VP, Underwriter, CRE

Banc of California, Inc. (NYSE: BANC) is a bank holding company with over $34 billion in assets and the parent company of Banc of California. As one of the nation’s premier relationship-based business banks, we provide banking and treasury management services to small, middle market, and venture-backed businesses. The bank offers a broad range of loan and deposit products through a network of full-service branches, regional offices, and digital capabilities. We also provide full-service payment processing solutions and serve the Community Association Management industry nationwide through our SmartStreet™ platform. Banc of California is committed to supporting local communities through the Banc of California Charitable Foundation and partnerships that promote financial literacy, job training, small business support, and affordable housing.

About the role

As an Underwriter focusing on Commercial Real Estate (CRE) lending, you will perform analysis, due diligence, and underwriting of proposed new loan requests for new and existing clients within the Community and Commercial Bank. You will review initial borrower submissions, analyze the information, and prepare written credit presentations for construction, real estate, and commercial loan requests. This role involves independently evaluating the creditworthiness of loan requests for both existing customers and new credit relationships, ensuring timely and effective completion of underwriting tasks to make recommendations and create Credit Approval Recommendation (CAR) reports for approval by Credit Administration.

Responsibilities

• Independently evaluate and structure complex credit requests within CRE lending, including construction loans and various real estate-secured facilities such as bridge, construction, and permanent financing.
• Perform independent credit analysis and risk assessment, including preparing analysis of financial statements, modeling income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow calculations over multiple years.
• Analyze tax returns, financial statements, and perform downside and break-even projection analysis with limited input.
• Develop a thorough understanding of the applicant’s business, market, and management capability.
• Understand complex corporate structures and recommend borrowing structures to protect the bank.
• Draft and negotiate complex loan documents in conjunction with the Relationship Manager (RM).
• Prepare and complete the CAR report for submission and approval by Credit Administration.
• Oversee the Letter of Interest (LOI) to ensure consistency between the LOI, loan documents, and the CAR.
• Review documents related to loan requests, including UCC filings, appraisal reports, title policies, lease agreements, and credit reports.
• Recommend reporting and performance covenants specific to the financing type and articulate rationale within the CAR.
• Assist the Loan Administrator in timely boarding and/or funding of loan requests.
• Correctly identify and provide adequate support for new loans’ Risk Ratings.
• Stay apprised of industry-related, political, and regulatory issues to determine their impact on specific industries or clients.
• Engage with internal and external credit review teams and regulators, responding to inquiries on underwritten new loans.
• Provide guidance and mentoring to junior Underwriters on complex transactions, review their work, and communicate findings.
• Follow all established policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties and projects as assigned.

Requirements

• Minimum of 6-8 years of underwriting experience in real estate, construction, and commercial financing, including valuation, asset management, and financial analysis.
• Bachelor’s Degree and/or relevant work experience or training.
• Proficient with nCino.
• Demonstrates knowledge of, adherence to, and responsibility for compliance with state and federal regulations, including but not limited to: Regulation Z (Truth in Lending Act), Regulation B (Equal Credit Opportunity Act), Fair Housing Act (FHA), Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA), Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA), Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) in conjunction with the USA PATRIOT Act, Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Customer Information Program (CIP), Right to Financial Privacy Act (RFPA), and Community Reinvestment Act (CRA).
• PC proficiency with emphasis on Word and Excel.
• Excellent composing and writing skills.
• Strong verbal communication skills for a wide range of audiences.
• Responsiveness, judgment, maturity, integrity, and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently, multi-task, and adapt to change in a team environment.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Strong financial analytical skills.
• High School diploma or equivalent required.

Benefits

• Financial Security: Eligible to participate in the company’s 401k plan with a company match and immediate vesting.
• Health & Well-Being: Comprehensive insurance options including medical, dental, vision, AD&D, supplemental life, long-term disability, pre-tax Health Savings Account with employer contributions, and pre-tax Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
• Building & Supporting Your Family: Adoption, surrogacy, and fertility assistance, as well as paid parental leave and family support solutions including care options.
• Paid Time Away: Paid vacation days, holidays, and volunteer time off.
• Career Growth Opportunities: Tuition reimbursement, annual mentorship program, leadership development resources, and access to LinkedIn Learning.

Pay

The base salary ultimately offered is determined through a review of education, industry experience, training, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant in alignment with market data and other factors.