Underwriting Manager

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.

The Mortgage Underwriting Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the mortgage underwriting team to ensure accurate, consistent, and timely loan decisions. This role ensures all underwriting meets regulatory guidelines, investor requirements, and internal credit risk policies. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with deep knowledge of underwriting practices, credit risk assessment, and mortgage industry standards.

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of mortgage underwriters and appraisal reviewers to ensure performance targets, service levels, and compliance standards are met.
• Oversee and participate in the underwriting of conventional mortgage loan files, including conforming or non-QM loans.
• Ensure underwriting decisions are consistent with company guidelines, secondary market requirements (e.g., Fannie Mae), and regulatory compliance.
• Review complex loan files and provide guidance or escalated decisions.
• Develop and maintain underwriting policies and procedures to ensure consistency and mitigate credit risk.
• Monitor and report underwriting pipeline status, turn times, and quality metrics to department and senior management.
• Collaborate with Sales, Processing, Closing, Quality Control and Compliance teams to resolve issues and improve workflow efficiency and implement corrective actions when necessary.
• Support internal and external audits and regulatory examinations.
• Recruit, train, and develop underwriting staff in accordance with company policies and performance standards.

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum 5 to 7+ years of mortgage underwriting experience, including 2+ years in a supervisory or management role.
• In-depth knowledge of FNMA and FHLMC underwriting guidelines.
• Strong understanding of mortgage lending regulations and compliance requirements.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and analytical skills.
• Proficient in Encompass mortgage loan origination systems and AUS systems (DU/LP).
• Detail-oriented and able to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Background in working with retail, correspondent and/or wholesale lending.