SBA Portfolio Officer - Underwriter - job 2 of 3

As an SBA Portfolio Officer - Underwriter at East West Bank, you will be responsible for underwriting SBA loans, analyzing financial and credit information, and compiling loan data to support the credit approval process. Your role will involve investigating credit standards, assessing borrower and property information, and ensuring compliance with loan terms. You'll play an essential part in following up on tickler items like delinquent property taxes and insurance policies, making sure everything aligns with SBA's SOP 50 10 and the bank's internal policy.

To be considered for the SBA Portfolio Officer - Underwriter position at East West Bank, you should have a bachelor's degree and a minimum of 4 years of commercial banking experience. A strong understanding of the financial institution’s lending procedures is crucial, along with in-depth knowledge of SBA SOP 50 10. Candidates should demonstrate excellent communication skills and be self-starters capable of adapting to a fast-paced environment.

Success as an SBA Portfolio Officer - Underwriter at East West Bank requires a blend of analytical skills, communication expertise, and teamwork. You must be skilled in analyzing financial statements and credit risk, as well as demonstrating an understanding of diverse lending procedures. Flexibility and adaptability in a changing environment are also key, enabling you to navigate varying circumstances in the lending world effectively.

The compensation for the SBA Portfolio Officer - Underwriter position at East West Bank ranges from USD $69,000.00 to USD $105,000.00 per year. The exact offer will depend on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and location. This competitive package reflects the bank's commitment to attracting top talent in the industry.

East West Bank is deeply committed to the career development of its employees, including those in the SBA Portfolio Officer - Underwriter role. With access to professional development programs, ongoing training, and mentorship opportunities, the bank empowers its employees to grow within the company. Collaboration with a diverse and experienced team enhances your skill set, opening doors for potential advancement and diversified experience in the financial sector.

When analyzing a loan application, I start by collecting all necessary documentation from the borrower, including financial statements and credit reports. I then review the applicant's creditworthiness, paying attention to their debt-to-income ratio and historical payment patterns. After assessing these factors, I ensure that the application aligns with SBA and internal guidelines, making a comprehensive evaluation of the overall risk.

I am well-acquainted with SBA SOP 50 10, as it outlines the specific guidelines and requirements for underwriting SBA loans. This knowledge allows me to effectively evaluate loan applications and ensure compliance with established procedures, minimizing risks for both the borrower and the bank.

In a previous position, I encountered a loan application with complex borrower financials and mixed credit history. It required extensive analysis and communication with the borrower to clarify their situation. By delving into their business model and assessing their future projections, I was ultimately able to underwrite the loan successfully while mitigating the associated risks.

To ensure compliance with loan terms, I maintain a detailed checklist of all requirements associated with the loan. I regularly follow up on any tickler items and document all communications with the borrower. Establishing a strong monitoring system helps me catch any potential issues early and address them proactively.

I thrive in team-oriented environments and believe that collaboration fosters stronger results. In my previous roles, I've coordinated efforts with credit analysts, risk assessors, and other stakeholders. Regular brainstorming sessions and open communication lines have been essential in maintaining alignment and facilitating the successful underwriting of loans.

Investigating creditworthiness involves a multi-faceted approach. I gather information from credit reports, analyze financial statements, and use qualitative assessments to understand the borrower's business operations. By considering both quantitative and qualitative data, I can form a holistic view of their financial stability.

I stay updated with industry regulations and changes by subscribing to relevant financial newsletters, attending webinars and workshops, and participating in professional organizations. Networking with peers also helps me exchange knowledge and best practices, ensuring that I remain well-informed about the latest developments affecting commercial banking and SBA lending.

When faced with tight deadlines in underwriting, I focus on prioritization and organization. Creating a timeline for each loan application helps me stay on track. I also break down the application process into smaller tasks, allowing me to manage my time better and maintain quality while meeting critical deadlines.

Effective communication is paramount in the underwriting process. It ensures that all parties involved are on the same page, which can significantly reduce misunderstandings. I actively communicate with borrowers to collect necessary information and keep them informed of their loan status throughout the underwriting period.

I once worked with a borrower who was initially frustrated with the underwriting process. I addressed their concerns by actively listening and clearly explaining the rationale behind our requirements. By maintaining an open line of communication and setting realistic expectations, I was able to build trust and successfully guide them through to approval.