At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct data-driven research and analysis in wholesale financial markets.
- Company: Join the FCA, a key regulator in UK financial services.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days leave, private healthcare, and flexible benefits.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive culture with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial regulation and market dynamics.
- Qualifications: Experience in analytical programming and data analysis required.
The predicted salary is between 43100 - 50266 £ per year.
Division: Supervision, Policy & Competition (SPC)
Department: Market Analysis and Policy
Salary: National (Edinburgh and Leeds) ranging from 43,100 to 50,266 and London 47,300 to 55,166 (salary offered will be based on skills and experience)
This role is graded as: Associate – Level 8 – 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). Join our Market Analysis & Risk Team as an Associate Data and Markets Research Analyst, where you'll contribute to data-driven research and analysis across wholesale financial markets, including equities, bonds, and derivatives. Using some of the FCA’s largest market datasets, you will generate insights that support policy and supervision teams, helping to understand market dynamics, identify emerging risks and evaluate regulatory outcomes.
We welcome candidates with good analytical abilities, a curiosity for financial markets and a collaborative approach to solving complex challenges. You do not need expertise across all market areas, but a willingness to learn, apply evidence-based analysis and contribute to meaningful regulatory work will be key to success in the role.
Role responsibilities
- Conduct research and analysis across wholesale financial markets to support regulatory priorities and decision-making
- Analyse large and potentially complex proprietary regulatory datasets, including transaction-level trading and derivatives data
- Work closely with supervisors, financial market experts and policy specialists on a range of analytical and research activities
- Contribute to both medium-term research projects and time-sensitive analysis on current market issues
- Communicate findings effectively and build relationships with a variety of stakeholders across the FCA
- Develop knowledge across wholesale markets, financial products and relevant regulation while enhancing analytical and programming capabilities
- Take ownership of your work, contribute research ideas and help shape project priorities and direction
Skills required
- Minimum: Prior experience developing skills in at least one analytical programming language for data analysis, such as Python, R, or SQL, demonstrated through professional, academic, or independent projects
- Prior experience cleaning, transforming and analysing large and complex datasets to support data-driven decision-making
- Prior experience applying quantitative, economic, financial, or other relevant theoretical knowledge to practical problems, alongside a demonstrated interest in financial markets, market functioning, or financial regulation
- Essential: Ability to structure research questions, select appropriate analytical approaches and apply quantitative research methods to deliver robust evidence-based insights
- Proficiency in writing clear, reliable and reproducible analytical code using relevant programming tools and techniques
- Solid analytical skills, with the ability to interpret findings, recognize limitations, exercise sound judgment and draw well-supported conclusions
- Effective communication skills, including the ability to explain complex technical analysis clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences
- Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities effectively and build effective collaborative relationships with a range of stakeholders
- Experience producing analysis and evidence to support policy, regulatory, or strategic decision-making
- Willingness to develop knowledge of unfamiliar financial products, markets and regulatory issues, with exposure to cloud computing platforms such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
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
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 October 2026 at Midnight CV Review/Shortlist: 13th October 2026 Interviews: w/c 19th October 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.
Summary Location: London; Leeds; Edinburgh Type: Full time
Financial Markets Data and Research Analyst in Edinburgh 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
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