Position title

Interim FCA Authorisation Lead (E-Money and Payments) – Remote, Cambridgeshire Onboarding

Description

FD Capital is recruiting an experienced Interim FCA Authorisation Lead for an established UK technology business based in Cambridgeshire. The business is setting up a new entity to be authorised by the FCA as an electronic money institution with payment services permissions.

This is a hands-on, end-to-end role. A gap analysis has been completed and the board has approved the e-money route. The business now needs a specialist to own the programme from start to finish: building the regulatory framework, preparing and submitting the application, managing FCA engagement and securing authorisation. The work is at an early stage, so you will build policies, processes and controls rather than finish someone else’s work.

The assignment runs for around 12 months, with authorisation targeted by November 2027. It is one day a week, with some flexibility for additional days around the FCA application. You will be on site in Cambridgeshire for the initial onboarding only, with travel and accommodation covered, and fully remote after that. The role is paid on a day rate with a rolling notice period. After authorisation there may be scope to stay on in a compliance oversight or MLRO capacity.

Responsibilities

Lead the full FCA authorisation programme for e-money issuance and payment services, from readiness through to approval
Design and implement the compliance policies, processes and controls the new entity needs, and assess internal resource and future hiring needs
Prepare and submit the FCA application, including the business plan, regulatory documentation and governance arrangements
Coordinate the individual approvals for directors, persons responsible for management and the MLRO, and put the supporting governance in place
Act as the lead point of contact with the FCA during assessment, managing questions and information requests through to a decision
Implement safeguarding arrangements, including designated safeguarding accounts, daily reconciliation and the ledger and reconciliation platform, in line with the FCA’s current safeguarding requirements
Make sure policies, controls and training are in place, embedded and tested
Lead the client migration plan through to the first migration wave, or an agreed handover to the business-as-usual owner
Upskill the in-house information security and data privacy team on regulatory requirements
Report progress to the board and coordinate several workstreams independently

Qualifications

Has personally led at least one UK e-money institution or authorised payment institution through FCA authorisation, end to end
Strong knowledge of the Electronic Money Regulations, Payment Services Regulations and the FCA’s safeguarding regime
Hands-on experience implementing safeguarding, reconciliation processes and supporting systems
Has built compliance policy and control frameworks from first principles, including staff training
Credible with the FCA, with a track record of high-quality applications and effective regulatory engagement
Experience of AML and financial crime frameworks; MLRO experience is an advantage
Able to lead independently, with strong project management and board-level stakeholder skills
Experience of client migration onto a newly authorised entity, or of public sector, voucher or prepaid propositions, is desirable
Able to attend Cambridgeshire for the initial onboarding

Job Benefits

Competitive day rate, dependent on experience
Around 12-month interim engagement with a rolling notice period
Fully remote after the initial on-site onboarding, with travel and accommodation covered
One day a week, with flexibility around the FCA application
Full ownership of a high-profile authorisation programme from the ground up
Potential to stay on after authorisation in a compliance oversight or MLRO capacity
Supportive board that has already committed to the e-money route

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