FCA to create 100 jobs with new Leeds office

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is set to open a new office in Leeds, creating up to 100 new jobs.

The new office will be located at 6 Queen Street and is currently set to launch in September.

William Hague, Director of Change and Transformation at the FCA, is set to lead the establishment of the office, while Phil Nixon has been appointed as Head of the Digital Delivery Centre. 

Nikhil Rathi, chief executive of the FCA, said it is vital that his organisation has a “truly national footprint” and that it has employees in all parts of the UK.

'I’m delighted that we’re moving a step closer to opening our new Leeds office, in a city with a growing reputation as a digital and tech hub,' added Rathi.

The location will also house the FCA’s Digital Delivery Centre, alongside other FCA business teams.

Leeds is not the only regional hub that is seeing more investment from the FCA.

The FCA’s Edinburgh office recently saw its numbers boosted to around 200, with new hires in its data and technology division.

The regulator also established a footprint in Belfast, and Cardiff earlier this year.

The announcement comes despite the FCA’s headcount falling nationwide

Numbers at the regulator fell 4 per cent to 3,791 during the 2021/22 financial year, which it attributed to challenges related to recruitment.

Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, said the council has worked hard to make Leeds an attractive target for businesses and organisations, saying the city has resilient financial, digital, and tech sectors and a diverse selection of local talent. 

“We look forward to welcoming the FCA to the city,” Lewis added.