Head of Department - Policy, PSR in London

About the FCA/PSR

The PSR is an independent economic regulator led by Managing Director, David Geale – who is also Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Executive Director, Payments and Digital Finance. The PSR is a subsidiary of the FCA. In March 2025 the Prime Minister announced that the PSR would be consolidated into the FCA, simplifying regulation of payments. The Government has been clear that payment systems must continue to be effectively regulated, and so the PSR is continuing to focus on delivering its important and impactful programme of work, collaborating closely with the FCA.

The work of the PSR/Payment Systems Directorate has a significant impact on millions of consumers and businesses as well as UK and international markets. We use a range of regulatory tools to ensure firms have the interests of their clients and the integrity of the market at the heart of how they run their business. This includes setting the standards we expect firms to meet, exploring and analysing identified risks within firms in our sectors through firm specific and cross-firm work; ensuring firms behave appropriately when detriment arises.

The Department has undergone a period of significant change in the last few years, including the restructuring of existing departments and the establishment of new teams and capabilities. The emphasis of the role is now on ensuring effective cross-team delivery alongside focused external engagement and stakeholder management. Playing a key role in building relationships with senior industry stakeholders, the job holder will need to represent the PSR/FCA within the industry as well as delivering on a portfolio of projects that have an external impact and a significant domestic profile.

The Policy team’s role is fundamental to delivering impact in multiple key areas of our updated Strategy. This includes completing our critical work on card fees, variable recurring payments and Authorised Push Payment fraud. This will involve taking a lead during a time of significant change and innovation in the PSR/FCA and the payments arena.

The role requires an individual who will be able to lead a team of both experienced colleagues and new recruits to understand and incorporate expert legal and economic advice into policies that reflect our strategic priorities and statutory responsibilities to promote competition and innovation, while demonstrating our reputation as a leading regulatory body.

What you will be doing (the role)

The Head of Policy leads this team and is a member of the Payment Systems Regulator’s Executive Team. The role-holder will be responsible for making decisions that influence and impact the organisation and the UK’s payments systems, as part of the PSR’s Executive Team. They will also be responsible for leading the development and delivery of policy for the PSR and providing high quality advice to the PSR Executive. They will also represent the PSR at Board level and with executive levels of major banks and payment firms; the Bank of England and FCA; and will engage with Parliament (MPs and Select Committees).

As a member of the Executive, the job holder will be a key contributor to the delivery of our current strategy and in developing our new strategy, as well as the PSR’s Annual Business Plan. Therefore, the job holder will not only need to lead and give direction within their department (circa 40 people) but to embrace responsibility for working with the PSR leadership team to set direction for the wider organisation.

Leading on regulatory policy for the PSR and being open to a wide variety of approaches to improve outcomes for people and businesses using payments within our remit. Actively working with the Deputy Managing Director and wider PSR Executive Team to lead and advise the MD, Board members and on regulatory policy matters. Sponsoring key policy initiatives and projects, working across organisational boundaries to develop a unified PSR approach to our work.

Taking a confident, collaborative approach towards stakeholders and delivery partners to ensure high-quality outcomes. These initiatives include taking action to address harm, to support improvements in payment systems and to take steps to increase choice and competition. The role may also involve leading market reviews or investigations into market disputes or competition issues.

Establishing strong, working relationships with our external stakeholders as one of the key ‘faces’ of the PSR, based on mutual respect and open dialogue. Building effective relationships with key senior stakeholders internally and externally that generate visibility of and support for our work. These may include stakeholders from payment system operators, HM Treasury, the Bank of England and the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). Particularly close and collaborative working with the Financial Conduct Authority will be a core part of this role.

Contributing to the PSR’s vision and strategy. Developing and implementing plans to implement the recent Strategy update. Provide exceptional leadership and management of the Policy Department, developing and supporting a high performing management team, and encouraging team working and collaboration across all areas of the PSR. Being an active role model for PSR colleagues across the organisation and a visible member of the PSR Executive leadership team. Building a strong and inclusive division that attracts and develops diverse talent.

What will you get from the role?

Joining the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) at the PSR during an exciting and challenging time in financial services and its regulation. Leading a department of talented and committed people through significant, high profile, projects whilst also delivering on business-as-usual objectives. Exposure to strategic issues and key players in the world of finance and regulation, both nationally and internationally.

The skills and experience you will have

Minimum criteria: The ability to lead the development of regulatory policy in a complex and fast-moving sector. This would likely be through significant policy-making experience within a regulator, government body, or other public body; or working closely with such organisations from within a regulated firm, consumer body, think tank, consultancy, or trade associations.

Essential criteria: Proven experience of team and corporate leadership and team development at a senior level. Excellent stakeholder management skills, with experience of building effective, mutually collaborative relationships and influencing senior stakeholders at all levels, internally and across a wide range of organisations externally. Ability to demonstrate responsiveness to stakeholder feedback while making effective judgements about when to stand one’s ground. The job holder needs to demonstrate exceptional problem-solving skills coupled with excellent written and verbal communication skills. A proven track record in overseeing the successful delivery of complex policy within tight timescales, prioritising resources as appropriate and working at pace whilst mitigating risk.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) at the PSR: As a diverse, forward-facing organisation which is continually working to drive improvements for everyone who uses payment systems, we’re looking for people who share our openness and determination. In order to represent the people and organisations that we serve, we’re committed to building and sustaining a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Our corporate responsibility, purpose and commitment are important parts of our identity, both as an employer and regulator. It relates to how we as a business, take into account the social, environmental and financial impacts of our decisions and actions so we contribute positively to the wider community and our environment.

We are experiencing unprecedented times across the world, so it is even more important that our commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) is absolutely clear. We want to encourage all our people to feel confident that they can bring their whole selves to work every day.

We are proud signatories of the Women in Finance Charter. As an inclusive employer, we are open to considering flexible working arrangements.

Conflict of Interest: All applicants to the PSR are required to demonstrate that they do not have other interests likely to conflict with their responsibilities as an employee of the PSR. You should declare any potential conflict of interest as early as possible in the selection process, and disclose information or personal connections that, if appointed, might be open to misperception.

For more information on conflicts please visit: https://www.fca.org.uk/publication/corporate/conflict-of-interests.pdf

Useful information: The closing date for this role is 23:55 on Sunday 21st June 2026. Selection will be via a two-stage interview and psychometric assessment. The salary range for this role is £140,000 to £170,000 for London, £126,000 to £153,000 Nationally. If successful, you will be required to obtain and retain SC Clearance. We currently operate a hybrid working model, working a minimum of 40% in the office each month (50% for senior leaders). This way of working applies in our Stratford, Leeds and Edinburgh offices. From September 2026, FCA employees will be required to spend a minimum of 50% of their working time in the office. Our Executive Director and Directors will be expected to be in a minimum of 60% per month.

To apply for this role please submit your CV and short cover letter. The PSR has retained Odgers to advise on this appointment. To apply please submit your CV and cover letter using this link www.odgers.com/96139. For a conversation in confidence, please contact: Anne Murphy - Anne.murphy@odgers.com or Hannah Wade - Hannah.wade@odgers.com