UNDERWRITING

Hand in glove: brokers and underwriters in asset finance

In a recent video call between Allica Bank's Brandon Hall (senior broker manager) and Jonathan Crook (Allica's head of underwriting for asset finance), the two explored how asset finance brokers and the underwriting team can work to get asset finance deals over the line quicker, and the value of having a transparent and collaborative relationship.

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onathan Crook leads a team of four underwriters at Allica Bank, which got its banking licence two years ago and specialises in SME lending primarily to regional UK businesses.

Crook joined Allica last year and has over a decade of experience underwriting asset finance loans, starting out at Lombard before moving on to Aldermore.

Speaking to the bank’s senior broker manager, Brandon Hall, Crook discussed how his team has been working flat out on pushing through deals with a huge variation of clients this year. Demand has been so high, he explained, that they’ve just had to bring in a fifth member of the team.

Explaining their role at the bank, Crook said: “Our job is to make decisions that are appropriate and pragmatic for the customer as well as Allica. It’s a fine balance to strike.

We’re not looking for War & Peace, just a concise articulation of the key risk points for the deal

“We want to help SMEs buy the assets they need, whether it’s replacing old kit or expanding to fulfil a new contract. But that needs to be done within the context of our own risk appetite. We want to grow safely so we can continue to support clients in the long term.”

Allica Bank’s Jonathan Crook (head of underwriting for asset finance) and Brandon Hall (senior broker manager).

Brandon Hall brought up the positive response he’s had from brokers who’d been given access to Crook’s team.

“I don’t know why banks wouldn’t want their underwriters to speak to brokers,” was Crook’s reply. “Our job is to get to the right decision, and that often involves understanding the story behind the deal. The broker is in an ideal position to help, especially when the application is complex or challenging.

“Everyone wants a fast process,” he continued. “When there’s something missing from the basic information we’re provided, it’s so much easier to jump on a quick call to fill in the gaps. A simple conversation can provide the necessary context to get under the skin of the deal.”

Providing context

What about the suite of information brokers need to put together, Hall asked. What does ‘good’ look like from an underwriter’s perspective?

“Perhaps the most important thing is a clear ‘write-up’,” Crook said. “We’re not looking for War & Peace, just a concise articulation of the key risk points for the deal.”

“Be proportionate,” he expanded. “If it’s a big deal – £100,000 or more – you’ll want to provide a lot of detail. But if you’re looking for less money, say, £30,000, don’t go overboard. If anything, a ten-page write-up for that amount might make us nervous!”

“Alongside that, we’ll want to see a full set of accounts,” Crook said. “Include bank statements and management information if you can.

“We’ll also need information that’s relevant to the transaction they have in mind. For example, if the business is financing the loan off the back of a new client contract, it might be an idea to share that contract with us or at least some commentary around it.”

The 'C' word

Hall then asked about an issue that’s caused a lot of consternation among business owners, especially when it comes to funding. The dreaded ‘C’ word.

“Yes, I’m afraid we do need to know how Covid has affected the business. It’s not always negative, of course – some sectors have thrived in the last 18 months. So make sure to reference if your client’s experience has been a positive one.

“But even when a business has struggled, it’s really important they know that it’s not an automatic red flag,” he continued. “Companies have accepted CBILS and bounce back loans for all kinds of reasons. We understand that doesn't always mean the underlying business is failing.

“It's about providing a frank and honest assessment of the likely impact of the pandemic on the company’s future. Brokers should make clear how the client will be able to afford to repay the loan, especially if it’s on top of existing funding they’ve recently accessed.

“We’ll also research the customer’s sector and how it’s been impacted. That macro view can be really helpful, in particular when it comes to larger transactions,” he concluded.

The more information, the better

Hall then brought up a common theme: the need for brokers to provide as much information as soon as possible. Crook was in full agreement.

“It’s important to get the basic information in place from the get-go. Accounts and bank statements let us get a feel for the business and how it’s trading.

“Alongside that, it’s helpful to break down any creditors or debtors that make up a large chunk of the balance sheet. Brokers can help us contextualise potential risks and how they affect serviceability. By providing that information upfront, brokers can often point us toward positive decisions.”

As far as Allica’s concerned, the lender says the days of ‘computer says no’ underwriting are numbered.