At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead policy development for Open Banking and deliver complex projects with key stakeholders.
- Company: Join the FCA, a leader in regulating UK financial services.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, private healthcare, and a flexible benefits scheme.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of Open Banking and drive innovation in financial services.
- Qualifications: Experience in regulatory policy development and project management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 53800 - 67200 £ per year.
Division: Supervision, Policy & Competition (SPC)
Department: Open Banking/ Open Finance - Payment & Digital Assets
Salary: National (Edinburgh and Leeds) ranging from £53,800 to £67,200 and London £59,200 to £73,800 (salary offered will be based on skills and experience)
This role is graded as: Senior Associate - Regulatory
About the FCA and team
We regulate financial services firms in the UK, to keep financial markets fair, thriving and effective. By joining us, you'll play a key part in protecting consumers, driving economic growth and shaping the future of financial services in the UK.
SPC oversees firms and individuals (supervision), creates and reviews the rules by which they operate (policy) and identifies and remedies ineffective competition in markets (competition). Open Banking is a core priority within the FCA's 2025-2030 Strategy and is central to our vision of enabling a flourishing and sustainable Open Banking ecosystem that promotes competition, innovation, and growth across the UK.
As part of the Open Banking Policy Team within the Payments & Digital Assets Division, you will work on one of the FCA's highest-priority programmes, helping to design and implement the long-term regulatory framework for Open Banking. Working collaboratively with colleagues, government, industry, and other stakeholders, you will contribute to high-quality, evidence-based policy that supports trusted, secure, and innovative Open Banking services.
As a Senior Associate, you will play an important role in shaping the FCA's approach to regulating Open Banking infrastructure, including standards-setting bodies and commercial payment schemes.
Role responsibilities
- Lead policy development to support the growth of account-to-account payment methods and commercial Open Banking payment schemes
- Shape evidence-based policy by analysing information and developing proposals, consultations, FCA rules, and guidance
- Contribute to the future of Open Banking through engagement with colleagues, Government, regulators, industry, consumer and business groups, and international organisations
- Deliver complex policy projects, managing risks, dependencies, and timelines to achieve successful outcomes
- Build trusted relationships with key stakeholders, including HM Treasury and organisations across the financial services sector
- Partner with industry participants to deliver initiatives that support innovation and improve outcomes for consumers and businesses
Skills required
- Minimum: Prior experience of effectively developing and delivering regulatory policy, or a solid understanding of policy development and decision-making processes
- Prior experience of delivering complex projects, with significant expertise in applying project management methodologies and tools within changing environments
- Prior experience of managing a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, including working collaboratively with multi-disciplinary teams to develop and implement policy recommendations
- Essential: Ability to develop and shape evidence-based policy proposals, drawing on robust analysis and confidently challenging complex technical evidence where required
- Solid project management and prioritisation skills, with the ability to deliver high-quality outcomes across multiple priorities in a fast-paced and evolving environment
- Experience working collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams, including with economists, lawyers, technical specialists, policy professionals, and external consultants
- Well-developed analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess complex issues, identify solutions, and make sound judgements when deadlines are tight
- Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the confidence to present complex technical matters clearly and persuasively to a range of audiences
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective relationships with senior stakeholders, helping shape outcomes and managing constructive challenge from internal and external parties
Benefits
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Colleagues spend a minimum of 50% of their working time in the office each month (60% for Directors and Executive Directors) across our London, Leeds and Edinburgh offices.
- Non-contributory pension (8-12% depending on age) and life assurance at eight times your salary
- Private healthcare with Bupa, income protection and 24/7 Employee Assistance
- 35 hours of paid volunteering annually
- A flexible benefits scheme designed around your lifestyle
For a full list of our benefits and our recruitment process as a whole visit our benefits page.
Open Banking Senior Policy Analyst employer: FCA
Foster Care Associates (The FCA) is an outstanding employer that prioritises the well-being and professional development of its staff. With a supportive work culture, generous benefits including a £2,000 car allowance and up to 35 days of annual leave, employees are encouraged to grow within their roles while making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families across the South West. Located in Ivybridge, this position offers a unique opportunity to work in a vibrant community dedicated to fostering excellence in care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Open Banking Senior Policy Analyst
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like FCA. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Open Banking Senior Policy Analyst
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to FCA.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on FCA's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at FCA
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with FCA.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at FCA will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former FCA employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
