Senior Loan Review Analyst
First Western · Denver, CO
Senior Loan Review Analyst
Location: Denver, CO (In-Office)
Job Type: Full-Time Exempt
Salary: $96,000 - $139,700/YR *Actual offer will be based on experience, location, education, and/or skills*
Applications should be submitted for consideration no later than 10/31/2026.
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Who We're Looking For
You are an experienced credit risk professional with deep expertise in loan review, credit risk assessment, and commercial lending. You enjoy evaluating complex credit relationships, identifying emerging risks, and providing independent challenge that strengthens portfolio quality. You bring strong analytical skills, sound judgment, and the ability to communicate findings effectively to stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
About the Role
The Senior Loan Review Analyst serves as the department's subject matter expert and lead reviewer, responsible for evaluating the Bank's most complex, high-risk, and specialized credit relationships. This role provides independent assurance regarding underwriting quality, risk rating accuracy, portfolio management practices, and emerging portfolio risks across the Bank's consumer and commercial lending portfolios. The Senior Loan Review Analyst leads complex review engagements, promotes consistency in loan review methodology, and provides technical guidance and mentorship to other Loan Review team members. The position regularly communicates significant findings, portfolio trends, and risk themes to senior management and may present information to executive and Board-level committees.
What You'll Do
- Act as reviewer-in-charge for the Bank's most complex, high-risk, syndicated, specialized, and large-dollar lending relationships, including planning review scope, overseeing review execution, and conducting independent assessments of underwriting quality, repayment capacity, collateral protection, loan structure, covenant compliance, risk ratings, and policy adherence.
- Serve as the department's technical resource for loan review methodology, credit risk assessment, regulatory expectations, and risk rating practices.
- Perform quality assurance reviews of completed review engagements to promote consistency, accuracy, and adherence to established loan review standards and methodologies.
- Conduct stress testing, concentration analysis, and other portfolio risk assessments to identify emerging risks, potential areas of concern, and the impact of adverse economic conditions on portfolio performance.
- Lead or assist with the development and enhancement of loan review methodologies, procedures, reporting, risk assessment tools, and departmental best practices.
- Prepare and communicate significant findings, risk rating recommendations, portfolio trends, and emerging risk themes to relationship bankers, management, executive leadership, and governance committees.
- Support regulatory examinations, internal audits, and external audits by explaining loan review methodologies, conclusions, and departmental practices.
- Mentor and develop Loan Review Analysts through training, coaching, quality feedback, and ongoing technical guidance.
What You Bring
- Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics or related field required.
- 7-10 years loan review, credit risk management, commercial credit analysis, credit administration, regulatory examination, or a related lending risk function required.
- Advanced knowledge of commercial, consumer, and residential mortgage lending principles and underwriting practices.
- Ability to independently challenge risk ratings and credit decisions.
- Skilled in identifying emerging portfolio risks and systemic issues.
- Proficient in Loan Policy to properly identify exceptions.
- Ability to communicate findings and risk rating changes objectively and professionally while maintaining collaborative relationships.
- Knowledge of regulatory guidance, banking compliance requirements, and risk management practices.
- Proficient with loan origination systems, financial spreading software, and Microsoft Office applications.
- Formal Commercial Credit Training (e.g. CRC or equivalent) preferred.
What We Offer
- Competitive base salary: $96,000 - $139,700/YR, plus strong bonus potential.
- 401(k) plan with employer match.
- Paid parking and transportation benefits.
- Comprehensive health and wellness benefits, including:
- Health savings accounts (HSA)
- Flexible spending accounts (FSA)
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Generous paid time off and bank holidays.
- Access to training and professional development programs.
- Sponsorship and support for obtaining professional certifications.
- A culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and shared success.
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Who We Are
At First Western Trust, we’re more than just a financial institution—we’re a team of forward-thinkers committed to excellence, innovation, and impact. Our culture thrives on teamwork and mutual respect, grounded in the belief that diverse perspectives fuel creativity and help us tackle challenges in fresh, effective ways.
We celebrate each other’s successes, welcome new ideas, and take personal ownership in everything we do. A genuine desire to positively impact our clients, communities, and one another drives our work. We meet challenges with a growth mindset, act with urgency and accountability, and constantly strive to raise the bar for ourselves and our clients.
Leadership at First Western means setting an example and fostering a culture of trust, transparency, and respect. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or bringing years of experience, you’ll find a welcoming community where your contributions are valued and your potential is boundless.
We expect our people to:
- Demand and reward excellence.
- Take action and responsibility.
- Collaborate, communicate openly, and give/receive feedback with trust.
- Go above and beyond to do what’s right—always.
If that sounds like you, you’ll fit right in.
Learn more at myfw.com or email Talent.Management@myfw.com.
Equal Opportunity Employer
First Western Trust is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace where every team member is valued and given the opportunity to thrive. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and experiences and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status. For accommodation requests, please contact Talent.Management@myfw.com.
Region A Pay Range
Pay Range$96,000—$139,700 USD