At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver high-quality economic policy advice and analysis on complex financial issues.
- Company: Join the FCA, a key regulator in the UK financial services sector.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities to mentor junior colleagues.
- Why this job: Shape fair and effective financial markets while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Strong economic knowledge and experience in policy analysis.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Economics is at the heart of the FCA’s work. Economic insight underpins our regulatory decisions and shapes how we respond to some of the most complex challenges across financial services. We are seeking a permanent Lead Associate to join our Economics Division. The team plays a key role in supporting policy development through in-depth economic advice, thorough assessment and constructive challenge across both wholesale and retail markets. Our work spans market failure assessment and cost‑benefit evaluation, alongside overseeing and commissioning high‑quality research to improve policy. This is an exciting opportunity for a highly skilled individual to contribute to the FCA’s work on critical issues in wholesale financial markets, including capital markets, and to help shape fair, effective and competitive markets.
Role Responsibilities
- Using your economic knowledge and experience, you will play a central role in delivering high‑quality policy advice and analysis across a range of live policy issues, with a particular focus on wholesale markets, including capital markets.
- Deliver the economic input into policy development, working across a varied portfolio of projects, producing careful analysis to tight deadlines where needed and undertaking more in‑depth, longer‑term research to support complex policy questions.
- As a Lead Economist, manage multiple workstreams, including the design and management of projects and leading cost‑benefit analysis for proposed policy interventions, ensuring outputs are robust and credible.
- Support and develop more junior colleagues through line management and day‑to‑day work oversight; help set direction, provide guidance and promote a culture of balanced work and continuous professional development.
- Work closely with the team manager to plan, prioritise and allocate work effectively across the team and act as an escalation point for complex or high‑profile issues.
Location: London, Edinburgh, Leeds
Contract type: Full time, Permanent
Profession: Analysis, Economics, Financial Services, Policy
Working pattern: Flexible working, Hybrid
Closing Date: 15/06/2026
Lead Economist in Leeds employer: UK Regulators' Network
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London, Edinburgh, or Leeds. With a strong commitment to employee growth, the FCA fosters a culture of continuous professional development and collaboration, allowing you to make a meaningful impact on financial markets while enjoying flexible working arrangements. Join us to be part of a team that values economic insight and innovation, shaping fair and competitive markets for the future.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Economist in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the economics field, especially those connected to the FCA. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about striking up conversations. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on current economic issues and FCA policies. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to get comfortable discussing your insights and experiences. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when it’s showtime!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your analytical skills! When you get the chance, share examples of your previous work that demonstrate your ability to deliver high-quality policy advice and analysis. Use specific metrics or outcomes to highlight your impact – numbers speak volumes!
✨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, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. So, get your application in and let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Economist in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that are relevant to the Lead Economist role. Highlight your economic knowledge, project management experience, and any work you've done in financial services to show us you're the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about economics and how your background aligns with the FCA's mission. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities of the role.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since the role involves delivering high-quality policy advice and analysis, make sure to include examples of your analytical work. Whether it's cost-benefit analyses or market assessments, we want to see how you approach complex problems.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you're serious about joining our team!
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 concepts relevant to financial markets. Be prepared to discuss how these theories apply to real-world scenarios, especially in wholesale markets and capital markets.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your ability to conduct thorough cost-benefit analyses and market failure assessments. Bring examples of past projects where your analysis led to impactful policy decisions or improvements.
✨Engage with Current Issues
Stay updated on the latest trends and challenges in the financial services sector. Be ready to discuss how these issues might influence regulatory decisions and what economic insights you can bring to the table.
✨Highlight Your Leadership Experience
As a Lead Economist, you'll be managing multiple workstreams and mentoring junior colleagues. Share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams, managed projects, and fostered a culture of development and collaboration.
