Financial Services Consumer Panel Members

FCA Financial Services Consumer Panel ​ Vacancies for Panel Members An exciting opportunity has arisen for high performing individuals with expertise in financial services and consumer policy to join the Financial Services Consumer Panel (the Panel). About the FCA The Financial Conduct Authority is the conduct regulator for nearly 42,000 financial services firms and financial markets in the UK and the prudential supervisor for 41,000 firms, setting specific standards for 17,000 firms. The FCA’s strategic objective is to make sure relevant markets function well and has outlined how it will achieve this in its 5-year strategy . Its operational objectives are to protect consumers, protect the integrity of the UK financial system and to promote effective competition in the interests of consumers. It also has a secondary objective to facilitate the international competitiveness and growth of the UK economy in the medium to long term. The role of the Panel The Panel is established under statute and is independent of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). It represents the interests of consumers of financial services (including small business consumers) to the FCA. Its vision is for financial services markets to work well for consumers. Its role is to ensure that the consumer interest is considered as part of the FCA’s policy development and implementation. Panel members offer constructive advice and challenge to help the FCA deliver its strategic and operational objectives throughout the policy cycle.  They engage with the FCA at all levels, including the Chair, CEO and Executive Committee, to help shape the regulator’s policies, rules and responses to live issues that impact financial services consumers. The Panel is supported by a Secretariat provided by the FCA. Membership of the Panel is made by individual appointment. Panel members do not represent any one organisation or business. Further details about the Panel’s work and its current membership can be found on the Panel's website . The roles The FCA is looking to appoint two new members to replace outgoing Panel members. Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate significant expertise and experience in one or more of the following areas: Consumer engagement and behavioural insights Innovation, technology and AI Fintech and digital markets Retail banking Investment Payments Academic research The roles require an affinity with the interests and concerns of consumers from across all socio-economic and demographic backgrounds and small businesses, and the ability to analyse new initiatives and policy across the breadth of the FCA’s activities from the consumer perspective. In addition, they should be able to demonstrate: A strong interest in, or track record of representing the interests of consumers from across society, including those with vulnerable characteristics Demonstrable experience of policy development in financial services, with a track record of providing advice or constructive challenge to senior officials A sound understanding of the FCA’s role and objectives and the impact of FCA policy and regulation on financial services and, by extension, on consumers, and the ability to quickly grasp a wide range of complex financial issues. Self-motivated and able to independently manage and prioritise their workload and time effectively. Strong analytical and drafting skills and the ability to engage, collaborate and communicate effectively with FCA and other stakeholders at all levels, including at Board and Executive Committee level. A commitment to diversity and inclusion and to reflecting the diversity of consumers’ lives. The ability to act in an independent advisory capacity and to respect the confidential nature of discussions. We would also welcome candidates from the devolved nations with an understanding of how these devolved powers impact policies, public services and consumers. We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer , and therefore, people or individuals with disabilities and long-term conditions who best meet the criteria for a role will go through to the next stage of the recruitment process. In cases of high application volumes we may progress applicants whose experience most closely matches the role’s key requirements. (To learn more about the Disability Confident Scheme Click Here ) Members are expected to attend twice-monthly formal Panel meetings (normally held on the first and third Wednesdays of each month, except in August) and other ad hoc meetings to discuss specific issues. Meetings include in-person meetings at the FCA’s offices in Stratford and on-line. Members should maintain expertise in a particular subject area, develop relevant networks and be accountable for leading on consultation responses and discussions on issues relating to that area, representing the Panel within the FCA and contributing to projects and the Panel’s forward agenda. Appointments are made by the FCA Board, usually for a term of three