‘9-to-5’ isn’t right for everyone. That’s why Allica Bank is fully committed to flexible and hybrid working. Please let us know what is best for you and, if we can, we will do our best to accommodate.
Diversity
We’re a diverse bunch here at Allica, with all kinds of experiences, backgrounds and lifestyles. Our openness and differences make us stronger, and we want everybody to feel comfortable bringing as much of themselves to work with them as they like.