The sector is hiring for depth, not just headcount. Government analysis shows that in financial services, recruitment was generally for Regulatory Qualification Framework (RQF) 6+ roles, rather than RQF 3 to 5 roles a GOV.UK Temporary Shortage List Stage 2 report. That points to employers reaching for degree-level and professional-level skills when they open a vacancy.
For a managing general agent (MGA) building its first underwriting bench, that matters. You are not hiring to fill a seat. You are hiring for judgement, technical knowledge and the regulated competence the sector now expects as standard.
An open role is a design document. Read it closely and it tells you exactly what the first underwriter will own. The way employers in financial services skew towards RQF 6+ roles rather than RQF 3 to 5 roles the GOV.UK Temporary Shortage List Stage 2 report shows the market expects a higher qualification floor, which frames the remit before anyone applies.
Three parts of the advert carry the most meaning:
Taken together, these turn a vague job title into a clear, testable remit. That clarity helps the person applying picture the job and helps you assess fit fairly.
Start by writing the remit, not the wish list. Given that financial-services recruitment leans towards RQF 6+ roles rather than RQF 3 to 5 roles the GOV.UK Temporary Shortage List Stage 2 report, set the qualification bar honestly and only as high as the risk requires. Over-specifying narrows your pool for no gain.
Then make the authority explicit. Name the lines of business, the binding limits and the referral triggers in the advert itself. A first underwriter who knows their boundaries on day one ramps faster and makes safer decisions. Finally, assess for judgement with real scenarios, not just credentials, so you see how someone prices and refers risk in practice.
Reed.ai searches 15 million candidates to match the qualification bar, lines of business and authority level your first MGA underwriter remit needs. Our recruitment agent manages recruitment end to end for 8% on a successful hire, with no monthly fee and no upfront cost. Tell us the remit and we will start building your shortlist today.
