Lead Associate

What does the role involve?
- We are currently recruiting for a number of Lead Associates to join our Advisers, Wealth & Pensions (AWP) Department which sits within the Consumer Investments (CI) Directorate. AWP are responsible for the supervision of over 6000 firms across the Advisers & Intermediaries and Wealth Management Portfolios.
- We have permanent positions in both teams that are responsible for supervising firms in the Advisers Portfolio. The priority of both teams is to reduce harm to consumers. In particular, we are focused on harm that can arise from unsuitable advice, investment or pension scams and disorderly failure, by ensuring consumer interests are central to the firms within the sector.
- This role will give you the opportunity to build on your excellent stakeholder, analytical and project management skills; taking action that improves the way firms in the sector operate ultimately delivering better outcomes for consumers. You’ll join a dynamic, ambitious and consumer-focused team who are focused on assertive supervision.
- What are the key responsibilities?
- We are looking for talented individuals with an excellent level of supervisory or regulatory knowledge and experience, and who can demonstrate sound judgement.
- You will lead on various work-streams of the portfolio strategy, support high-profile and priority reactive work in addition to proactive activity. You will be involved in supporting, coaching and developing other associates in the teams.
- As a Directorate we believe in data-led, proactive regulation and are keen to hear from people who can think creatively about how to approach our portfolio, use data to target the highest risk firms in our portfolio and deliver consumer-focused outcomes
- You will be responsible for:
- Supporting management of the teams to ensure appropriate resourcing and prioritisation of work-
- Lead identified workstreams and projects which support the delivery of the Advisers & Intermediaries Portfolio Strategy-
- Play a key role in mentoring and coaching several associates-
- Developing and leading assertive supervision and mitigation strategies, setting clear expectations to firms, influencing, persuading and where appropriate, using formal powers to change conduct behaviour to deliver better outcomes for consumers-
- Leading analysis of the business models/strategies of firms, and identifying how conduct risks could cause harm to consumers and/or markets-
- Developing and leading constructive working relationships with senior management in firms-
- Building strong working relationships with internal stakeholders who can support the delivery of the supervision strategiesEscalating issues as appropriate, including proposing proportionate, outcome focused solutions to FCA senior management and relevant governing committees-
- Contribute to the leadership and management of the department, working to deliver wider departmental, divisional and organisational objectives- What will I get from the role?- The opportunity to work in a complex, high-profile portfolio, supervising a sector that services over 3 million customers with potential to make a positive impact for consumers who use financial advisers-
- A stimulating and exciting environment with varied and challenging work-
- A unique insight into the workings of firms across the sector and have the opportunity to influence firms' senior management and behaviour-
- High profile work, with exposure to senior stakeholders at the FCA-
- Exposure to a diverse cross-divisional FCA approach that includes Prudential, Resolution, Financial Crime and Enforcement action-
- The ability to influence stakeholders, and work with a group of talented high performing individuals-
- An opportunity to develop others and share knowledge-
- As an Academy business, we place great value on your learning, and we offer world-class development opportunities which will assist you in achieving your career aspirations-
- Our Academy offers you a range of opportunities for personal and professional development, including our MSC in financial regulation, Advanced Managers programme, sponsored study and moreSkills/Experience Required
- Minimum- Financial services experience- Experience of analysing complex information or data from various sources-
- Clear and concise written communication skills
- Essential- A good understanding of the FCA’s approach to supervision: including risk management and prioritisation approaches-
- Experience building strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders at all levels-
- A sound understanding of the financial advice sector: including knowledge of investment/pension products and services, and the key risks posed by firms in the sector.-
- Strong understanding of FCA tools and powers: you will need to consider how we might be able to use our tools and powers to support our assertive supervision-
- Strong communication skills: you can communicate key messages effectively and e