Senior Underwriter

Introduction

Since 1973, East West Bank has served as a pathway to success. With over 110 locations across the U.S. and Asia, we are the premier financial bridge between the East and West. Our teams of experienced, multi-cultural professionals help guide businesses and community members on both sides of the Pacific looking to explore new markets and create new opportunities, and our sustained growth and expertise in industries like real estate, entertainment and media, private equity and venture capital, and high-tech help build sustainable businesses and expand our associates’ potential for career advancement. 

Headquartered in California, East West Bank (Nasdaq: EWBC) is a top-performing commercial bank with a strong foundation, an enterprising spirit and a commitment to absolute integrity. East West Bank gives people the confidence to reach further.

Overview

The Senior Underwriter or Underwriter II will be responsible for underwriting agency and portfolio loans toestablished company and investor guidelines. The position requires that the candidate have the ability toclearly communicate underwriting decisions and stipulations to sales, processing staff and borrowers.

Responsibilities

• Underwrite a high volume of primarily agency loans (including Fannie Mae), with demonstrated capability to evaluate and approve portfolio loans using sound credit judgment and risk assessment.
• Apply advanced full-documentation underwriting expertise, including specialized programs such as Bridge to Homeownership, ensuring adherence to agency and investor requirements.
• Perform comprehensive reviews of loan files to validate accuracy, completeness, and compliance with company policies, federal regulations, agency guidelines, and applicable state and local requirements.
• Conduct in-depth analysis of borrower creditworthiness, including loan-to-value (LTV), debt-to-income (DTI) or debt-to-asset (DTA) ratios, credit profiles, income and asset verification, and source of funds, while proactively identifying potential fraud or misrepresentation risks.
• Evaluate residential appraisals to confirm collateral adequacy and ensure alignment with secondary market standards, investor overlays, and internal quality expectations.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Loan Officers, Processors, and Operations teams to resolve file deficiencies, streamline documentation collection, and ensure efficient loan progression.
• Exercise independent judgment in determining when additional documentation or clarification is necessary to support sound underwriting decisions; issue clear, concise, and actionable conditions.
• Provide informed guidance on loan structuring and program options, supporting optimal borrower outcomes while mitigating risk exposure.
• Maintain current knowledge of regulatory changes, underwriting guidelines, and market trends to ensure compliant and consistent decision-making.
• Ensure data integrity by validating system input accuracy and reconciling loan information against Automated Underwriting System (AUS) findings.
• Serve as a subject matter expert and resource for junior underwriters and team members, providing guidance, resolving escalations, and promoting underwriting consistency and best practices.
• Contribute to operational excellence through participation in process improvement initiatives, quality control efforts, and adherence to service level expectations.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; college courses/technical training related toBusiness, Finance/Accounting, Legal, or related field is preferred, along with total recent workexperience that includes five or more years underwriting conventional loans.Expert-level knowledge of overall mortgage lending processes, including underwriting, funding,and loan processing.
• Expert-level knowledge of valid documentation related to the processing consumer mortgageapplications (e.g., tax returns, financial statements and records, verification of income anddeposits, etc.).
• Expert-level knowledge of underwriting and regulatory requirements; detailed knowledge offederal, state, and regulatory requirements/guidelines related to consumer mortgage lending andinternal processes and controls.
• Ability to think critically, including the ability to evaluate facts and data to draw conclusions, anddetermine the downstream impact of decisions and associated risks.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a deadline-driven environment, strong sense of urgency andresponsiveness.
• Intermediate math skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong detail orientation and highly organized.
• Prior experience using internal data entry systems, Microsoft Word, Excel and PDF/DocumentRetention programs.
• Experience working within Encompass preferred.

Applicants must have legal authorization to work in the United States.  We do not offer visa sponsorship at this time.  

Compensation