At a Glance
- Tasks: Investigate financial misconduct and ensure market integrity through detailed analysis and collaboration.
- Company: Join the FCA, a key regulator in UK financial services.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, hybrid working, and private healthcare.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive culture with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on consumer protection and economic growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in financial crime investigations and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 43100 - 57000 € per year.
Division: Enforcement and Market Oversight
Department: Wholesale and Unauthorised Business Investigations
Salary: Regulatory - National (Edinburgh and Leeds) ranging from £43,100 to £57,000 and London from £47,300 to £63,000, Practicing legal - National (Edinburgh and Leeds) ranging from £47,200 to £62,900 and London from £50,300 to £67,000 (salary offered will be based on skills and experience)
This role is graded as: Associate Level 8 - Practicing legal/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.
Enforcement & Market Oversight (EMO) is responsible for the FCA’s responsibilities for market monitoring, delivery of the functions of the UK Listing Authority (UKLA) and the investigation and prosecution of misconduct using the whole spectrum of criminal, civil and administrative sanctions and remedies against firms and individuals.
Sitting within the Enforcement & Market Oversight Division, the Wholesale and Unauthorised Business Investigations (WUBI) Directorate safeguards market integrity and consumer confidence by investigating serious misconduct and unauthorised activity in wholesale markets, working closely with domestic and international partners to deliver a coordinated response to financial crime and market abuse.
Role Responsibilities
- Managing varied investigative responsibilities across both smaller standalone cases and larger collaborative matters, contributing to effective case progression
- Advancing a demanding portfolio of investigations by gathering evidence through appropriate tools and powers, supporting timely and robust outcomes
- Analyse detailed evidence and present your findings in a clear and suitable format
- Producing high‑quality written outputs, from witness statements to statutory notices and update papers, ensuring clarity of communication with subjects, legal representatives and witnesses
- Conducting interviews under a range of legal formats and selecting the most suitable approach, enhancing the evidential basis of each investigation
- Working closely with external legal advisors through challenging discussions, applying balanced legal and factual analysis to support sound decision‑making
- Preparing and presenting well‑reasoned recommendations to internal committees, enhancing the rigour and credibility of case assessments
- Building constructive relationships across internal teams and external bodies, while supporting colleagues through guidance, oversight and coaching to enhance collective capability
Minimum Skills required
- Prior experience in areas such as serious fraud or complex financial crime investigations, regulatory proceedings, or complex litigation and disputes
- Demonstrable experienced in delivering both oral and written presentations and managing a varied and demanding caseload from progression through to completion
- For Lawyer applicants you must hold a valid practising certificate issued by the Solicitors Regulation Authority for England and Wales (if a solicitor), or the General Council of the Bar for England and Wales (if a barrister) (or a similar internationally recognised qualification)
Essential
- Ability to plan and develop lines of inquiry, including those based on reviews of financial information, such as financial statements, management accounts and audit papers
- Build and maintain effective relationships with colleagues in other business units and with external bodies
- Work collaboratively and inclusively with colleagues with different perspectives and backgrounds
- Make clear, concise, logical and persuasive oral and written presentations on complex subjects
- Skilled in analysing large volumes of information, identifying key findings, and producing formal written reports that include clear recommendations
Benefits
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Hybrid model where employees work a minimum of 40% in the office each month (expectation of 50% for senior leaders). Changing from September to a minimum of 50% in the office each month (expectation of 60% for Directors and Executive Directors)
- 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 & 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 timeline
- Advert Closing: 26th May
- CV Review/Shortlist: 28th May
- Case Study/Interviews: w/c 8th June
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.
Investigator employer: Financial Conduct Authority
The FCA is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Edinburgh and Leeds where you can make a significant impact on the integrity of financial markets. With a strong commitment to employee development, a diverse and inclusive culture, and generous benefits including a non-contributory pension and private healthcare, we empower our team to thrive both professionally and personally. Join us to be part of a mission-driven organisation that values your contributions and supports your growth.
Contact Detail:
Financial Conduct Authority Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Investigator
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research the FCA's values, mission, and recent news. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for interviews by doing mock sessions with friends or using online resources. Focus on articulating your experience in investigations and how it aligns with the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips and might even refer you, which can give you a leg up in the application process.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the only way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're serious about the opportunity and following the right channels.
We think you need these skills to ace Investigator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Investigator role. Highlight your experience in serious fraud or complex financial crime investigations, as this will show us you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Writing Skills:Since this role involves producing high-quality written outputs, include examples of your previous work that demonstrate your ability to communicate clearly and persuasively. We want to see how you can present complex information in a digestible format.
Be Clear and Concise:When filling out your application, keep your language straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon unless it's necessary. This will help us see your thought process and analytical skills.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember, applications must be submitted through our online portal. Don’t send your application via email or social media, as we won’t be able to consider it. Head over to our website and get your application in!
How to prepare for a job interview at Financial Conduct Authority
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the FCA's role and the specifics of the Investigator position. Familiarise yourself with recent cases in financial crime and regulatory proceedings. This will not only show your interest but also help you answer questions more effectively.
✨Prepare for Evidence Analysis
Since the role involves analysing detailed evidence, practice presenting findings clearly and concisely. You might be asked to discuss how you would approach a complex investigation, so think through your process and be ready to articulate it.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As you'll need to produce high-quality written outputs and conduct interviews, prepare examples of your past work. Bring along samples of reports or presentations you've created, and be ready to discuss how you tailor your communication style to different audiences.
✨Build Relationships
The role requires collaboration with various teams and external bodies. Think of examples where you've successfully built relationships in previous roles. Be prepared to discuss how you handle challenging discussions and maintain professionalism under pressure.
