Financial Crime Policy, Technical Specialist

Financial Conduct Authority; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 72,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A regulatory body in the UK is seeking a Financial Crime Policy Technical Specialist to lead regulatory improvements and ensure high standards of Anti Money Laundering. The role involves delivering timely analysis, influencing stakeholders, and fostering collaboration. Candidates should have proven AML experience, strong analytical skills, and the ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships. This position offers a hybrid work model and includes comprehensive benefits including a non-contributory pension and private healthcare.

Benefits

28 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Hybrid model with up to 60% remote work

Non-contributory pension

Private healthcare with Bupa

35 hours of paid volunteering annually

Qualifications

• Proven experience of Anti Money Laundering in a policy environment.
• Prior experience of complex stakeholder management, both internally and externally.
• Ability to make logical and timely decisions based on the risk-based approach.

Responsibilities

• Lead as the technical expert within a team of policy specialists.
• Deliver high quality, accurate, and timely analysis of supervisory and regulatory positions.
• Influence key stakeholders to drive meaningful regulatory improvements.

Skills

Anti Money Laundering experience

Stakeholder management

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Collaborative teamwork

Job description

Financial Crime Policy, Technical Specialist

Division: Supervision, Policy and Competition
Department: OPBAS & Fraud & Financial Crime (O&FFC)

Salary: National (Edinburgh and Leeds) £72,100-£95,000; London £79,300-£100,000 (based on skills and experience)

Role grade: Technical Specialist, Regulatory

Recruitment contact: Shafika ([e-mail]). Apply through the online portal only.

About the FCA and the team

We regulate financial services firms in the UK to keep financial markets fair, thriving and effective. Joining us means protecting consumers, driving economic growth, and shaping the future of UK finance services.

SPC oversees firms and individuals (supervision), creates and reviews the rules by which they operate (policy) and identifies and remedies ineffective competition in markets (competition). The O&FFC department works to reduce money laundering and terrorism by ensuring high standards of AML/CTF supervision and fostering collaboration across professional bodies, supervisors, and law enforcement.

It is an exciting time to join this team as the UK is preparing for its next Mutual Evaluation by the Financial Action Task Force in 2027. OPBAS is also supporting the Government’s intention to transfer AML supervision of 60,000 professional service firms to the FCA.

Role responsibilities

• Lead as the technical expert within a team of policy specialists, ensuring departmental objectives are achieved and regulatory standards are upheld
• Deliver high quality, accurate, and timely analysis of supervisory and regulatory positions, shaping informed decisions and influencing industry best practices
• Influence key stakeholders to drive meaningful regulatory improvements and strengthen the UK’s financial resilience
• Evaluate and recommend changes to the OPBAS Sourcebook, ensuring guidance remains relevant and effective in combating financial crime
• Build and maintain strong stakeholder relationships, fostering trust and collaboration both internally and externally
• Support team performance and development through coaching, feedback, and knowledge sharing, creating a culture of continuous improvement
• Champion cross departmental collaboration, embedding an integrated approach that enhances efficiency and drives organisational success

Skills required

Minimum:

• Proven experience of Anti Money Laundering in a policy environment
• Prior experience of complex stakeholder management, both internally and externally

Essential:

• Ability to make logical and timely decisions, understanding the theory and application of the risk‑based approach to supervision and key regulatory risks
• Experience of making judgements and policy recommendations that are supported by strong analytical thinking
• Ability to explain complex issues succinctly and clearly to both internal and external audiences, orally and in writing
• Able to make a strong personal impact, persuading others with well‑reasoned arguments and challenging where appropriate
• Able to build a collaborative team which values different perspectives and works closely across the department and within the FCA, minimising silos

Benefits

• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Hybrid model with up to 60% remote work
• 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
• A flexible benefits scheme designed around your lifestyle
• Full list of benefits and recruitment process on our benefits page.

Our values and culture

Our colleagues are the key to our success as a regulator. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture that is free from discrimination and bias, celebrates difference, and supports colleagues to deliver at their best. We believe that our differences and similarities enable us to be a better organisation, make better decisions, drive innovation, and deliver better regulation.

We welcome diverse working styles and aim to find flexible solutions that suit the role and individual needs, including part‑time and job sharing where applicable.

Disability Confident: our hiring approach

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, and people or individuals with disabilities and long‑term conditions who meet the minimum criteria for a role will go through to the next stage of the recruitment process. In case of high application volumes, we may progress applicants whose experience most closely matches the role’s key requirements.

Useful information and timeline

• Job advert close: 28th December 2025
• CV review / shortlist: 30th December 2025
• First interview: w/c 5th January 2026
• Recruiter will discuss the process; please inform them if you are unavailable during this period.

Security clearance

SC Clearance is required for this role (SC Guidance) – you will need or will hold an SC security check.