As the UK’s specialist lending sector continues to recover from the challenges of high interest rates and a slower market cycle, there are early signs of normalisation and renewed confidence. Lenders are beginning to lend again with more conviction, appetite is returning, and the competition for skilled people is picking up pace. Among the most in-demand hires are experienced underwriters - professionals who not only understand risk, but who can support growth while protecting the integrity of the book.

Underwriters remain central to the success of firms across asset finance, bridging, development finance, leasing, and other specialist lending markets. While the market evolves, and automation becomes more common, these roles still require human judgement, sector knowledge, and the ability to assess deals with both accuracy and commercial awareness. Good underwriters don’t just manage downside - they help firms lend well, build confidence with funders, and maintain service standards even as volumes increase.

The role of the underwriter has also become more visible in recent years. No longer confined to the back office, underwriters often work closely with sales, brokers, legal and operations. They are expected to contribute to deal structuring, help resolve complex cases, and operate in environments where speed and service matter. In specialist finance especially, clients and introducers expect decisions quickly and fairly. That expectation requires professionals who can blend technical understanding with strong communication and sound judgement.

Firms looking to grow their underwriting teams face a number of challenges. The first is competition. Good underwriters are always in demand, and many firms are looking to hire from the same limited talent pool. The second is structure. Not all underwriters are the same. Someone with bridging experience may not adapt easily to a leasing environment, and vice versa. Even within the same lending type, risk appetite, systems and processes vary widely. Understanding this nuance is vital when assessing candidates. It’s also where working with true specialist underwriter recruiters makes a difference.

Attracting the right people requires more than posting a job advert. Today’s underwriters want to understand what a firm stands for. They want clarity on how decisions are made, what kind of deals are typical, and how performance is recognised. They want career progression and access to development. Increasingly, they are looking at culture too. Can they work closely with decision-makers? Will their views be respected? Is there flexibility around location and hours? A well-articulated employee value proposition is one of the most effective ways to stand out.

At Fram Search, our Debt and Capital Solutions practice is focused on supporting firms across specialist finance with exactly these challenges. We have deep experience in underwriting recruitment, and a strong track record across asset finance, bridging, development finance and more. Since 2010, we’ve helped firms identify and attract underwriters who not only understand the sector but who are aligned with the strategic direction of the business.

We work with banks, non-bank lenders, family offices and private equity-backed platforms. Our work spans credit, operations, sales and leadership hiring, but we have a particular strength in underwriting. Whether you’re hiring a single underwriter or looking to build out a full team under a new credit lead, we support you with market insight, access to a wide and well-maintained network, and a thoughtful, consultative approach.

We understand that many firms are adjusting to a new market reality. They are seeking stability, but also preparing to grow again. In this environment, hiring decisions are strategic. A strong underwriter is more than a back-office technician - they are an enabler of growth, a guardian of risk, and a key part of your firm’s reputation.

As specialist underwriter recruiters, we know what good looks like. More importantly, we know how to find it, how to assess it, and how to help our clients secure the right individuals in a competitive landscape. If your firm is preparing for growth, making a change in direction, or simply looking to strengthen your credit team, now is a good time to invest in the right people. We’re here to help you do just that.