2027 Economics Graduate Programme - Leeds

Financial Conduct Authority; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary £33,600 per year

Hybrid work with office time in London

25 days annual leave

Pension (autonomous scheme)

Private healthcare

Eye tests

Season ticket loans

Job summary

The Financial Conduct Authority runs the Economics Graduate Programme, a two‑year, rotational scheme designed to build broad regulatory and economic expertise. You’ll rotate between policy, research and competition areas, solving real challenges with economic thinking and rigorous analysis.

Throughout two years you’ll gain hands‑on experience, receive structured development, and be supported to build a career delivering positive impact for consumers and markets in the UK.

Qualifications

• 2:1 degree or above in any discipline
• Eligible to work in the UK for the full duration of the programme
• Graduate scheme requires either already graduated or in final year of study

Responsibilities

• Rotate across teams to gain exposure to economics, policy, research and regulation
• Contribute to analysis, research and strategic insight to support regulation and market integrity
• Deliver work from day one and develop analytical and problem‑solving skills

Education

2:1 degree or above

Job description

We offer you the chance to start your career and make a real difference.

Programme Length: Two years

Programme Type: Rotational (Year 1 - 2 x 6 months & Year 2 - 1 x 12 months)

At the FCA, we develop and uphold the rules that keep financial markets fair, protect consumers, and support the UK economy, powered by people committed to creating positive change. As a graduate, you’ll be part of shaping those outcomes.

You’ll rotate across teams, gaining exposure to different areas of financial services - from economic analysis and policy to strategic research and regulation.

From day one, you’ll help deliver important work, expand your capabilities, and start building a career that has lasting impact.

About the Programme

On our Economics Graduate Programme, you’ll use economic thinking to help solve some of the most important challenges facing financial services. Through a combination of analysis, research, policy development and strategic insight, you’ll contribute to work that helps protect consumers, improve market integrity and support effective regulation.

Over two years, you’ll complete rotational placements across a range of FCA areas, including policy, research and competition, giving you broad exposure to how economics shapes regulatory decision-making. You’ll develop solid analytical and problem-solving skills, deepen your understanding of financial markets and build the confidence to help shape real-world results.

Your first two rotations will be confirmed before you join the programme, providing a solid foundation in economics and regulation. When selecting your final rotation, we’ll consider your interests, strengths and career aspirations alongside business priorities, helping you explore opportunities that align with both your interests and the FCA’s strategic objectives.

By the end of the programme, you’ll have developed the technical skills, professional network and practical experience needed to build a rewarding career in the Economics profession.

Learning & Development

• We invest in your future from day one. Our two-year rotational programme combines meaningful work experience with a structured learning journey, giving you access to professional development programmes, specialist training and career-building opportunities.

• As you develop your technical and professional skills, you’ll be encouraged to explore a range of career paths, expand your professional network, and build the confidence to contribute across the FCA.

You’ll benefit from:

• Structured learning and development to support your growth

• Tailored induction and professional training

• Opportunities to build your network across the FCA

• Social and networking events with your graduate cohort

• Access to senior leaders and inspiring career stories

What We Look For

• We’re looking for people who are curious, driven and motivated by the opportunity to learn. You’ll be motivated to develop new skills, build good relationships and use data and evidence to help solve complex challenges.

• Our colleagues come from a wide range of backgrounds, and we believe diverse perspectives help us make better decisions. Whatever your degree discipline, you’ll be supported to learn and grow through practical experience, structured development and guidance from experienced colleagues, helping you build a rewarding career at the FCA.

What We Offer

• £33,600 salary plus a flexible benefits scheme designed around your lifestyle

• Colleagues spend a minimum of 50% of their working time in the office each month across our London, Leeds and Edinburgh offices

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

• Non-contributory pension (8-12% depending on age) and life assurance at eight times your salary

• Private healthcare with Bupa, income protection and 24/7 Employee Assistance

• 35 hours of paid volunteering annually

• Commitment to diversity and inclusion

• Wellbeing resources and support

• Sports and social clubs

• Free eye tests

• Subsidised restaurant

• Interest‑free season ticket loans

Application Process

You have obtained, or be on track to obtain, a 2:1 degree or above in any discipline.

To be eligible for the 2027 graduate programme, you must either have already graduated or be in your final year of study.

Graduate scheme offers depend on candidates securing and keeping the right to work in the UK for the full duration of the program. More information

Your application and all assessment submissions must be your own work. We do not permit candidates to receive assistance from another person or to submit responses generated by artificial intelligence (AI) tools or similar software.

We are committed to creating an inclusive recruitment process. If you require a reasonable adjustment at any stage of the application process or during the programme, support is available through AmberJack [e-mail].

For queries, contact [e-mail]