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- Tasks: Lead innovative projects in financial services, focusing on AI and open finance.
- Company: Join the FCA, a key regulator ensuring fair and competitive UK financial markets.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, 25 days holiday, private healthcare, and a generous pension scheme.
- Why this job: Shape the future of regulation while collaborating with industry leaders and driving innovation.
- Qualifications: Strong analytical skills and experience with stakeholders; project management expertise is essential.
- Other info: We promote diversity and offer support for accessibility throughout the application process.
The predicted salary is between 52400 - 71200 £ per year.
Innovation Services Specialist
Division – Data, Technology & Innovation
Department – Innovation
Salary – National (Edinburgh and Leeds) ranging from £52,400 to £71,200 and London from £57,700 to £78,300 per annum (salary offered will be based on skills and experience)
About the FCA
The FCA regulates the conduct of 45,000 firms in the UK to ensure our financial markets are honest, fair and competitive. Follow this link to find out more About the FCA .
What will you be doing?
As part of the Innovation Department within the DTI division, you will lead pioneering work essential to driving growth and innovation. This year, we are focusing on AI, tokenisation, open finance and financial inclusion
Our mission is to inform FCA colleagues about technological developments, influence UK and global stakeholders, and intervene through firm support and convening powers. We collaborate closely with external firms, trade bodies, and innovation networks, as well as internal stakeholders across the FCA
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Lead innovation services cases, take ownership of individual cases, conduct thorough analysis with internal stakeholders, engage directly with applicant firms, and present findings at the monthly innovation panel
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Shape the future of regulation working closely with colleagues in the Innovation Lab, helping to drive our ambitious evolution of services programme, ensuring regulatory approaches keep pace with emerging technologies
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Collaborate across the FCA and develop and maintain strong relationships with teams across the organisation, including Authorisations, Policy, Legal and sector-specific groups, influencing key discussions at the Monthly Innovation Panel
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Engage with the industry, build and manage relationships with external stakeholders such as firms, trade bodies and innovation networks, fostering collaboration and thought leadership in financial services
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Coordinate innovation efforts, work across the Innovation Lab and the Regulatory Sandbox & Innovation Pathways teams to align workstreams, ensuring seamless integration of Innovation Services applications
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Shape strategic decision making, attending case meetings and contributing to discussions, determining the best pathway for applications
What will you get from the role?
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Be at the forefront of innovation in the UK, gaining expertise in industry advancements, new ideas, business models and the application of emerging technologies in Financial Services
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Understand how innovations interact with the regulatory framework, both existing and future, shaping the evolution of financial regulation
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Contribute to FCA priority work through the lens of innovation, engaging with internal and external stakeholders, including pioneering firms
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Gain a unique perspective at a time of heightened focus on innovation and the FCA’s role in supporting it
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Work collaboratively across the department and with FCA colleagues to support the department’s blueprint, informing, intervening and influencing key areas such as AI, tokenisation, financial inclusion and open finance
Which skills are required?
We are a Disability Confident Employer; therefore, disabled people or individuals with long-term conditions who best meet the minimum criteria for a role will go through to the next stage of the recruitment process. (To learn more about the Disability Confident Scheme Click Here )
Minimum
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Experience of analysing large volumes of numerical and written information, demonstrating strong analytical skills
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Experience of working with internal and external stakeholders and regulatory frameworks
Essential
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Show an understanding of how innovation operates, including its Innovation Services and its role in strategy
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Knowledge and understanding of tools and powers, considering how these might be used to support the development of innovative business models
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Strong project management skills to lead and respond to complex regulatory questions from a variety of stakeholders
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Ability to identify, build and maintain constructive relationships with internal and external stakeholders in line with values
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Good understanding of the regulatory framework
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Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage effectively in person and convey complex issues clearly in writing
Our Values & Diversity
We are proud to be an inclusive employer and our ambition is to cultivate a culture for all employees that respects their individual strengths, views, and experiences. 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.
Within the workplace you will have access to various employee resource groups which aim to promote and achieve a healthy work / life balance and support our diversity ambitions.
Did you know ? 50% of our Executive Committee were the first in their family to attend university.
Benefits of working at the FCA
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25 days holiday per year plus bank holidays
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Hybrid working (work from home up to 60% of your time)
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Private healthcare with Bupa
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A non-contributory Pension of at least 8% of basic salary each month (there are several contribution levels that increase depending on your age – up to 12% a month once you reach age 35)
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Life assurance of eight times your basic salary
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Income protection
We also have a competitive flexible benefits scheme which gives you the opportunity to create a personalised benefits package, tailored to suit your lifestyle.
Follow this link to see what life is like at the FCA – Life at the FCA
Application Support
We are dedicated to removing barriers and ensuring our application process is accessible to everyone. We offer a range of adjustments to make your application experience as comfortable and straightforward as possible.
If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition requiring changes to the recruitment process, please contact your recruiter using the details below and they will be happy to discuss this further with you.
Useful Information and Timeline
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This role is graded as: Senior Associate – Regulatory
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As part of the interview process, selected candidates will be required to deliver a presentation
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Advert Closing Date: 29th July 2025
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CV Review/Shortlist: 30th- 31st July 2025
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Interview: W/C 4th August 2025
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.
Got a question?
If you are interested in learning more about the role, please contact:
Applications must be submitted through our online portal. Applications sent via email will not be accepted.
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Innovation Services Specialist employer: Financial Conduct Authority
Contact Detail:
Financial Conduct Authority Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Innovation Services Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in AI, tokenisation, and open finance. Being well-versed in these areas will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the financial services sector, especially those involved in innovation. Attend industry events or webinars to build connections that could provide insights or even referrals for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed projects or collaborated with stakeholders in previous roles. This will showcase your project management skills and ability to work within regulatory frameworks.
✨Tip Number 4
Practice your presentation skills, as you'll need to deliver a presentation during the interview process. Focus on conveying complex information clearly and engagingly, which is crucial for this role.
We think you need these skills to ace Innovation Services Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the role of Innovation Services Specialist. Focus on your analytical skills, project management experience, and any previous work with regulatory frameworks.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of innovation in financial services. Mention specific examples of how you've engaged with stakeholders or contributed to innovative projects in the past.
Demonstrate Analytical Skills: In your application, provide examples of how you've successfully analysed large volumes of information. This could include case studies or projects where your analytical skills led to significant outcomes.
Prepare for the Presentation: Since a presentation is part of the interview process, think about how you can effectively communicate complex ideas clearly. Practice presenting your thoughts on innovation in regulation and be ready to engage with questions.
How to prepare for a job interview at Financial Conduct Authority
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the job description. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities of the Innovation Services Specialist role, especially around AI, tokenisation, and financial inclusion. This will help you articulate how your skills align with their needs.
✨Prepare for the Presentation
As part of the interview process, you'll need to deliver a presentation. Choose a relevant topic that showcases your analytical skills and understanding of innovation in financial services. Practice your delivery to ensure clarity and confidence.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Engagement Skills
The role requires strong relationship-building skills with both internal and external stakeholders. Be ready to discuss past experiences where you've successfully collaborated with diverse teams or influenced key discussions, highlighting your communication and project management abilities.
✨Demonstrate Your Analytical Skills
Given the emphasis on analysing large volumes of information, prepare examples that showcase your analytical prowess. Discuss specific instances where your analysis led to impactful decisions or innovations, demonstrating your ability to navigate complex regulatory questions.
