At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful economic research and analysis to shape UK financial services.
- Company: Join the Financial Conduct Authority, a key player in regulating financial markets.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on innovation and strategic insight.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in consumer policy and economic growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in economics and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Financial Conduct Authority regulates 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 financial services.
The Economics Division works closely with colleagues across the FCA to ensure high-quality analysis and effective choices across all aspects of FCA regulation. We are seeking Lead Economists for the following roles:
- Consumers and Growth (Consumers, Econometrics and Behavioural Unit)
- Growth Strategic Analysis (Strategic Economic Analysis – Growth and Markets Team)
- Horizon scanning and futures (Economic Strategy team)
Role Responsibilities
- Consumers and Growth
- Shape the Future of Consumer Policy: Establish and coordinate a multi-year academic research programme, guiding internal and external studies to close evidence gaps and deliver insights that drive economic growth.
- Build Influence and Collaboration: Lead engagement with industry, academia, and think tanks to share research, strengthen the FCA’s evidence base, and create a community that shapes policy and practice.
- Growth Strategic Analysis
- Shape Strategic Decisions: Guide economic analysis on policy choices and their impact on growth, influencing choices at the FCA’s most senior levels, including the Executive Committee and Board.
- Champion Growth Across the FCA: Embed growth priorities by collaborating with analytical, policy, and operational teams to identify and drive actions that deliver measurable benefits.
- Communicate and Inspire: Support the FCA’s Growth Strategy by contributing to speeches, parliamentary hearings, and major events, ensuring our vision is understood and acted upon internally and externally.
- Horizon Scanning and Futures
- Guide Futures Thinking: Guide the development and implementation of horizon scanning and scenario planning, ensuring our approach to future trends is rigorous, inclusive, and delivers real strategic benefits.
- Anticipate Industry Shifts: Manage the FCA’s futures programme—tracking PESTLE trends, shaping strategic scenarios, and overseeing weak signals—to inform long-term regulatory decisions.
- Embed Strategic Insight: Maximise the value of futures work by collaborating across Strategy, Policy, Competition, and Supervisory teams, making it a core driver of the FCA’s strategic approach.
Location: London, Leeds, Edinburgh
Contract type: Contract, Fixed term
Profession: Economist, Lead
Working pattern: Flexible working, Hybrid
Closing Date: 15/01/2026
Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
Employment type: Contract
Job function: Finance and Sales
Lead Economist – 12 Month Fixed Term Contract employer: UK Regulators' Network
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London, Leeds, or Edinburgh. With a strong commitment to employee growth, the FCA provides opportunities for professional development through engaging projects that shape the future of UK financial services. Our inclusive culture fosters collaboration and innovation, ensuring that every team member can contribute meaningfully to protecting consumers and driving economic growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Economist – 12 Month Fixed Term Contract
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the FCA on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the FCA's recent projects and initiatives. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about shaping the future of UK financial services.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your presentation skills! As a Lead Economist, you’ll need to communicate complex ideas clearly. Try explaining your research to a friend or family member to refine your delivery.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the FCA team.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Economist – 12 Month Fixed Term Contract
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Lead Economist role. Highlight your relevant experience in economic analysis and how it aligns with the FCA's mission to protect consumers and drive growth.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills can contribute to shaping consumer policy and influencing strategic decisions at the FCA. Use specific examples to illustrate your impact in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. The FCA values clarity, so make sure your writing is easy to read and free of jargon. This will help us understand your ideas and insights better.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves and allows us to process it efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Regulators' Network
✨Know Your Economics Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on key economic theories and current trends, especially those relevant to financial services. Be prepared to discuss how these concepts apply to the role and the FCA's mission.
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
Since the role involves establishing a multi-year academic research programme, come ready to share examples of your past research projects. Highlight how your findings influenced policy or practice in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Collaborative Spirit
The FCA values collaboration across teams. Think of instances where you've successfully worked with diverse groups, such as industry stakeholders or academic partners, and be ready to discuss how you built those relationships.
✨Prepare for Scenario Planning Questions
Given the focus on horizon scanning and futures, anticipate questions about how you would approach scenario planning. Consider potential PESTLE trends and be ready to discuss how they might impact regulatory decisions.
