Gary G Parsons

Highly experienced and commercially focused Underwriter with 20+ years' expertise in Specialist Mortgages, including BTL, HMOs, Short-Term Lets, Semi-Commercial, and Commercial properties. Proven ability to deliver robust, risk-aligned lending decisions while fostering strong relationships with brokers and stakeholders. Eager to contribute to a high-performing team and shape an evolving underwriting model

KEY SKILLS

• Specialist Mortgage Underwriting: BTL, HMOs, Short-Term Lets, Semi-Commercial, Commercial
• Credit Risk Management: Analysis of credit searches, bank statements, financials, portfolios & valuations
• Stakeholder Engagement: Building strong relationships with brokers, introducers, and internal teams
• Regulatory Compliance: FCA, AML, KYC, TCF, Underwriting Legislation
• Commercial Judgement: Balancing risk discipline with commercial objectives
• Communication Skills: Clear and efficient communication of decisions and requirements
• Pipeline Management: Maintaining service standards and providing timely updates
• Team Collaboration: Supporting colleagues and contributing to a positive customer journey
• Policy Adherence: Ensuring compliance with lending policy and underwriting guidelines
• Customer Due Diligence: Performing appropriate customer due diligence and AML checks
• Financial Analysis: Expertise in financial modelling, investment appraisal, and risk assessment to support funding decisions.
• Credit Analysis: Skilled in interpreting valuation reports and identifying red flags

Senior Specialist Underwriter (end of Contract)

The Millbank Group | Jul 2023 – Jan 2026

• Underwrote a wide range of Specialist Mortgage cases, including Bridging, Commercial, and BTL, ensuring end-to-end credit analysis.
• Collaborated within a small team of Underwriters and Case Managers, improving execution speed and supporting team development.
• Ensured compliance with credit governance, delegated authority, and underwriting disciplines.
• Liaised with brokers, valuers, and external partners to ensure robust and timely risk assessment.
• Contributed to MI reporting and operational governance aligned with credit policy.
• Actively participated in leading Bridging and BTL credit operations, ensuring decisions aligned with risk appetite and credit policy.
• Presented major bridging deals to the (Contract)Credit Committee, demonstrating strong credit oversight.
• Partnered with risk and operations to drive service excellence and improve turnaround times.
• Strengthened credit frameworks, underwriting policy, and governance structures.
• Mentored underwriters and contributed to team scaling and capability building.

Ahli United Bank | (contract) Nov 2020 – Nov 2022

• Oversaw real estate credit, including specialist and bridging-style lending.
• Designed and implemented credit risk policies for specialist property finance.
• Presented credit papers to lending committees with detailed risk and commercial analysis.
• Gained exposure to structured credit requirements through Islamic finance and regulatory audit.

Harpenden Building Society | (Contract) Apr 2018 – Nov 2020

• Managed Bridging, Commercial, and BTL portfolios, delivering high-quality credit decisions.
• Oversaw manual underwriting and ensured strong credit controls and portfolio oversight.
• Delivered credit papers to SLT, influencing key credit decisions.
• Strengthened QA processes and improved underwriting productivity.
• Supported operational improvements and team capability development.

• Led a team of 8 across Bridging, BTL, Residential, and Specialist Lending.
• Underwrote high-value, complex real estate credit cases and secured funding lines.
• Built underwriting frameworks, credit governance structures, and QA/QC protocols.
• Maintained regulatory compliance, including FCA, AML, KYC, and audit readiness.
• Delivered consistent portfolio performance and strong credit quality over many years.

PhD – Business Studies | University of Cambridge

Focus: leadership systems, operational governance, regulated environments

MBA – Information Technology Management | University of Cambridge

Focus: digital transformation, data-driven performance management

BSc (Hons) –Business Management | Queen’s University

CeMAP Diploma, CII Certificate, PFS (Dip) Level 4

Education and Qualifications:

Doctor of Philosophy in Business Studies – Cambridge University (Kings College)

MSITM in Master of Science in Information Technology Management– Cambridge University (Kings College)

BA (Hons) in HRM and Psychology – (Hons) – Queens University Belfast NI

• AXELOS PRINCE2® 2017 – Foundation