Head of Department, Capital Markets

About the role

An exciting opportunity has arisen to take on the role of Head of Department for Capital Markets in SPC . The Capital Markets Department plays a pivotal role at the heart of the UK's wholesale financial markets. The department is part of the Infrastructure & Exchanges Directorate within the wholesale markets area of Supervision, Policy and Competition (SPC). In broad terms our role is to set rules that govern how financial markets operate and also to supervise firms that are active in those markets. Specifically, t he Capital Markets department is responsible for supervision of benchmark administrators and credit rating agencies ; and policy in respect of primary markets, post-trade arrangements , market abuse, short selling, wholesale crypto , benchmarks and credit ratings . The Department is play ing a central role in delivering the FCA's strategic priorit ies , particularly to support economic growth and be a smarter regulator . The UK occupies a pivotal position in global financial markets, being the second biggest global financial hub and first in the world for international debt issuance and foreign exchange trading. As part of our work to strengthen UK markets, we have been delivering an exciting programme of capital markets reforms, including the biggest listing rule changes for decades, major shifts in prospectus rules and a new public offer regime. This high- priority work to enhance UK capital markets will continue into the FCA's new Strategy, as it plays a key role in supporting innovation and growth. The opportunity has arisen to work as the Head of Capital Markets . Critical aspects of this important role are to : assess how to continue build ing UK capital markets ' capability ; find the right balance between risk and growth ; and how to grow digital capabilities. This will require UK capital market expertise and strong leadership skills as we build out our teams and capabilities. The Head of Department will also work collaboratively across the FCA and engage closely with other regulatory agencies and with a broad range of stakeholders across industry . This is a unique opportunity to feed directly into the FCA's strategic priority to strengthen UK wholesale markets and support innovation and economic growth at a critical time. What will the candidate get from the role? Joining the Senior Leadership Team at the FCA during an exciting and challenging time of great change in financial services and its regulation . Leading a department o f talented and committed people through significant projects whilst also delivering on business-as-usual objectives . Exposure to strategic issues and key players in the world of finance, both nationally and internationally .

Responsibilities

• Leading the continued development and delivery of the FCA's ca pital market priorities through a period of significant change and development. This could involve assessing relative priorities in light of external events.
• Lead the further development and delivery of our s upervisory s trategies for credit rating agencies and benchmark providers , including in light of the on-going evolution in the FCA's supervisory approach .
• Developing our capabilities and understanding of markets through use of d ata an

Benefits

Additional Information

Head of Capital Markets Department About the FCA 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 currently on an exciting journey as we drive forward significant organisational, people, process, and technology transformation to become a more forward-thinking, proactive regulator. We will use data more effectively to drive better regulatory decisions and build greater cohesion across our broad financial services remit. Significant improvements in digital enablement, business intelligence, market data and information management maturity are all being pursued to maintain our position as a world leader in financial services regulation. In March 2025, the FCA launched a new 5-year strategy to deepen trust, rebalance risk, support growth and improve lives. The FCA will focus on four priorities: Be a smarter regulator; predictable, purposeful and proportionate. The FCA will improve its processes and embrace technology to become more efficient and effective. Support sustained economic growth, by enabling investment, innovation and ensuring the continued competitiveness of the UK's world-leading financial services. Help consumers navigate their financial lives by working with industry to boost trust, product innovation and ensuring the right information and support is available for people to take financial decisions. Fight financial crime, focusing on those who seek to use the fact they are regulated to do harm. It will go further to disrupt criminals and support firms to be an effective line of defence.

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