Regulatory Strategy & Policy - Head of UK, EU, MEA in London

Financial regulation is continually evolving and comprehensively shapes the financial services landscape, including the global activities and operations of Citigroup. Understanding the regulatory landscape in the United Kingdom, European Union, Middle East, and Africa, strategically evaluating the impact of existing and proposed regulations upon the broader economy and the operation of Citi and our clients, and advocating for sound and growth-promoting policies are critical priorities for Citi.

Citi’s Regulatory Strategy & Policy (RSP) Team is seeking a Head of UK, EU, & MEA to be a part of the team and report directly to Citi’s Global Head of RSP. RSP is charged with analyzing financial regulatory initiatives, policies, and standards set by global regulators, and their potential impact on the economy, our clients and the firm’s strategy and operations. The team coordinates, executes, and drives Citi’s regulatory policy advocacy efforts across international standard setters, regulatory bodies, and trade organizations, strategically connecting and integrating Citi’s overall regulatory strategy and engagement and advising senior management on these matters.

This position leads a senior team responsible for partnering with leaders across Citi’s businesses, functions, and geographies, in particular Finance, Legal, Government Affairs, Independent Compliance and Risk Management (ICRM), Risk, and Citi's business units, to formulate and advocate for Citi’s interests regarding current and forthcoming regulatory policies. The role will lead the coordination of Citi’s efforts to promote sound regulation across the UK, EU, and MEA, directly communicating with the relevant regulators, while working closely with U.S. and other international team members to engage with standard-setting bodies.

The RSP Head of UK, EU, & MEA will also work closely with other functions across Citi, including Government Affairs, Legal, ICRM, and Regulatory Engagement, to develop and promote Citi’s strategic policy positions.

• Oversee the development of analysis of key policy issues and proposals affecting Citi’s five businesses with internal subject matter experts through various regulatory strategy advocacy forums.
• Foster and maintain a robust, ongoing dialogue around the evolving UK, EU, & MEA regulatory landscape both internally and externally:
• Develop and maintain deep knowledge of core prudential, capital markets, and other regulatory policies and environments.
• Lead a team responsible for establishing and maintaining an effective network with policymakers at the Bank of England (BoE), Prudential Regulatory Authority (PRA), Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), European Central Bank (ECB), European Banking Authority (EBA), European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), and other relevant global regulators and standard setters, as well as a leading presence within relevant trade associations.
• Partner with the Global Head of RSP and peers in RSP Prudential, Capital Markets, and AML and Sanctions roles to drive Citi’s advocacy efforts across the set of reform areas, interacting with regulators, trade organizations and other key stakeholders.
• Engage with Citi’s senior leaders in the UK, EU, and MEA geographies to understand and integrate Citi’s positions on the strategic and practical implications of current and forthcoming regulatory policies and their potential impact, developing the “One Citi” view to be shared internally and externally.
• Coordinate with Citi’s Government Affairs, Legal, Compliance, and Regulatory Engagement teams on regulatory policy priorities and changes impacting them.
• Convey Citi’s regulatory priorities and advocacy approaches to clients as requested.
• Lead a team of policy analysts, fostering growth, collaboration, and problem solving within the team.

• 15 or more years of substantial, broad, and deep experience in related regulatory policy or relations roles at a similar financial institution, consultancy, or in a role requiring deep regulatory understanding within a government agency such as BoE, PRA, FCA, HMT, ECB, EBA, and/or ESMA.
• Specific subject matter expertise regarding prudential banking, capital markets, and emerging financial technology regulatory requirements and a strong business understanding of the products and services Citi offers, ideally through experience working within related business areas of a similar institution.
• Successful track record establishing and maintaining strong relationships with regulatory agencies, peers, and trade associations in a global capacity.
• Ability to understand the drivers of regulatory policy-making and how to strategically develop and position messaging in a manner that will resonate with regulators.
• Broad and deep understanding of relevant banking regulatory requirements for global systematically important banks.
• Superior oral and written communication skills, with a particular ability to assess and contribute to the content of large bank regulatory proposals.
• Demonstrated team leadership and people management skills.
• Willingness to engage in occasional travel.
• Highly collaborative; acts with the highest level of integrity and works successfully with multi-disciplinary teams.
• Strong, positive interpersonal skills that facilitate relationships with all levels within and outside of the organization, including Citi senior management and key external stakeholders.
• Effective advocacy skills, and a proactive and 'no surprises' approach in communicating issues and requests to key stakeholders.