Analyst, Capital Markets & Wholesale

Job Purpose

UK Finance is the collective voice for the banking and finance industry and represents around 300 firms across the industry. The Capital Markets & Wholesale team at UK Finance focuses on the matters relevant to wholesale banks and the capital markets. This sector is the driving force behind the UK’s international financial services success post-Brexit. This team at UK Finance works closely on the reforms industry, policy makers and regulatory authorities are seeking to make to ensure and enhance the attractiveness of the UK’s financial services sector.

The analyst will be responsible for providing policy and research support across the UK Finance Capital Markets and Wholesale workstream. This will involve working closely with the Capital Markets and Wholesale team to support the development and delivery of UK Finance policy positions and operational projects for our international and wholesale members.

The Capital Markets and Wholesale team has a wide remit across various financial services products and services and is also responsible for member relationships across a broad cross-section of UK Finance’s UK and international membership.

The post-holder is expected to support the delivery and management of (a) key member committees and working groups and (b) a portfolio of large projects around key themes impacting our members. This could include work spanning primary markets and corporate finance, secondary markets and post trade and cross-border policy items arising from international developments which impact our members. For example, by supporting responses to consultations and assisting members in navigating regulatory regimes. Policy topics could include supporting on advocacy relating to the FCA’s Handbook chapters and Knowledge Base guidance relating to company listings, public offers and disclosure, the CMA’s merger control regime, the new PISCES regime and the Cabinet Office’s National Security and Investment Act. The post holder will be expected to also be curious about policy areas which intersect with primary markets and corporate finance, which could include for example pensions, private markets, retail investment.

Over time it is expected that this initial portfolio will evolve, in line with the UK and the international regulatory agenda. It may also change with business and member needs and the post-holder’s experience. Consequently, the role is suitable for candidates with professional flexibility and a keen desire to learn.

Key Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include the following:

• Research and insights gathering. For example, monitoring and collating political and regulatory developments on relevant capital markets policies and developments.
• Supporting advocacy and engagement with key stakeholders, such as the UK regulators and HM Treasury.
• Supporting key committees and working groups such as Primary Markets Committee and Corporate Finance Committee and others as appropriate.
• Contributing to advocacy activity, which could include supporting the drafting of consultation responses and position papers.
• Harnessing the support of law firms to gain strong policy, regulatory and legislative insight.
• Preparing member updates on appropriate legislative and regulatory updates.
• Organising roundtables and events with members, government officials and think tanks.
• Supporting thought leadership.
• Producing briefings, member content, updates and newsletters.
• Working across UK Finance structures to ensure capital markets and wholesale activity is included in briefing registers and forward work programmes.

Skills and Competencies

In order to be considered for this role, it would be helpful to have the following:

• A strong interest in politics, regulatory affairs and financial services.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Diplomatic and tactful, able to build effective relationships.
• Strong writing skills and attention to detail, with an ability to convey complex messages effectively.
• Initiative, resourcefulness, and proactivity in approach. An enthusiastic ‘can-do’ attitude is essential.
• Excellent time management and organisational skills. An ability to multi-task and handle a number of projects and deadlines concurrently in a fast-moving policy environment.
• Strong research skills.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.

Qualifications

• At a minimum, requirement candidates must have obtained a 2.1 Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• Previous experience in the financial services industry and/or in policy related to banking, financial services or trading would be welcome but not necessary.

Right to work

Applicants must legally have the right to reside and work in the UK.