Overview
Head of Department, Retail Investigations At the FCA, we’re creating a fair and more resilient financial system. We’re establishing more transparent relationships between financial services and customers, building trust in financial markets and protecting vulnerable consumers. We’re on a journey of organisational, people, process, and technology transformation to become a more forward-thinking regulator, using data to drive better regulatory decisions and strengthen cohesion across our remit. Significant improvements in digital enablement, business intelligence, market data and information management are being pursued to maintain our position as a world leader in financial services regulation. In March 2025, the FCA launched a new five-year strategy with four priorities: Be a smarter regulator, Support sustained economic growth, Help consumers navigate their financial lives, and Fight financial crime.
The Role The vacancy is in Retail 3, within the Retail & Regulatory Investigations directorate. It is one of three departments focused on taking regulatory, civil, and criminal proceedings against firms and individuals in retail/consumer markets. The Department comprises multi-disciplinary teams of experienced professionals, including lawyers, accountants and investigators, with four investigation teams and a Crypto Hub team. The Crypto Hub integrates EMO's cryptoasset work, supports progression of action to tackle crypto harm, and advances work preparing for the UK’s regulation of crypto. It brings together and develops resources from investigations, intelligence, regulatory and legal. Retail investigates sectors including retail banking, asset management, mortgage broking and lending, insurance, financial advice, consumer credit and payment services. It deals with firms that sell unsuitable products or services to consumers, mishandle client money and assets, or have governance and systemic issues. It also investigates financial crime matters and takes action against individuals under SMCR, APER and/or fitness and properness regimes. The successful candidate will be a member of the Division’s senior leadership team and will support and challenge others to deliver the Division’s responsibilities (which include Market Oversight and Intelligence). The candidate will work collaboratively to ensure the Division offers staff a high-performance environment and continuously improves efficiency and innovation while contributing to FCA leadership and strategy.
The Main Responsibilities Of The Post Holder Will Include
* Lead and motivate a diverse multi-disciplinary department of investigators.
* Build a strong and inclusive department that attracts and develops diverse talent in support of the FCA’s diversity, equality and inclusion commitments.
* Actively manage and deliver a varied caseload of ongoing investigations at different stages and tight timeframes, ensuring fair, effective, efficient delivery with value for money.
* Collaborate with other enforcement HoDs to support the Director in delivering Retail enforcement expertise to the FCA.
* Be accountable for divisional budget and resource management decisions as part of the senior divisional leadership team.
* Drive a culture of high performance using coaching, influencing, and negotiating with internal and external stakeholders.
* Set the strategic direction of the department and contribute to the Division’s strategic direction.
* Lead negotiations in high-profile and sometimes controversial cases.
* Contribute to the FCA’s strategic development, including participation on programme and project boards across the organisation.
Skills/Experience Required
Minimum
* Strong people management and leadership experience with the ability to lead, motivate and inspire large teams and address performance issues to build high-performing teams.
* Extensive experience leading complex investigations.
* Excellent stakeholder management skills with evidence of influencing internally and externally.
* Ability to drive change and improve processes, delivering value for money and innovation.
* Understanding of the regulatory and political environment in which the FCA operates.
Essential
* Good technical understanding of the UK regulatory framework and the FCA’s powers and policies related to investigation and enforcement, including criminal investigations and prosecutions.
* Negotiation and influencing skills for internal and external use.
* Budget management experience and experience managing external resources and multi-disciplinary teams.
* Ability to form strong working relationships across different business areas and to set joint goals for delivery.
* Resilience and the ability to make rapid, balanced decisions.
* High personal resilience with a track record of delivering results against business priorities.
Values & Diversity
We aim to create a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the society we serve. The FCA is committed to achieving greater diversity and welcomes applications from women, disabled and minority ethnic candidates. We are open to flexible working arrangements; please inform your recruiter if you wish to apply on a flexible basis. The FCA’s vacancies are open to working in London, Edinburgh or Leeds offices, with travel to the London office where needed.
Application Support
We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments so you can focus on the recruitment process. If you have accessibility requirements, please contact your recruiter to discuss arrangements.
Benefits
Our benefits scheme lets you tailor a package to your lifecycle, including options such as dental or cycle to work, or opting to top up salary as cash. Core benefits include:
* 30 days holiday per year plus bank holidays
* Private healthcare with Bupa
* Non-contributory pension of at least 8% of basic salary (up to 12% with age)
* Life assurance of eight times base salary
* Income protection
Conflicts of Interest
All applicants must demonstrate no conflicts likely to affect responsibilities. Declare potential conflicts early in the process; these may be explored in interviews. Conflicts will not necessarily disqualify applicants.
Useful information
* Closing date: 23:55 on Sunday 15 February 2026
* Selection via two-stage interview and psychometric assessment
* Role can be London, Edinburgh or Leeds based; if based in Edinburgh or Leeds, travel to London is required
* Salary: London £130,000–£165,000; National £118,000–£148,500
* If successful, you will be required to obtain and retain SC Clearance
* Hybrid working model: minimum 40% in office (50% for senior leaders); from Sept 2026, minimum 50% in office; Exec Directors/Directors 60% per month
* This recruitment may also serve as pipeline for future talent
To apply, submit your CV and cover letter via the FCA careers page (Workday). We are unable to accept applications by email. For further information, contact Roy Bingcang – Roy.Bingcang@fca.org.uk
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