At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Cyber Policy team, managing and modernising cyber security policies and standards.
- Company: Join the FCA, a key regulator in UK financial services, promoting fairness and resilience.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days leave, private healthcare, and a flexible benefits scheme tailored to your lifestyle.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive culture with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on UK finance while shaping cyber resilience and policy frameworks.
- Qualifications: Experience in cyber security policy design and strong stakeholder engagement skills required.
The predicted salary is between 53800 - 70000 £ per year.
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 UK finance services. The Cyber and Operational Resilience directorate enables secure and resilient regulation across the FCA and PSR, supporting the protection of UK consumers and financial markets.
This Senior Associate sits within the Policy & Risk team, part of the wider Governance and Human Risk function. The role focuses on the management and maintenance of the Cyber & Information Resilience Policy Framework, including associated standards, procedures and guidance. You will help to support and articulate the organisations Cyber Risk Appetite through the policy framework. You will also be a key point of contact from all areas of the FCA for queries against published requirements.
You will support the Risk lead in setting and measuring controls performance and support the GHR Manager and CISO in reporting against cyber issues / non-compliance across the organisation.
Role responsibilities:
- Manage Cyber & Information Policy and Cyber & Information Security Standards updates in line with agreed refresh periods.
- Look to modernise our policy & standards suite e.g. standards on a page.
- Act as the primary point of contact for policy-related queries, covering both BAU and project-related activities.
- Support reporting on Policy Owner compliance e.g. effectiveness of our policies.
- Conduct policy gap analysis and provide recommendations for improvement.
- Complete and interpret regular horizon-scanning activities to identify emerging risks, trends, and regulatory changes.
- Help develop and build requirements for a new self-service policy model for low-risk projects taking into account the FCA’s risk appetite.
- Manage and modernise the Policy Waiver process.
- Provide policy guidance and interpretation to specialist investigation teams and HR on policy requirements and specific cases.
Skills required:
- Minimum: Experience in designing, drafting and maintaining cyber & information security policies, standards and procedures across their full lifecycle.
- Extensive working knowledge of industry standards such as ISO 27001, NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CIS), CIS Controls.
- Essential: Understanding of technical security controls, including network security, cloud security, identity and access management and vulnerability management.
- Working knowledge of Information Management practices and Data Privacy legislation.
- Demonstrated experience in dealing with stakeholders at all levels (including Director level).
- Solid experience in delivering organisational change.
- Risk identification, articulation and management.
Benefits:
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
- 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.
- 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.
- A flexible benefits scheme designed around your lifestyle.
Our values and culture:
Our colleagues are the key to our success as a regulator. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture: one that’s free from discrimination and bias, celebrates difference and supports colleagues to deliver at their best. We believe that our differences and similarities enable us to be a better organisation – one that makes better decisions, drives innovation and delivers better regulation.
If you require any adjustments due to a disability or condition, your recruiter is here to help - reach out for tailored support. We welcome diverse working styles and aim to find flexible solutions that suit both the role and individual needs, including options like part-time and job sharing where applicable.
Disability confident: our hiring approach. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and therefore, people or individuals with disabilities and long-term conditions who best meet the minimum criteria for a role will go through to the next stage of the recruitment process. In cases of high application volumes we may progress applicants whose experience most closely matches the role’s key requirements.
Useful information and timelines:
Timeline: Job advert close: 11th November 2026 at 11:59pm. CV Review/Shortlist: 13th November 2026. Interview: w/c 23rd November 2026.
Your Recruiter will discuss the process in detail with you during screening for the role, therefore, please make them aware if you are going to be unavailable for any date during this time.
Location: London; Leeds; Edinburgh. Type: Full time.
Cyber Policy Lead employer: Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
The FCA is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can make a significant impact on the financial services industry. With a strong commitment to employee development, a diverse and inclusive culture, and comprehensive benefits including private healthcare and generous leave, you'll find ample opportunities for growth and collaboration in our Edinburgh, Leeds, and London offices. Join us to be part of a team that values innovation and integrity while shaping the future of UK finance.
Contact Details:
Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cyber Policy Lead
✨Get Involved in the Cybersecurity Community
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✨Show Off Your Skills with Capture the Flag Competitions
Participate in Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions; these are not just a fun way to boost your skills but also a chance to showcase your talent to potential employers. Many companies, including Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), love seeing candidates who actively engage in these challenges.
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✨Apply Directly Through Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Applying directly can sometimes give you an edge, especially if you can mention that you've been following our work or engaging in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Cyber Policy Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
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How to prepare for a job interview at Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
✨Sharpen Your Technical Skills
For a role in cybersecurity, it’s essential to be up-to-date with the latest tools and techniques. Brush up on your knowledge of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and vulnerability assessment tools. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you’ve applied these skills, as hands-on experience can really set us apart in interviews.
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✨Highlight Your Certifications
Certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CEH can give you a significant edge in a full-time role in cybersecurity. Make sure to mention these during your interview and be prepared to discuss what you learned through those certifications and how they relate to the position at Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
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Since you’re going for a full-time gig, showing genuine enthusiasm for the field can make all the difference. Share any personal projects, blogs, or communities you’re part of that relate to cybersecurity. This not only showcases your passion but also your commitment to staying engaged in this ever-evolving field.