At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the supervision of payment systems and manage complex regulatory relationships.
- Company: Join a dynamic regulator focused on innovation in payment systems.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, private healthcare, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive culture with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of payment systems in the UK.
- Qualifications: Experience in regulatory roles and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60700 - 80000 £ per year.
Department: PSR - Payment Systems Market Interventions
Salary: National (Edinburgh and Leeds) ranging from £60,700 to £70,000 and London from £66,600 to £80,000 (salary offered will be based on skills and experience)
This role is graded as: Lead Associate – Regulatory
About the PSR and team
Every time anyone uses a cash machine, transfers money, uses contactless, or gets paid, they use a payment system. Payment systems are always evolving and the PSR is here to make sure they work well for everyone.
The PSR is an independent economic regulator. Operationally the PSR is currently an independent subsidiary of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), however in March 2025 the Prime Minister announced that the PSR would be consolidated into the FCA. This transition will likely take some time and will follow a Government consultation, although the Government has already been clear that payment systems must continue to be effectively regulated.
The Payment Services Market Interventions Department (PSMI) you are applying to join will ultimately move into the FCA when the new legislation takes effect. Candidates should be aware, therefore, that there may be changes to their responsibilities as consolidation into the FCA progresses. The PSMI division helps maintain confidence in UK payment systems through supervision, monitoring and enforcement.
The Supervision team oversees key payment systems, including Faster Payments, LINK, Visa, Mastercard and, following legal cutover, systems such as Open Banking. Supervision plays a vital role in managing regulatory relationships, assessing market developments and ensuring regulatory interventions deliver positive outcomes.
Role responsibilities
- Acting as coordinator across the Supervision team’s casework, supporting strategic oversight, prioritisation and progression of supervisory cases
- Managing and handling complex supervisory relationships with one or more payment system operators
- Supporting the Manager of Supervision with development and delivery of the overall supervision strategy, including identification of emerging risks and areas of focus
- Championing innovation and continuous improvement in supervisory practice, including development of tools, approaches and ways of working
- Providing coaching, guidance and informal mentoring to colleagues across the team, supporting development, consistency and collaboration
- Building and maintaining a deep understanding of supervised firms, the environments they operate in and the strategic and operational risks they pose
- Supporting senior colleagues in the transition of payment systems supervision into the FCA’s supervision framework, including new ways of working, governance and engagement models
- Promoting a culture of collaboration, inclusion and learning within the Supervision team, acting as a role model for PSR values and behaviours
Skills required
Minimum:
- Demonstrated experience in supervision, monitoring or regulatory relationship management roles within a regulator or regulated environment
- Experience of operating with significant internal and external influence, including engagement with senior stakeholders
- Ability to analyse complex information, identify key issues and produce clear, well-reasoned written outputs, including contribution to strategic assessments
Essential:
- A solid understanding of supervision and its role in delivering effective, proportionate regulation
- Demonstrable experience of managing or coordinating complex regulatory or supervisory casework, including through periods of change or organisational transition
- Ability to communicate clearly and persuasively, both verbally and in writing, on complex issues
- Clear judgement, decision making capability and professionalism when working on sensitive or high-profile issues
- Effective organisational and planning skills, with the ability to balance strategic work with delivery of day-to-day priorities
- Experience of leading casework or project-based teams in achieving good regulatory outcomes
Benefits
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- 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
- 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)
- 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.
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.
Useful information and timelines
Timeline:
- Job advert closes: Midnight, 22nd June 2026
- CV Review/Shortlist: 24th June 2026
- Interview: w/c 29th June 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.
Want to learn more before applying?
Join our upcoming webinar on Tuesday, 16 June 2026 from 13:00 to 14:00, to hear directly from our hiring team about this role, our company culture and what we’re looking for in the ideal candidate.
Webinar Details:
Tuesday, 16 June 2026 from 13:00 to 14:00
Microsoft Teams meeting
Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/353601493804443?p=in4Hmyf3qgH4WrNHlAMeeting ID: 353 601 493 804 443
Passcode: Mf7QK7Bm
Need help? | System reference
Dial in by phone +44 20 3321 5238,,757514082# United Kingdom, City of London
Find a local number
Phone conference ID: 757 514 082
Lead Associate - Payment Systems Supervision in London employer: Payment Systems Regulator
The PSR is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Edinburgh or Leeds where innovation and collaboration thrive. With a strong commitment to employee development, a flexible benefits scheme, and a culture that values diversity and inclusion, the PSR empowers its team to make impactful contributions to the regulation of payment systems while enjoying a healthy work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Associate - Payment Systems Supervision in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the PSR and its mission! Understanding their role in payment systems will help you tailor your conversations during interviews. Dive into their recent projects and challenges to show you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn to get insider info about the team culture and expectations. This can give you a leg up when discussing your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about how your past experiences align with the responsibilities of the Lead Associate role. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨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 joining the PSR team. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Associate - Payment Systems Supervision in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Lead Associate role. Highlight your experience in supervision and regulatory relationships, as these are key for us at the PSR.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Use specific examples from your past roles that show how you’ve managed complex casework or influenced stakeholders effectively.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is crucial. Make your points straightforward and avoid jargon where possible. We want to see your ability to communicate complex issues clearly.
Apply Through Our Portal:Remember, applications must be submitted through our online portal. Don’t send them via email or social media, as we won’t be able to consider those. Head over to our website to apply!
How to prepare for a job interview at Payment Systems Regulator
✨Know Your Payment Systems
Before the interview, make sure you have a solid understanding of the key payment systems like Faster Payments, LINK, Visa, and Mastercard. Familiarise yourself with their roles and any recent developments in the industry. This will show your genuine interest and help you engage in meaningful discussions.
✨Demonstrate Your Regulatory Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in supervision or regulatory roles. Think of specific examples where you've managed complex casework or influenced stakeholders. Highlight how your skills align with the responsibilities of the Lead Associate position.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
The role requires strong analytical abilities, so be ready to demonstrate how you analyse complex information and produce clear outputs. You might be asked to solve a hypothetical problem during the interview, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Inclusion
The PSR values collaboration and inclusion, so share examples of how you've fostered these in your previous roles. Discuss how you can contribute to a positive team culture and support your colleagues, especially in a transitioning environment like the one at PSR.
