Head of Department (Resolution Strategy, Operations and CASS)

Requirements of the role

An exciting opportunity has arisen to take on the role of Head of Resolution Strategy, Operations and CASS (ReSOC). ReSOC sits within the Specialist Directorate and leads the FCA’s work to mitigate the risk of consumer harm arising from inadequate client assets arrangements across FCA-regulated firms. The department is responsible for strengthening the regulatory framework for CASS and resolution, supervising firms with CASS permissions, and providing operational insight and data‑led analysis to identify emerging risks. ReSOC supervises firms across 26 portfolios, which collectively hold approximately £200bn in client money and £19tn in client assets. The department works closely with Supervision and other Specialist teams as well as external stakeholders.

What will the candidate get from the role?

• Joining the Senior Leadership Team at the FCA during an exciting and challenging time of great change in financial services and its regulation
• Leading a department of talented and committed people through significant projects whilst also delivering on business‑as‑usual objectives
• Exposure to strategic issues and key players in the world of finance, both nationally and internationally

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a high‑performing, multidisciplinary department responsible for CASS strategy, operations and supervision, ensuring risks to client assets and consumers are effectively identified and mitigated.
• Provide strategic and technical leadership on CASS and client assets issues, including ownership of the CASS Sourcebook and authoritative advice on its application for supervising firms subject to CASS.
• Lead the FCA’s work to strengthen the regulatory and legislative framework relating to client assets and resolution, including delivery of key strategic initiatives.
• Oversee the department’s operational risk identification function, ensuring high‑quality analysis of CMAR data, CASS audits, breach notifications and other intelligence.
• Drive implementation of the department’s delivery plan, including ongoing operational and supervisory improvements.
• Lead on performance, capability and culture, ensuring the department has the skills, capacity and leadership required to deliver its objectives.
• Deliver outcomes through others by building strong relationships and using effective coaching, influencing and negotiation skills.
• Maintain strong cross‑FCA and external stakeholder relationships to support crisis preparedness and firm failure outcomes.

Location

London

Contract type

Full time, Permanent

Profession

Enforcement, Financial Services, Manager, Policy, Supervision

Working pattern

Flexible working, Hybrid

Closing Date

01/06/2026