Director of Risk

Financial Conduct Authority

Location: London / Leeds / Edinburgh

The FCA is committed to creating a fair and more resilient financial system, establishing transparent relationships between financial services and customers, building trust in financial markets, and protecting vulnerable consumers.

The FCA is on an exciting journey as they drive forward significant organisational, people, process, and technology transformation to become a more forward-thinking, proactive regulator. Significant improvements in digital enablement, business intelligence, market data, and information management maturity are being pursued to maintain their position as a world leader in financial services regulation.

We are partnering with the FCA to appoint a Director of Risk, a key role within the Risk & Compliance Oversight Directorate. This role will report directly to Stephen Braviner Roman, General Counsel and Chief Risk Officer.

The Role

We are looking for an influential and skilled Director of Risk to lead and mature the Risk Management and Risk Appetite Framework. This senior leadership role will ensure that risks within the FCA are appropriately managed, helping to maintain a balance between risk and opportunity and aligning with the FCA’s overarching objectives and business plan.

As part of the FCA’s Second Line of Defence, the role involves leading the Risk Assurance team and collaborating with senior management to oversee operational, execution and public confidence risks. The role holder will provide high-level oversight and strategic guidance, ensuring that the FCA continuously improves its risk management capabilities and adheres to its risk appetite in its decision-making processes.

What will you get from the role?

• You will be part of the Senior Leadership Team at the FCA, shaping and leading the risk strategy at a crucial time of transformation.
• You will be responsible for managing key risks across the FCA and working directly with senior leaders, helping them make informed risk-based decisions.
• You will work across various functions to integrate risk into the overall strategic direction of the FCA.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Risk Management Framework and Risk Appetite Framework, ensuring that risk management practices are aligned with the FCA’s objectives.
• Report regularly to senior committees, including ExCo and Board Risk Committees, providing evidence-based insights into the organisation's risk profile.
• Partner with other departments, such as DTI, Cyber, Change, and CPO, to ensure that risk is embedded in their decision-making processes.
• Champion risk transparency, ensuring clear communication of risks and controls across the organisation.
• Lead the Risk Assurance team, delivering risk-based assurance plans to assess the effectiveness of key controls and mitigation strategies.
• Guide the development and execution of major risk projects, including refining the FCA’s risk appetite and driving initiatives to optimise the risk and control environment.

Skills & Experience Required

Minimum

• Extensive senior-level experience with a second line of defence function, operating at organisational or enterprise scale 
• Significant experience within financial services and/or a regulatory environment, with accountability for material risk outcomes 
• Proven experience of leading and developing senior professionals, including setting direction, managing complexity and building capability 
• Experience exercising independent judgement and influence in high‑scrutiny environments, including challenge of senior stakeholders 
• Demonstrable experience of operating within complex governance frameworks, with exposure to Board-level or equivalent decision-making forums 

Essential

• Strong problem solving, communication and influencing capabilities  
• Exceptional stakeholder management skills, including demonstrable ability to influence senior leaders, both inside and outside the regulatory system.  
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to balance creative challenge and pragmatism.  
• Role model strong leadership behaviours in line with the FCA values and capabilities, and delivering cross-organisational priorities.  
• Strong subject matter expertise in risk management and compliance, and in developing and operating associated frameworks in different contexts, including how they can support the strategy of an organisation  
• Experience in reporting to and working with Board and Board Risk Committees   
• Deep expertise in the three lines of defence model, with the ability to adapt this experience to a regulator if gained in another context  
• Strong experience of using insights from second line of defence functions to inform and shape continuous improvement in the first line 

Desirable

• Familiarity with external risk environments, including political and media factors.
• Experience in managing data protection and privacy issues.

The FCA’s Values & Diversity

The FCA is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the society we serve. We believe diversity strengthens our ability to regulate and contributes to better decision-making.

The FCA particularly welcomes applications from women, disabled, and minority ethnic candidates, as these groups are underrepresented. We are open to considering flexible working arrangements, including job shares. Please inform your recruiter if you wish to apply for this role on a flexible basis.

Application Support

We are committed to providing a wide range of reasonable adjustments to remove barriers in the recruitment process. If you have an accessibility requirement or need changes to the recruitment process, please reach out to your recruiter for assistance.

Salary & Benefits

• Salary range of £200,000 to £260,000 (London) / £180,000 to £234,000 (National) + benefits and up to 12% non-contributory pension.
• A minimum of 60% office presence for Directors (from September 2026).
• This role can be based in London, Leeds, or Edinburgh.
• Selection Process: Two-stage interview and psychometric assessment.

The FCA has retained Green Park Executive Search to advise on this appointment. For further information please view our candidate pack here: Candidate Pack - FCA - Risk Director

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and cover letter in the link below.

Deadline for applications: 23:55 Sunday 24th May 2026