SBL Underwriter

We’re building a relationship-oriented bank for the modern world. We need talented, passionate professionals who are dedicated to doing what’s right for our clients.

At CIBC, we embrace your strengths and your ambitions, so you are empowered at work. Our team members have what they need to make a meaningful impact and are truly valued for who they are and what they contribute.

To learn more about CIBC, please visit CIBC.com

Who you are

As an SBL Underwriter , you will play a key role in reviewing and approving marketable secured and securities-based applications, focusing on high-net-worth self-employed commercial and private wealth clients. You will use independent judgment within established guidelines to assess credit, financials, cash flow, and collateral information, ensuring sound underwriting decisions that support business growth while maintaining compliance with CIBC’s risk appetite, policies, and business practices.

At CIBC we enable the work environment most optimal for you to thrive in your role. Details on your work arrangement (proportion of on-site and remote work) will be discussed at the time of your interview.

How you’ll succeed

• Comprehensive credit analysis: As an SBL underwriter, you will make timely and accurate underwriting decisions within your credit authority by assessing financial documentation, cash flow modeling, asset and liquidity strength, and potential risks. You will review and approve new deals, amendments, and annual reviews, ensuring each decision is well-documented and supports business growth while maintaining compliance and risk standards.

• High-quality decision-making: Produce credit memos and other credit requests promptly and accurately. Apply specialized underwriting expertise to analyze complex client financials and structure securities-based lending transactions for self-employed and private wealth clients, including reviewing commercial business tax returns and capital gains or losses. Price, risk-grade, and document lines of credit, term loans, and standby letters of credit.

• Effective risk assessment: Gain exposure to a broad range of financial products and develop deep knowledge in the securities industry. Ensure underwriting decisions align with CIBC’s guidelines, risk appetite, and regulatory requirements, proactively managing risk and staying ahead of market and regulatory changes.

• Strong written communication: Craft clear and well-documented underwriting narratives that present credit rationale, risk assessment, and recommendations. Provide guidance to market partners on client needs and credit solutions.

• Collaboration and stakeholder engagement: Build strong partnerships with Private Bankers, Loan Processors and Closers, Group Portfolio Managers, and Senior Management to ensure smooth lending processes and seamless transactions.

• Market awareness and compliance: Stay updated on market conditions, industry regulations, and consumer lending laws to maintain compliance and adapt to evolving guidelines. Demonstrate a general understanding of financial markets and the securities industry.

• Community involvement: Actively participate in community involvement initiatives, including completing at least five CRA volunteer hours annually, supporting CIBC’s commitment to community engagement.

Who you are

• Experienced in underwriting: You have a bachelor’s degree in finance or equivalent experience of at least 5-10 years of manual underwriting adjudication experience with portfolio lending products. You demonstrate a strong grasp of risk assessment for high-net-worth clients, consistently making timely and accurate decisions that support business growth and maintain compliance with risk standards.

• Skilled in financial analysis: You have at least three years of private banking, asset management, or credit/lending experience. You can analyze financial statements, credit reports, assets, and liabilities, with expertise in cash flow modeling and self-employed borrower assessments, providing clear and well-documented credit narratives.

• Detail-oriented and organized: You thrive in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments, effectively managing multiple tasks while maintaining accuracy.

• Effective communicator: You excel at verbal and written communication, clearly presenting complex financial and credit information to stakeholders and building strong partnerships with colleagues and management.

• Technology-proficient: You have working knowledge of industry tools and systems such as Broadridge and SuperNova, and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

• Regulatory knowledge: You have a strong understanding of federal and state lending regulations, ensuring compliance with consumer protection laws and proactively adapting to regulatory shifts.

• Customer-focused and collaborative: You build strong relationships with internal partners, providing exceptional service while ensuring sound underwriting decisions and supporting seamless lending processes.

• Community-minded: You actively participate in community involvement initiatives, including completing at least five CRA volunteer hours annually, supporting CIBC’s CRA efforts.

California residents — your privacy rights regarding your actual or prospective employment

At CIBC, we offer a competitive total rewards package. This role has an expected salary range of $85,000 - $125,000 for the Chicago, WI market based on experience, qualifications, and location of the position. The successful candidate may be eligible to participate in the relevant business unit’s incentive compensation plan, which also may include a discretionary bonus component. CIBC offers a full range of benefits and programs to meet our employee’s needs; including Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account, Life Insurance, Disability, and Other Insurance Plans, Paid Time Off (including Sick Leave, Parental Leave, and Vacation), Holidays, and 401(k), in addition to other special perks reserved for our team members.

This position does not offer visa sponsorship.

#LI-TA

What CIBC Offers

At CIBC, your goals are a priority. We start with your strengths and ambitions as an employee and strive to create opportunities to tap into your potential. We aspire to give you a career, rather than just a paycheck.

• We work to recognize you in meaningful, personalized ways including a competitive salary, incentive pay, banking benefits, a benefits program*, a vacation offering, wellbeing support, and MomentMakers, our social, points-based recognition program.

• Our spaces and technological toolkit will make it simple to bring together great minds to create innovative solutions that make a difference for our clients.

• We cultivate a culture where you can express your ambition through initiatives like Purpose Day; a paid day off dedicated for you to use to invest in your growth and development.

• Subject to plan and program terms and conditions

What you need to know

• CIBC is committed to creating an inclusive environment where all team members and clients feel like they belong. We seek applicants with a wide range of abilities and we provide an accessible candidate experience. If you need accommodation, please contact [email protected]

• You need to be legally eligible to work at the location(s) specified above and, where applicable, must have a valid work or study permit.

• We may ask you to complete an attribute-based assessment and other skills tests (such as simulation, coding, MS Office). Our goal for the application process is to get to know more about you, all that you have to offer, and give you the opportunity to learn more about us.

Job Location

IL-120 S LaSalle St, 3rd Fl

Employment Type

Regular

Weekly Hours

40

Skills

Analytical Thinking, Credit Negotiations, Decision Making, Ensure Compliance, Real Estate Lending, Relationship Building, Residential Mortgages, Risk Assessments, Risk Management and Mitigation, Underwriting