Underwriter – Life Insurance Premium Finance

Peapack Private Bank & Trust is a well-recognized, high-performing boutique bank and a leader in wealth, lending, and deposit solutions. We provide a broad range of sought-after products and services designed to help our clients establish, maintain, and grow their legacy through an innovative approach to private banking.

What makes Peapack Private different from our competition? As an institution with over 100 years of history, we have always believed in putting the well-being and needs of our employees and clients first. We are proud to be recognized by American Banker for the eighth consecutive year as one of the nation’s “Best Banks to Work For.” Our secret sauce, in a word, is our culture .

We value a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and safe workplace. Our one-team culture goes to great lengths to show all employees that they are valued members of the organization. We treat one another like family and communicate across the Bank in a transparent and frequent manner, respect and consider feedback from all levels, and operate with a philosophy grounded in hospitality and genuine human kindness.

There are multiple ways to build relationships and get involved; from joining one of our Cultural Ambassador sub-committees (focused on Wellness, Employee Fun, Diversity & Inclusion, or Environmental Awareness), to participating in community service activities through our Volunteerism outreach, to joining LIFT (Leading Inspiring Females Together), a committee focused on enriching the lives of women. Simply put, our culture is amazing.

Department:

Credit & Underwriting Commercial loan assets are an important revenue stream for Peapack. Commercial banking is divided into two sub sectors, commercial real estate lending which involves financing the acquisition of properties, and commercial and industrial commercial banking loans, which help companies get started or expand. Peapack credit risk management is responsible for lending production, underwriting, and closing of investment grade loans, and the credit administration of these loan assets thereafter.

Position Summary:

Underwriter I is responsible for supporting the Life Insurance Premium Finance underwriting and lending team in the evaluation, structuring and ongoing monitoring of life insurance premium finance transactions. The role involves evaluating borrower and guarantor financial capacity, life insurance policy performance and collateral values, insurance carrier strength and the overall structure and repayment of credit facilities. Prepare credit approval packages, annual and periodic reviews and ensure compliance with Bank’s credit policies, risk appetite and regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, analytical, and eager to develop in a fast-paced commercial banking environment.

Responsibilities:

• Analyze borrower, guarantor and related party financial information, including personal and business financial statements, tax returns, cash flow, net worth and other relevant financial information to assess repayment capacity and overall creditworthiness.
• The underwriting of new life insurance premium finance loan requests, including the preparation of loan approval memos and packages for review by senior underwriters and credit approvers.
• Review life insurance policy information, including policy illustrations, premium schedules, cash surrender values, death benefits, policy charges, interest crediting assumptions, and other relevant policy characteristics.
• Evaluate the adequacy and expected performance of life insurance collateral, including analysis of current and projected cash surrender value relative to current and anticipated loan balances.
• Assist in evaluating transaction structure, including loan amount, future premium funding requirements, interest capitalization, borrower equity contributions, maturity, repayments sources and other structural considerations.
• Monitor existing premium finance relationships for financial performance, policy performance, collateral performance, collateral coverage, and other risk indicators. Complete annual and other periodic reviews, including updated borrower and guarantor financial analysis and borrower risk rating. With guidance from senior team members, identify emerging credit, collateral, policy or structural risks and work with internal stakeholders to recommend appropriate actions.
• Collaborate with senior underwriters, bankers, credit approvers and other internal stakeholders to support loan origination and portfolio management.

Key Behavioral Expectations

• Operate with agility and adaptability , responding effectively to changing priorities and business needs
• Demonstrate curiosity and a learning mindset , continuously seeking to improve and grow
• Utilize AI and technology tools responsibly to enhance productivity and decision-making
• Show ownership and critical thinking , using sound judgment to solve problems and deliver results
• Deliver white-glove hospitality , providing thoughtful, proactive, and personalized service in every interaction

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting or economics, preferred.
• At least 2 years of experience in commercial credit analysis, underwriting, premium finance, or related financial services roles.
• Strong understanding of financial statements, personal financial statements, tax returns, cash—flow analysis and fundamental credit risk concepts.
• Demonstrated analytical ability and aptitude for evaluating complex financial and collateral structures.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and financial modeling.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and meet established deadlines.
• Familiarity with banking regulations, loan origination systems, and credit risk frameworks.

Benefits Overview:

We offer a competitive compensation package, a generous paid time off program, comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage, maternity/paternity leave, education reimbursement, wellness programs and more. We also offer participation in an Employee Stock Purchase Program and a 401K with a generous match.

The approximate pay range for this position is $100,000 to $120,000, plus an opportunity to earn performance-based incentives. Please note that the pay range provided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Final compensation may vary based on factors including, but not limited to knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as geographic location.