Payments Policy Analyst

UK Finance is the collective voice for the banking and finance industry. Representing more than 300 firms, we bring together banks, fintechs, card networks, PSPs and technology providers to shape the future of UK financial services. The Payments & Innovation team is at the forefront of this work – driving policy, industry change and digital innovation. From the UK’s core payment systems and open banking to cutting‑edge developments in digital services and payments technology, this is where the future of payments policy is being designed.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Payments Policy Analyst to join our Payments & Innovation team. This role offers the opportunity to work on policy issues shaping the future of European and international payments - supporting participation in emerging payment technologies, digital innovation and the UK’s position as a global leader in cross‑border payments. This role is suitable for candidates with up to two years’ professional experience who are looking to build a career in payments, financial services policy or regulation.

This is a fantastic opportunity to:

• Work on projects that will shape how money moves between the UK, Europe and the rest of the world.
• Build expertise in areas such as instant payments, fraud prevention, payment scheme management and European policymaking.
• Engage with members, regulators and international partners at the heart of global payments policy and innovation.
• Play a key role supporting policy development, industry engagement and advocacy – helping UK Finance members navigate a rapidly evolving international payments landscape.

You will work closely with senior stakeholders across banks, fintechs, regulators and government, helping translate complex policy developments into practical insight for industry.

What You’ll Do

• Monitor UK, European and international policy, regulatory and market developments and assess their impact on members.
• Support the development of UK Finance policy positions, consultation responses, industry papers and thought leadership.
• Assist in delivering UK Finance’s Europe and International payments agenda, including engagement with relevant stakeholders and industry bodies.
• Support member engagement through working groups, committees, events and bilateral meetings.
• Prepare briefing materials, presentations, reports and meeting papers for internal and external audiences.
• Coordinate and analyse member feedback to identify key priorities, opportunities and concerns.
• Support engagement with government, regulators, payment system operators and other industry stakeholders.
• Contribute to member communications, newsletters, presentations and external publications.
• Provide support across strategic projects and wider Payments team priorities as required.

What we’re looking for

Skills & Experience

• Up to two years’ professional experience in a policy, research, regulatory, public affairs, financial services, consultancy, or similar role.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to assess information from multiple sources and identify key insights.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to research unfamiliar topics quickly and synthesise information into clear, structured outputs.
• Ability to understand and explain complex issues clearly and concisely.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to producing high‑quality work.
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Demonstrable interest in payments, financial services, technology, regulation, or public policy.
• Experience working within financial services, fintech, consulting, government, a regulator, trade association, or membership organisation.
• Aware of the UK payments landscape, financial services regulation, or public policy environment.
• Aware of European and international payments developments and regulatory issues.
• Experience supporting committees, working groups, stakeholder engagement activities, or events.
• Experience drafting reports, briefing papers, consultation responses, presentations, or other professional written outputs.
• Degree in a relevant discipline such as Economics, Politics, International Relations, Public Policy, Law, Business, Finance, or a related subject.

Personal Attributes

The successful candidate will be:

• Curious and eager to learn.
• Analytical and solutions focused.
• Proactive and well organised.
• Comfortable working both independently and as part of a team.
• Confident engaging with a range of stakeholders.
• Able to communicate clearly and professionally.
• Adaptable and comfortable working across a broad portfolio of issues.
• Interested in the role that payments, technology, regulation, and public policy play in supporting economic growth and innovation.

Previous specialist payments experience is not required. We are looking for someone with strong potential, excellent analytical skills, and a genuine interest in developing expertise in the sector.

Why Join Us?

Payments is one of the most rapidly evolving areas of financial services. In this role you will:

• Build expertise in payments policy and digital innovation.
• Work with banks, fintechs, regulators, and government.
• Gain exposure to major developments shaping the UK and international payments landscape.
• Develop valuable skills in policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, and industry advocacy.

You will be part of a collaborative and supportive team working at the center of the UK financial services industry. UK Finance offers flexible hybrid working, with colleagues typically working remotely up to three days per week.