Open Finance Innovation Lead

Financial Conduct Authority; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 59,000 - 81,000; Full time

Job summary

A regulatory body in financial services is seeking a Lead Associate in Regulatory to shape innovative technology strategies. The role involves collaboration across departments, leading experimentation, and building partnerships within the financial ecosystem. Ideal candidates will have experience in open finance, strong analytical skills, and an interest in technology. This position offers a hybrid working model and a competitive benefits package.

Benefits

25 days holiday per year

Hybrid working

Private healthcare

Non-contributory Pension

Income protection

Flexible benefits scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in open finance and data-sharing ecosystems.
• Ability to manage project delivery independently.
• Experience supporting or managing junior members.

Responsibilities

• Lead agile experimentation with inclusive sprints.
• Link outcomes to research and guide discussions.
• Strengthen partnerships and enhance visibility.

Skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Analytical thinking

Organizational skills

Relationship building

Interest in technology

Job description

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Division – Digital, Technology and Innovation (DTI)

Salary – National (Edinburgh and Leeds) ranging from £59,100 to £80,233 and London £64,900 to £88,100 pro rata (salary offered will be based on skills and experience)

About the FCA

The FCA regulates the conduct of 45,000 firms in the UK to ensure our financial markets are honest, fair and competitive. Follow this link to find out more About the FCA.

You’ll join the Smart Data Accelerator in the Innovation Department in the DTI division, helping shape forward-thinking initiatives that foster inclusive growth. Together, we aim to:

Support FCA colleagues with insights on emerging technologies

Build trusted relationships with UK and global stakeholders

Empower firms through guidance and collaborative engagement

We work in partnership with a wide range of stakeholders—from firms and trade bodies to innovation networks and international organisations—while nurturing strong connections across the FCA.

What will you be doing?

Lead agile experimentation by designing and facilitating inclusive sprints, co-creation sessions and stakeholder-led testing initiatives

Share valuable insights by linking experimentation outcomes to wider research, drafting impactful recommendations and guiding discussions through workshops and roundtables

Strengthen strategic partnerships by co-developing engagement frameworks and enhancing the visibility and relevance of the smart data programme

Align cross-functional workstreams by coordinating smoothly with diverse teams, supporting publications and sustaining progress within the smart data lab ecosystem

Collaborate across departments by contributing analysis, research and responsive support to evolving smart data projects

Drive purposeful knowledge sharing by engaging stakeholders, synthesising reports and supporting innovation in open finance through technology

What will you get from the role?

Shape the future of financial services by exploring innovative technologies and evolving business models at the forefront of UK innovation

Build deep expertise on how emerging innovations intersect with current and forward-looking regulatory frameworks

Apply creative thinking to high-priority FCA initiatives, helping address regulatory challenges through an innovation lens

Connect with pioneering firms, thought leaders and diverse stakeholders to expand influence and foster dialogue

Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to contribute meaningfully to strategic projects and department-wide initiatives

Play a leading role in steering the FCA’s innovation strategy, informing, influencing and embedding change across the financial ecosystem

Which skills are required?

We are a Disability Confident Employer; therefore, disabled people or individuals with long-term conditions who best meet the minimum criteria for a role will go through to the next stage of the recruitment process. (To learn more about the Disability Confident Scheme Click Here).

Minimum

Experience in cross-functional areas such as open finance and data-sharing ecosystems, with clear insight into both strategic drivers and operational execution of complex projects

Prior experience in examining complex numerical and written information and coordinating project delivery—working independently and with care to meet timelines and create meaningful, people-centred impact

Strong organisational capability and experience supporting or managing junior team members with empathy and clarity

Proven ability to build inclusive, trust-based relationships with senior colleagues and external stakeholders to navigate challenges and co-create impactful outcomes

Deep interest or hands-on experience in technology and innovation, paired with sound knowledge of UK and global developments in financial services

Our Values & Diversity

We are proud to be an inclusive employer, and our ambition is to cultivate a culture for all employees that respects their individual strengths, views and experiences. We believe that our differences and similarities enable us to be a better organisation – one that makes better decisions, drives innovation and delivers better regulation.

Within the workplace you will have access to various employee resource groups which aim to promote and achieve a healthy work / life balance and support our diversity ambitions.

Did you know? 50% of our Executive Committee were the first in their family to attend university.

Benefits of working at the FCA

25 days holiday per year plus bank holidays (Pro rata)

Hybrid working (work from home up to 60% of your time)

Private healthcare with Bupa

A non-contributory Pension of at least 8% of basic salary each month (there are several contribution levels that increase depending on your age – up to 12% a month once you reach age 35)

Life assurance of eight times your basic salary

Income protection

We also have a competitive flexible benefits scheme which gives you the opportunity to create a personalised benefits package, tailored to suit your lifestyle.

We welcome applications from candidates who are looking for flexible arrangements. Many of our staff work flexibly including working part-time, staggered hours and job shares. We can’t promise to give you exactly what you want but we can explore what might work best for both sides.

Follow this link to see what life is like at the FCA - Life at the FCA

Application Support

We are dedicated to removing barriers and ensuring our application process is accessible to everyone. We offer a range of adjustments to make your application experience as comfortable and straightforward as possible.

If you have an accessibility need, disability or condition requiring changes to the recruitment process, please contact your recruiter using the details below and they will be happy to discuss this further with you.

Useful Information and Timeline

This role is graded as Lead Associate- Regulatory

Advert Closing Date: Sunday 3rd August 2025 (midnight)

CV Review/ Shortlist: 4-5th August 2025

Interview: w/c 11th August 2025

Your Recruiter will discuss the process in detail with you during screening for the role, therefore, please make them aware if you are going to be unavailable for any date during this time.

If you are interested in learning more about the role, please contactSteve Christopher on k

Applications must be submitted through our online portal. Applications sent via email will not be accepted.