At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead policy initiatives to shape the future of open banking and financial services.
- Company: Join Yapily, a pioneering open banking platform transforming financial access.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, hybrid working, and a £200 learning budget.
- Other info: Dynamic role with autonomy and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial services and advocate for fairer systems.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in policy, regulatory affairs, and a deep understanding of financial services.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
- Description
- Who are Yapily
Yapily is on a mission to enable innovative companies to create better and fairer financial services for everyone, through the power of open banking.
Yapily is an open banking infrastructure platform solving a fundamental problem in financial services today: access.
Historically, card networks have monopolised the global movement of money, and banks have monopolised the ownership of, and access to, financial data.
Yapily was founded to challenge these structures and create a global open economy that works for everyone.
We exist behind the scenes, securely connecting companies - from growth to enterprise - to thousands of banks worldwide, enabling them to access data and initiate payments through the power of open banking.
What we’re looking for
We’re looking for a highly credible policy and regulatory leader who is motivated by Yapily’s mission to build a more open, competitive and fair financial system.
Operating at the intersection of regulation, technology, and business strategy, this role will build strong relationships across government, regulators, and industry to advance Yapily’s policy agenda.
It requires actively monitoring and shaping developments in open banking and finance, digital identity, AI, and digital assets, translating complex regulatory change into clear positions and practical actions for the business.
The successful candidate will partner closely with senior stakeholders across the business to deliver effective advocacy, manage regulatory risk, and support Yapily’s growth.
Above all, you care about shaping the future of financial services and want to play a central role in making Open Banking and Open Finance work at scale.
Learn more: https://www. yapily. com/company/about-us
Requirements
- What you'll bring
- 7+ years in public policy, regulatory affairs, government relations or financial services policy; experience influencing UK and/or EU regulation and translating regulatory requirements into practical business outcomes is a strong advantage.
- Experience engaging directly with regulators, government bodies and policymakers.
- Deep understanding of payments, open banking and open finance, and the wider financial services regulatory landscape in the UK and EU.
Working knowledge of stablecoin and digital asset regulation, including Mi CA and the UK regime, is a plus.
Knowledge of other jurisdictions, including the US, is a strong advantage.
- Expertise in emerging regulatory areas in the UK and EU, including AI and digital identity, is a plus.
- An understanding of, or strong interest in, agentic commerce and how AI agents will initiate and settle payments, along with the policy and product questions this raises, is a plus.
- Product experience and a genuine product instinct are a plus.
You are comfortable owning a roadmap, writing requirements and working with engineering to ship, not only advising from the outside.
- Proven ability to produce high-quality policy submissions, briefing notes and advocacy materials.
- Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills, with experience advising senior-level stakeholders on regulatory risk, opportunity and strategic positioning.
- Comfortable operating with a high degree of autonomy and managing evolving priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Tech-savvy, with a strong interest in how technology enables regulatory compliance and business innovation.
- Eligible to work in the United Kingdom.
Benefits
- 25 days holiday a year (plus bank holidays)
- We also offer an additional holiday day after 1 year's service, up to the value of 5 days
- We’re serious about work/life balance and operate hybrid working, giving you the flexibility to work from home, working from our amazing office space or work abroad for up to 30 days per year ‘Nomad Working’
- Comprehensive Private Medical Insurance
- Company Pension Scheme
- Enhanced Paternity and Maternity leave
- £200 annual Learning and Personal Development budget
- Cycle To Work Scheme
- Employee Referral Scheme which offers £1,000 per employee referral
- Monthly social budget
- Daily snacks provided in the office
- Dog friendly office
Head of Policy in London employer: Yapily
At Yapily, we pride ourselves on being an innovative and forward-thinking employer that champions a culture of curiosity and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our generous benefits, including a comprehensive learning budget and flexible working arrangements that promote work-life balance. With a focus on redefining financial services, we offer a dynamic environment where you can thrive and make a meaningful impact in the fintech landscape.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Policy in London
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Yapily. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Policy in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Yapily.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Yapily's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Yapily
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Yapily.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Yapily will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Yapily employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
