A day in the life of our Underwriting and Fraud Manager

Could you tell us about your role at Bamboo and how long you've been with the company? 

I started my journey at Bamboo in 2015 (ten years next year!) and I have spent time in many different departments since. I have dabbled in Compliance, Complaints, Loyalty, Servicing and now I am the manager of our Underwriting and Fraud team. I love my role in the Underwriting and Fraud department. I have a passion for helping identify, prevent and educate against fraudulent activities in the personal finance sector.  

As manager of the Underwriting and Fraud team, I am always looking at ways Bamboo can help protect our customers from falling victim to fraud. I am consistently reviewing our fraud prevention content and our fraud messaging throughout the customer journey. I do this to make sure we are capturing every opportunity to educate our customers and are taking proactive steps to help our customers avoid fraud and scams. Recently, I have been engaging with third parties to explore ways we can further protect Bamboo from a cyber perspective, looking to reduce potential phishing emails and impersonation. I also spend time communicating with a close network within the fraud prevention space, leading regular catch ups with organisations including CIFAS, some of our introducers and other lenders within the industry.  

As my team combines fraud and underwriting, this ensures that there is never a dull moment, and every day is exciting. We are constantly challenging ourselves to ensure we are positive, proactive and protecting our customers and our brand as best we can.

What is the best part about your role at Bamboo?  

I am passionate about fraud and particularly enjoy working with third parties such as CIFAS to help fight fraud. Additionally, wearing another ‘hat’, one of the things I enjoy the most is being Chair of our Charities Committee, working closely with many of our charity partners both in Southampton and London.   

What was your background before joining Bamboo?  

My experience in Financial Service goes back to 2004, with highlights including working for the Royal Bank of Scotland and 5 years within Life and Private Medical Insurance. I also have a political background having worked for Members of Parliament.   

What is your proudest achievement to date – personal or professional?  

Winning employee of the year here at Bamboo and twice at my previous employer were great moments. If I may add another, completing a walking marathon while raising over £800 for Prostate Cancer was a particular highlight.   

If you could swap positions with someone else in the company, who would it be and why?  

Our Chief Information Officer, as by my own admission, technology is not my strength therefore, I would want to take myself out of my comfort zone and improve my knowledge there.  

Outside of the office, how do you spend your free time?  

Two children under 10 keep me busy! I like podcasting, walking, jogging, playing and watching football and I am a sitcom geek so love watching anything comedy-related!  

What topic could you give a 30-minute presentation on with no advance preparation?  

UK Politics 1997 onwards or the history of Southampton FC!  

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?  

Control the controllables, don’t stress over what you can’t change and pick your battles!