At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead policy development for modernising payments regulation and manage a high-performing team.
- Company: Join the FCA, a key regulator in UK financial services.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days leave, hybrid work, and a non-contributory pension.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive culture with flexible working options available.
- Why this job: Shape the future of UK finance while protecting consumers and driving growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in policy making and understanding of the UK payments ecosystem required.
The predicted salary is between 60700 - 73000 £ per year.
Division: Supervision, Policy & Competition
Department: Payments & Digital Assets
Salary: National (Edinburgh and Leeds) ranging from £60,700 to £73,000 and London from £66,600 to £80,000 (salary offered will be based on skills and experience).
Role graded as: Lead Associate - Regulatory.
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. SPC oversees firms and individuals (supervision), creates and reviews the rules by which they operate (policy) and identifies and remedies ineffective competition in markets (competition). Sitting in the Payments and Digital Assets directorate, the Policy department develops policy to address the challenges and opportunities the FCA identifies in payment, crypto, open banking and open finance sectors.
Role responsibilities
- Support the Payment Policy Manager in maintaining and managing a friendly, supportive, and high performing policy team, with direct line‑management responsibilities for around five Associates and Senior Associates.
- Managing key policy workstreams within our Modernising Payments Regulation programme, working closely with colleagues in Supervision, Authorisation, Legal, Communications and in other policy teams.
- Establishing and maintaining effective relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
- Work very closely with others in the regulatory family including the Treasury and Payments Systems Regulator (PSR), as well as other external stakeholders.
Skills required
- Minimum: Prior experience of policy making in FCA, other financial services regulators or government. Understanding of the UK payments ecosystem and regulatory framework. Prior experience of managing complex projects, marshalling input from numerous teams, and managing challenging stakeholder relations.
- Essential: Ability to consider complex information and to drive the development and delivery of policy. Excellent collaboration skills needed to work with many other areas. Excellent organisational skills with a capability to manage a variety of priorities and issues. High standard of problem solving and strategic thinking with sound judgement. Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder management skills with a clear ability to influence and collaborate with stakeholders at all levels both internally and externally. Experience of influencing senior stakeholders and navigating governance to deliver policy solutions. Ability to prepare and deliver complex, strategic written technical communications. Willingness to learn and develop, taking on new responsibilities and adopt a flexible and pragmatic approach to your work.
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 & 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 are 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 Timeline
Job advert close: Wednesday 3rd June at 23:59pm. CV Review/Shortlist: Friday 5th June. Interview: w/c 15th June. 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.
Policy Lead – Modernising Payments Regulation in London employer: PSR Limited
The FCA is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Edinburgh or Leeds where you can make a significant impact on the future of UK financial services. With a strong commitment to employee development, a diverse and inclusive culture, and generous benefits including a non-contributory pension and private healthcare, the FCA supports its staff in achieving both personal and professional growth while ensuring a healthy work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Policy Lead – Modernising Payments Regulation in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, especially those connected to the FCA or payments regulation. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just set you apart.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by diving deep into the UK payments ecosystem. Know the latest trends and challenges, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role. We want to see your passion for the sector!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your collaboration skills! Think of examples where you've worked with diverse teams or managed complex projects. Highlighting your ability to influence stakeholders will definitely catch our eye.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our online portal! It’s the only way to get your application seen. Make sure you follow the instructions carefully and put your best foot forward.
We think you need these skills to ace Policy Lead – Modernising Payments Regulation in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in policy making and the UK payments ecosystem. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Collaboration Skills:Since this role involves working closely with various teams and stakeholders, it’s essential to demonstrate your excellent collaboration skills. Share examples of how you've successfully managed relationships and influenced others in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:When preparing your written communications, clarity is key! We appreciate well-structured and concise responses that get straight to the point. Avoid jargon unless necessary, and make sure your ideas are easy to follow.
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 social media or email, so don’t miss out by sending it the wrong way!
How to prepare for a job interview at PSR Limited
✨Know Your Policy Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the UK payments ecosystem and regulatory framework. Familiarise yourself with recent developments in payments regulation, as well as the FCA's role in shaping these policies. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but also understand the landscape you'll be working in.
✨Show Off Your Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves working closely with various teams and stakeholders, be prepared to discuss your experience in collaboration. Think of specific examples where you've successfully managed complex projects or influenced senior stakeholders. Highlighting your interpersonal skills will demonstrate that you can thrive in a team-oriented environment.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and strategic thinking. Prepare to discuss how you've tackled challenges in previous roles, especially those involving stakeholder management or policy development. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Your Management Style
As you'll have direct line-management responsibilities, be ready to talk about your approach to leading a team. Share your experiences in fostering a supportive and high-performing environment. Discuss how you motivate your team and manage priorities, as this will be crucial for the role.
