Innovation jobs in United Kingdom

Division – Data, Technology & Innovation

Team – Global Innovation

Salary – National (Edinburgh and Leeds) ranging from £52,400 to £71,200 and London from £57,700 to £78,300 (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. About the FCA.

The FCA’s Innovation department is looking for a talented, motivated and outcome focused individual to join our enthusiastic and diverse team.

The Innovation department sits within Data, Technology and Innovation (DTI) and works to support the FCA in being an innovative regulator by leading and empowering innovation to drive beneficial and sustainable growth and change.

Our innovation services are designed to support innovative firms (FinTech/RegTech/EmTech) at any stage of maturity, from collaboration, initial idea and proof of concept, to obtaining authorisation and scaling up in the market (as relevant).

We also provide critical research and insights to inform FCA activities and build thought leadership on how technology and innovation are transforming the financial services industry.

What will you be doing?

• Design and deliver targeted engagement initiatives including round tables, industry events and tailored firm-level support to help innovative financial services businesses navigate regulatory pathways and unlock growth

• Shaping the UK’s innovation landscape by identifying emerging trends and barriers to scale, contributing to the FCA’s strategic growth agenda

• Building international relationships by coordinating innovation-focused dialogues with global counterparts and representing the FCA in cross-border collaboration

• Influencing policy and strategy through active participation in cross-government initiatives, working closely with departments such as DIT, HMT and DBT

• Generating actionable insights using market assessment tools and frameworks to inform senior leadership on the challenges and opportunities facing scaling firms

• Supporting delivery of flagship FCA Innovation services including the Innovation Pathways, Sandbox, Digital Sandbox and TechSprint programmes, with a focus on firms seeking grow and expand internationally

What will you get from the role?

• Develop deep expertise in global financial innovation, working on strategic priorities

• Build a strong professional network with global regulators, industry leaders and multilateral organisations

• Thrive in a dynamic, forward-thinking environment that values curiosity, inclusivity and bold thinking to tackle tomorrow’s regulatory challenges

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 of working in financial services, international engagement, innovation policy, economic development or trade and investment

• Experience of engaging diverse stakeholders across organisational boundaries, including government departments, regulators and industry bodies

• Experience of managing complex, cross-cutting initiatives

• Demonstrate understanding of the UK and international financial services innovation landscape, including the scaling challenges and growth opportunities faced by firms

Essential

• Apply analytical skills to interpret policy, regulatory and market issues, translating insights into practical actions or strategic recommendations

• Engage with global innovation initiatives and international regulatory cooperation, drawing on knowledge of trade promotion and economic development contexts

• Deliver high-quality outputs in fast-paced, dynamic environments, adapting quickly to evolving priorities and stakeholder needs

• Communicate with clarity and confidence across written and verbal formats, representing organisations externally with credibility and professionalism

• Align work with strategic objectives related to international competitiveness and growth, contributing to broader organisational impact

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 are women (4 in 8)

The FCA is committed to achieving greater diversity across all levels of the organisation. Given this, we particularly welcome applications from women, minority ethnic, disabled, and neurodivergent candidates for this role.

Benefits of working at the FCA

• 25 days holiday per year plus bank holidays

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

• Private healthcare with Bupa

• A non-contributory Pension of at least 8%

• Life assurance

• 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.

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 Senior Associate - Regulatory

• Advert Closing: 26 September (please submit your application by 11.59pm on 25 September)

• CV Review/Shortlist: 29 – 30 September

• Interviews w/c: 6 October

• A second stage interview may or may not be required

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.

Got a question?

If you are interested in learning more about the role, please contact benjamin.paulon@fca.org.uk

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