At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead security and privacy strategy, ensuring compliance and protecting user data.
- Company: Join Freetrade, a pioneering fintech reshaping investment for millions.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to personal and professional development.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of security in a rapidly growing company with innovative tech.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in tech, 5+ years in security leadership, strong GDPR knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
About Freetrade
Freetrade’s mission is to become the default place to invest. Investing has been too complicated and expensive for too long, keeping millions from making the most of their savings. We’re changing that. We’re building our team and looking for people who are excited to reshape how our customers invest and grow their wealth. If you’re driven by solving complex problems and building innovative products, you’ll fit right in.
2026 is a big year for us. Last year, we announced a game-changing deal to become part of the IG Group. We’ll continue to operate as an independent business while gaining access to the resources and support of an established leader in the space. This year, we’re accelerating our roadmap and taking our products to the next level. We’re building new features like mutual funds, bonds, and family investment tools. We’re also exploring how we can leverage AI to deliver an even better experience for our customers.
About the role
We are searching for a Director of Security & Privacy to define the frontier of trust for our next era of hyper-growth. As a vital member of the IG Group family, you will protect a platform that serves millions of users and safeguards billions in assets under administration. This is a high-stakes senior leadership mandate to serve as the ultimate authority for our security and privacy strategy, with a pioneering focus on architecting the governance of AI. You will orchestrate high-impact, cross-functional synergy with Risk, People, and Legal to cement a sophisticated security posture and a world-class privacy-by-design culture, ensuring our rapid expansion remains resilient and risk-aware on a global scale.
What you'll do
- Leadership
- Set strategy and long-term vision across security, privacy, and IT
- Report to and advise senior leadership on risk, security, and privacy posture
- Represent security and privacy in company decisions, influencing direction on risk
- Build cross-functional relationships with Risk, People, Legal, and other departments
- Foster strategic partnerships with IG Group security leadership to drive global consistency
- Drive and govern the secure adoption of AI, ensuring alignment with GDPR and FCA regulatory expectations
- Grow the team and hire new talented team members
- Security
- Own the application security and cloud security programs, embedding security across the SDLC (shift-left)
- Lead Incident Detection & Response, ensuring 24/7 monitoring and alerting coverage
- Oversee corporate security and DLP controls to manage insider threat
- Manage relationships with auditors and support audits regularly
- Govern secure adoption of AI, including native integrations and MCP
- Drive a culture of security awareness and embedding security by design principles across Freetrade
- Privacy
- Ensure UK/EU GDPR compliance as the company scales
- Act as first line of defense on GDPR across vendor review, onboarding, and engineering/data changes
- Report regularly to senior leadership on privacy posture
- Handle DSRs from users and employees, and liaise with regulators when required
- Govern privacy-by-design adoption of AI
- IT
- Own corporate IT and workplace technology across London and Budapest
- Ensure secure site and remote connectivity (network, VPN/ZTNA) across both office sites
- Ensure smooth management for the full employee technology lifecycle: onboarding, offboarding, and role changes, including hardware provisioning and access provisioning/deprovisioning
- Own identity and access management: SSO, directory services, access reviews, and joiner-mover-leaver processes
- Own corporate infrastructure, hardware fleet, and software tooling (procurement, licensing, lifecycle management)
About you
- 10+ years in the tech industry
- 5+ years in a security leadership role influencing organizational direction
- 5+ years of people management experience, managing a team of similar size
- Solid understanding of GDPR core principles and expectations
- Experience managing multiple functions or a diverse remit is a plus
- Fintech or regulated industry experience is a plus
- IT/workplace tech experience is a plus
Our hybrid model
We work from our central London and Budapest offices on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, leaving Wednesday and Friday for dedicated focus time at home. We believe in the power of in-person collaboration to build a strong culture, but we know 'life happens.' If you have caregiving or personal responsibilities that require extra flexibility, let’s talk about it.
We are an Equal Opportunity employer committed to a diverse and representative team. Whatever your race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability - we want to hear from you.
To find out more about how we look after your personal data when you apply for a job with us, please see our Recruitment Privacy Policy here.
Please note we are not accepting agency CVs.
Director of Security & Privacy in London employer: Freetrade
Freetrade is an exceptional employer that prioritises a customer-first mindset and fosters a collaborative, high-performing culture across its London and Budapest teams. With a commitment to continuous improvement and employee development, team members are empowered to make impactful decisions while enjoying the flexibility of a hybrid working model. Joining Freetrade means being part of a mission-driven company that values diversity and innovation, making it an ideal place for those looking to grow in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Security & Privacy in London
✨Get Involved in the Cybersecurity Community
Diving into the cybersecurity community is key for landing that full-time gig. Join forums like Reddit's r/cybersecurity or attend local meetups to connect with industry veterans and other job seekers. Networking is everything in this field—don’t just be a passive lurker!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Capture the Flag Competitions
Participate in Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions; these are not just a fun way to boost your skills but also a chance to showcase your talent to potential employers. Many companies, including Freetrade, love seeing candidates who actively engage in these challenges.
✨Tailor Your Online Presence
Make sure your LinkedIn and any professional profiles reflect your cybersecurity expertise. Share your projects, whether they’re personal or from a previous role, to catch the eye of hiring managers. This is how they’ll find your passion and commitment to the field!
✨Apply Directly Through Freetrade
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at Freetrade. Applying directly can sometimes give you an edge, especially if you can mention that you've been following our work or engaging in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Security & Privacy in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your technical skills:In cybersecurity, it's crucial to highlight your technical prowess. Make sure your CV showcases specific skills like network security, penetration testing, or threat analysis. If you have relevant certifications (like CEH or CISSP), pop those on the front page to grab attention!
Tailor your portfolio for the role:Even for a full-time role, a portfolio can set you apart. If you've worked on any cybersecurity projects—be it CTF challenges, security assessments, or research papers—include these in your application. This demonstrates not just your skills, but also your hands-on experience!
Use real-world examples:When writing your cover letter, don’t just stick to your qualifications. Share real-world examples of how you’ve tackled security issues or vulnerabilities. This gives the hiring team at Freetrade insight into your practical problem-solving abilities and makes your application memorable.
Demonstrate your passion for cybersecurity:Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field, so show us that you’re always learning! Mention any recent courses, webinars, or industry events you’ve attended. This not only exhibits your enthusiasm but also signals to Freetrade that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at Freetrade
✨Sharpen Your Technical Skills
For a role in cybersecurity, it’s essential to be up-to-date with the latest tools and techniques. Brush up on your knowledge of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and vulnerability assessment tools. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you’ve applied these skills, as hands-on experience can really set us apart in interviews.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect the interviewers at Freetrade to throw in some hypothetical situations to see how you’d handle them. Think about common security breaches or incidents and be prepared to explain how you would respond. This not only shows your problem-solving skills but also your understanding of real-world cybersecurity challenges.
✨Highlight Your Certifications
Certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CEH can give you a significant edge in a full-time role in cybersecurity. Make sure to mention these during your interview and be prepared to discuss what you learned through those certifications and how they relate to the position at Freetrade.
✨Show Your Passion for Cybersecurity
Since you’re going for a full-time gig, showing genuine enthusiasm for the field can make all the difference. Share any personal projects, blogs, or communities you’re part of that relate to cybersecurity. This not only showcases your passion but also your commitment to staying engaged in this ever-evolving field.
