At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the FCA’s Resolution Strategy, Operations and CASS team to protect consumers and mitigate risks.
- Company: Join the FCA, a key regulator ensuring fair financial markets in the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse workplace, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Diverse candidates are encouraged to apply; closing date is 31 May 2026.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial services during a transformative period.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in CASS and client assets with strong decision-making skills.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 117800 £ per year.
The FCA regulates the conduct of around 42,000 businesses in the UK to ensure that financial markets work well. It is ambitious for the future and committed to enabling a fair and thriving financial services market for the good of consumers and the economy. This is an opportune moment to join the FCA, during an exciting and challenging time of great change in financial services and its regulation. The FCA launched a new five-year strategy in 2025 to deepen trust, rebalance risk, support growth and be a smarter regulator.
An exciting opportunity has arisen to lead the FCA’s Resolution Strategy, Operations and CASS team (ReSOC) as Head of Department. ReSOC forms part of the Specialist Directorate and plays a critical role in protecting consumers by mitigating risks arising from inadequate client assets arrangements across FCA regulated firms. The team leads on strengthening the regulatory framework for CASS and resolution, supervises firms with CASS permissions, and provides operational and data‑led insight to identify and address emerging risks. The department oversees 26 supervisory portfolios, holding around £200bn in client money and £19tn in client assets, and works closely with Supervision, other Specialist teams and key external stakeholders.
The successful candidate will:
- Provide strategic and technical leadership for the FCA’s CASS, client assets and resolution agenda, including ownership of the CASS Sourcebook, development of regulatory and legislative frameworks, and delivery of major strategic initiatives.
- Lead a large, high performing multidisciplinary department, setting clear direction across strategy, supervision and operations, and ensuring strong culture, capability and delivery at scale.
- Oversee risk identification and crisis preparedness, underpinned by high quality, data‑led client assets intelligence and strong internal and external relationships to support effective supervision and firm failure outcomes.
The successful candidate will bring:
- Senior level strategic leadership on CASS, client assets and resolution, combining technical knowledge with sound judgement to make robust, risk based decisions in complex environments.
- A strong track record of leading large, multidisciplinary teams under pressure, driving delivery, operational improvement and sustainable change alongside business as usual.
- Excellent influencing and stakeholder management skills, enabling delivery through others across the FCA and with external partners, supporting crisis preparedness and resolution scenarios.
The FCA is committed to achieving greater diversity across all levels of the organisation. Given this, they particularly welcome applications from women, disabled, and minority ethnic candidates, as under-represented groups.
The closing date for this role is Sunday 31 May 2026 at 23:55. For more information and to apply, please visit www.odgers.com/95998.
Head of Department – Resolution Strategy, Operations and CASS in London employer: Financial Conduct Authority
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration in the heart of London's financial district. With a strong commitment to employee development, the FCA provides numerous growth opportunities and encourages a diverse workforce, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued. Joining the FCA means being part of a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to enhancing consumer protection and shaping the future of financial services.
Contact Details:
Financial Conduct Authority Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Department – Resolution Strategy, Operations and CASS in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the FCA on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the culture and what they really value in candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the FCA's recent initiatives and challenges. We want to show that we’re not just interested in the role, but also passionate about their mission and how we can contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Mock interviews with friends or mentors can help us articulate our experience and how it aligns with the FCA’s goals. Let’s nail those tough questions together!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, we can tailor our submission to highlight exactly how we fit the Head of Department role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Department – Resolution Strategy, Operations and CASS in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in CASS, client assets, and resolution strategies. We want to see how your skills align with the FCA's mission and the specific role you're applying for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Head of Department, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead multidisciplinary teams. Share examples of how you've successfully managed teams under pressure and driven operational improvements in your previous roles.
Highlight Your Stakeholder Management Experience:The FCA values strong influencing and stakeholder management skills. Be sure to include instances where you've effectively collaborated with internal and external partners to achieve strategic goals.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Financial Conduct Authority
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the FCA's role and its recent strategies, especially around CASS and client assets. Brush up on relevant regulations and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your strategic leadership and ability to manage multidisciplinary teams. Think about times you've driven operational improvements or led through challenging situations, as these will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Master Stakeholder Management
Be ready to discuss your approach to influencing and managing relationships with various stakeholders. Share specific instances where you've successfully navigated complex environments and achieved results through collaboration.
✨Emphasise Diversity and Inclusion
The FCA values diversity, so consider how your background and experiences contribute to this. Be prepared to talk about how you can support a diverse team and foster an inclusive culture within the department.
