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Karen Koski

@karenkoski

I underwrite complex Canadian mortgage and credit decisions, balancing risk, compliance, and client-focused lending solutions.

Canada

Message

What I'm looking for

I'm looking to apply my client-focused mortgage underwriting, credit adjudication, collateral valuation, and regulatory compliance experience to deliver tailored lending solutions and contribute to a financial institution's success.

I support mortgage originations by reviewing collateral, appraisals, AVMs, inspections, and MPAC assessments at Questrade Financial Group / QuestBank. My regional valuation reviews reduced turnaround time by 10% and exceeded SLA targets by 15%.

Previously, I led lending advisory and credit adjudication at RBC and underwrote conventional and non-conventional mortgages at Scotiabank and National Bank of Canada. I apply OSFI, FCAC, AML, KYC, and internal credit-policy requirements while structuring tailored lending solutions.

My background also includes commercial lending, portfolio management, recovery planning, collections, and branch leadership at BDC and Wells Fargo Financial. I bring disciplined credit analysis, collateral assessment, and practical client support to complex lending decisions.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Senior Property Valuation Specialist

Questrade Financial Group

Aug 2023 - Jul 2026 (2 years 11 months)

Directed regional valuation reviews supporting residential mortgage originations, reducing turnaround time by 10% and exceeding SLA targets by 15%. Served as subject matter expert for appraisal quality and lending-policy compliance.

Mortgage Underwriting Collateral Valuation AVMs MPAC Lo S Vendor Management Due Diligence Compliance

Assistant Branch Manager / Advisor

Royal Bank of Canada

Sep 2021 - Jun 2023 (1 year 9 months)

Led branch lending advisory and credit adjudication for retail and business banking clients, enhancing compliance, client retention, and revenue growth. Advised clients and underwrote mortgages and home equity financing.

Credit Adjudication Mortgage Underwriting OSFI FCAC Risk Mitigation Relationship Management Mentorship

Senior Financial Advisor

Bank of Nova Scotia

Oct 2018 - Sep 2021 (2 years 11 months)

Underwrote conventional and non-conventional mortgages, personal loans, and lines of credit, performing credit adjudication, income verification, and AML/KYC reviews. Managed client portfolios and monitored exposures.

Mortgage Underwriting Credit Adjudication AML KYC Income Verification Portfolio Management Debt Consolidation

Financial Advisor

National Bank of Canada

Oct 2017 - Oct 2018 (1 year)

Underwrote mortgage originations and refinances through comprehensive full-documentation review, risk assessment, and pre-fund quality control. Ensured compliance with federal/provincial regulations and internal policies.

Mortgage Underwriting Risk Assessment Quality Control AML KYC Fraud Detection Client Services

Account Manager

Business Development Bank of Canada

Jan 2006 - Dec 2017 (11 years 11 months)

Managed a multi-million-dollar commercial lending portfolio, executing credit analysis, underwriting, portfolio administration, and recovery planning. Prepared credit submissions and developed action plans for distressed accounts.

Commercial Lending Credit Analysis Underwriting Portfolio Management Recovery Strategy Due Diligence Networking

Branch Manager / Assistant Branch Manager / Credit Analyst

Wells Fargo Financial

Jan 1995 - Dec 2006 (11 years 11 months)

Progressed through credit and leadership roles, overseeing mortgage underwriting, consumer lending, collections, and branch profitability. Performed credit adjudication and AML/fraud evaluations in compliance with regulatory standards.

Mortgage Underwriting Consumer Lending Collections Credit Adjudication AML Fraudulent Claim Assessment Branch Management Corporate Trainer