VP, Underwriter, CRE

About the Company

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, it provides 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 full-service branches, regional offices, and digital capabilities. It also provides full-service payment processing solutions and serves the Community Association Management industry nationwide through its SmartStreet™ platform. Banc of California is committed to supporting local communities through the Banc of California Charitable Foundation and partnerships promoting financial literacy, job training, small business support, and affordable housing.

At Banc of California, success is driven by a shared commitment to delivering meaningful results in an environment that encourages entrepreneurial thinking, accountability, and operational excellence. Team members are empowered to take ownership, make informed decisions, and contribute to the bank’s growth.

About the Role

The Underwriter will focus on Commercial Real Estate (CRE) lending, performing analysis, due diligence, and underwriting of new loan requests for both new and existing clients within the Community and Commercial Bank. The role involves reviewing borrower submissions, analyzing financial information, and preparing written credit presentations for construction, real estate, and commercial loan requests. The primary responsibility is to independently evaluate the creditworthiness of loan requests 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 financial statement analysis, 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 capabilities.
• 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), prepared by outside law firms or in-house counsel.
• 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 type of financing and articulate the rationale within the CAR.
• Assist the Loan Administrator in the timely boarding and funding of loan requests.
• Correctly identify and support new loans’ Risk Ratings.
• Stay apprised of industry-related, political, and regulatory issues to assess their impact on clients or industries.
• Engage with internal and external credit review teams and regulators, responding to inquiries on underwritten 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.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and adherence to 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) and Customer Information Program (CIP)
  • Right to Financial Privacy Act (RFPA)
  • Community Reinvestment Act (CRA)
• PC proficiency with emphasis on Word and Excel.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong responsiveness, judgment, maturity, integrity, and time management skills.
• Self-starter with the ability to multitask, work efficiently in both independent and team environments, and adapt to change.
• 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 (HSA) 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, an annual mentorship program, leadership development resources, and access to LinkedIn Learning.

Pay

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