At a Glance
- Tasks: Advise on regulatory requirements and develop solutions for retail investment services.
- Company: Join the FCA, a key regulator in UK financial services.
- Benefits: Generous salary, hybrid work model, private healthcare, and 25 days annual leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on consumer protection and shape the future of finance.
- Qualifications: Qualified lawyer with at least 3 years PQE and strong analytical skills.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive culture with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 60900 - 81030 £ per year.
Division: Legal
Department: Investments, Insurance & Redress department (IIR)
Salary: National (Edinburgh and Leeds) ranging from £60,900 to £81,030 and London from £66,900 to £88,944 (salary offered will be based on skills and experience - While offers are usually made within the range, appointments at the upper end are reserved for exceptional candidates)
This role is graded as: Senior Associate - Practising legal
Your recruitment contact is Raimonda Stankute via Raimonda.stankute@fca.org.uk. Applications must be submitted through our online portal. Applications sent via social media or email will not be accepted.
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 Investments team (part of the Investments, Insurance & Redress department in the Legal Division) advises on all aspects of the conduct regulation of retail investment services. Particular projects/areas of focus include:
- The Consumer Duty as it relates to retail investment services as well as cross-cutting issues
- The Advice Guidance Boundary Review
- Financial promotions related to retail investment services as well as cross-cutting issues
- The activities of appointed representatives related to retail investment services as well as cross-cutting issues
- Self-invested personal pensions and funeral plans
Role responsibilities
- Advise on the application and effect of regulatory requirements and powers to ensure firms comply with all applicable rules, legislation and law
- Devise and implement creative and pragmatic solutions
- Be fully involved in the FCA’s supervisory and policy work, including the development of policy and drafting rules and guidance in the FCA Handbook
- Have a high level of ownership and responsibility for your actions
- Supervise less experienced members of the team
Skills required
Minimum:
- Applicants must be a qualified lawyer (solicitor, barrister or Chartered Legal Executive or overseas equivalents): generally, a person who is at least 3 years PQE (in house, public sector or private practice).
- Previous experience and understanding of public law and financial services law, particularly regarding the application and interpretation of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (FSMA) and secondary legislation, FCA rules, policy making and the powers the FCA has to supervise and regulate firms
Essential:
- Strong analytical skills and the ability to deliver good and clear analysis of issues
- Ability to learn about new or novel legal issues quickly and with enthusiasm, with the necessary oversight and support of colleagues
- Ability to create solutions and deliver pragmatic outcome-focused advice
- Ability to advise in a confident and reasoned manner and to challenge appropriately
- Ability to build and sustain positive relationships and good communication skills
- Knowledge of retail investments law is a strong advantage
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 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 closes: midnight on 2 March 2026
- CV Review/Shortlist: 4 March 2026
- Interview including a case study: w/c 16 March 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.
Lawyer - Retail Investment Services in London employer: Financial Conduct Authority
Contact Detail:
Financial Conduct Authority Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lawyer - Retail Investment Services in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the FCA, especially in the Investments team. A friendly chat can give us insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on the latest in retail investment law and the FCA's recent initiatives. We want to show that we’re not just knowledgeable but also genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice those analytical skills! Get ready to tackle case studies or hypothetical scenarios during interviews. We need to demonstrate our ability to think on our feet and provide pragmatic solutions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through the FCA’s online portal! It’s the only way to ensure our application gets seen. Plus, it shows we’re serious about the opportunity.
We think you need these skills to ace Lawyer - Retail Investment Services in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in retail investment services and regulatory law. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Show Off Your Analytical Skills: Since strong analytical skills are essential for this role, include examples of how you've tackled complex legal issues in the past. We love seeing candidates who can break down problems and come up with creative solutions!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured documents that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and experience without wading through unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember, applications must be submitted through our online portal. So, make sure you head over to our website to apply! We won’t accept applications via email or social media, so don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Financial Conduct Authority
✨Know Your Regulatory Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 and the FCA's rules. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you understand the legal landscape of retail investment services.
✨Show Off Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your analytical abilities during the interview. Think of examples where you've tackled complex legal issues and how you delivered clear, pragmatic solutions. This is key for the role!
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Expect a case study in your interview. Practice analysing hypothetical scenarios related to retail investments and think about how you would advise firms on compliance. This will showcase your problem-solving skills.
✨Build Relationships
Highlight your ability to build positive relationships. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with colleagues or clients in the past, as strong communication skills are essential for this role.