Lead Model Validation Analyst

Funding Circle; City of Westminster; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A forward-thinking SME-lending platform is seeking a Lead Model Validation Analyst. You will independently review and validate various financial models to ensure accuracy and compliance. This critical role is part of the Second Line Credit Risk Team, requiring 7+ years of experience in model validation within financial services. The ideal candidate has a solid quantitative background, excellent analytical skills, and proficiency in SQL, Python, or R. The position offers hybrid working options and comprehensive benefits.

Benefits

Private Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Flexible working days

Annual Learning & Development allowance

Electric Car Scheme

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in model development or validation, ideally in financial services.
• Strong knowledge of financial products and risk management principles.
• Familiarity with regulatory guidance on model risk management.

Responsibilities

• Independently validate financial models for soundness and compliance.
• Collaborate with developers to address model risks.
• Prepare detailed validation reports and communicate findings.

Skills

Model validation

Statistical modelling techniques

Analytical problem-solving

Communication

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in a quantitative field

Tools

SQL

Python

R

Job description

Lead Model Validation Analyst

We are looking for a Lead Model Validation Analyst, to independently review and validate a wide range of financial models, including those for marketing, acquisitions, customer management, and impairment provisioning. This is a critical position to ensure our models are robust, accurate, and compliant with regulatory standards. This role is a key part of our Second Line Credit Risk Team, which provides independent oversight of the credit strategies and models developed by our First Line teams. We are Funding Circle, an SME‑lending platform that backs small businesses to succeed.

Responsibilities

• Perform independent validation of all key models used by the business, assessing model conceptual soundness, data integrity, and implementation.
• Work closely with model developers and business units to address model risks and ensure timely resolution of identified issues.
• Provide oversight for ongoing model performance monitoring and recalibration activities.
• Prepare comprehensive validation reports detailing the review process, findings, and recommendations; communicate these findings effectively to model owners, developers, and senior management.
• Ensure all validation activities and model documentation comply with internal policies and external regulatory guidance.
• Contribute to the enhancement of the model validation framework and methodologies to keep pace with industry best practices and evolving regulatory requirements.
• Proactively problem‑solve, identify and mitigate risks, issues or control weaknesses that arise in day‑to‑day work.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in a quantitative field such as Finance, Economics, Statistics, Mathematics, or Computer Science (Ph.D. a plus).
• 7+ years of experience in model development, model validation, or a related quantitative risk management role, preferably within the financial services industry.
• Strong knowledge of financial products, risk management principles, and statistical modelling techniques.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment, fostering strong partnerships with stakeholders to resolve model challenges.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills, able to work independently with minimal guidance.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as SQL, Python, R.
• Familiarity with regulatory guidance on model risk management, such as IFRS9.

Benefits

• We have a huge impact on the businesses that borrow through our platform, the communities they serve and the overall economy (last year £7.2bn of GDP generated).
• Read our full Impact Report: https://www.fundingcircle.com/uk/impact.
• Our Trustpilot page: https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/fundingcircle.com.
• Hybrid working – we expect teams in our London office 3 times a week and offer flexible days.
• Benefit allowance to tailor benefit selection to you and your family's needs.
• Private Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, Health Cash Plan, health assessments, eye‑care vouchers, flu jabs, Wellhub access, Employee Assistance Programme, Digital GP for you and children under 16.
• Life Assurance, Income Protection, Critical Illness Cover, financial coaching, tax‑advantaged share scheme, mortgage advisor partnership, discounts via Perks at Work.
• Annual Learning & Development allowance and full access to internal learning platform.
• Electric Car Scheme, Cycle to Work scheme, Season Ticket Loans, etc.
• Award‑winning parental leave policies supporting parents through enhanced maternity, partner, adoption leave, parental bereavement leave and fertility treatments.

We are an equal‑opportunity workplace and affirmative‑action employer. We truly believe that diversity makes us better.

Ready to make a difference? We'd love to hear from you.