Accredited Financial Investigator

Accredited Financial Investigator

Division: Enforcement & Marked Oversight

Department: Proceeds of Crime

• Salary: Leeds ranging from £59,100 to £73,700 and London from £64,900 to £81,000 (salary offered will be based on skills and experience)

• This role is graded as: Lead Associate - Regulatory

• Your recruitment contact is Riley via [email protected]. Applications must be submitted through our online portal. Applications sent via social media or email will not be accepted.

About the FCA and team 

We regulate financial services firms in the UK, to keep financial markets fair, thriving and effective. By joining us, you’ll play a key part in protecting consumers, driving economic growth, and shaping the future of UK finance services.  

Enforcement & Market Oversight (EMO) is responsible for the FCA’s responsibilities for market monitoring, delivery of the functions of the UK Listing Authority (UKLA) and the investigation and prosecution of misconduct using the whole spectrum of criminal, civil and administrative sanctions and remedies against firms and individuals.

Sitting within the Wholesale and Unauthorised Business Investigations Directorate, the Proceeds of Crime Team investigates and recovers criminal assets under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and related legislation, supporting the FCA’s efforts to disrupt financial crime and protect market integrity.

Role responsibilities

• Responsibility for managing and undertaking all types of investigations under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, including drafting witness statements and applications for investigative orders, restraint orders, civil freezing orders, confiscation and asset forfeiture applications, obtaining, analysing, presenting and evidencing financial and other data (including from overseas), dealing with CPIA, evidential reviews, interviewing of suspects and witnesses, giving evidence in court when necessary, managing and planning search operations and / or other high value asset seizures

• Line management responsibility for up to three Associate level AFIs / FIOs, including supporting, coaching, mentoring and giving practical advice, addressing training / performance issues where appropriate, monitoring and regulating accreditation and CPD activities of junior staff

• Advising and training FCA colleagues on all aspects of Proceeds of Crime and associated work, attending and participating in a range of Proceeds of Crime related for a across Whitehall, law enforcement partner agencies and the private sector, including practitioner level working groups and deputising for the Team Manager as necessary

Skills required 

Minimum:

• Prior experience as an accredited Financial Investigator and Confiscator (POCC/NCA) with Part 2 and Part 8 powers, demonstrating extensive experience in leading and conducting confiscation, civil, and money laundering investigations in line with POCA, including liaison with external partners on legislation and best practice

• Demonstrable experience of using a wide range of investigative tools and legislation—MLAT, POCA, DPA, RIPA/IPA, PACE, CPIA—together with an understanding of relevant jurisprudence (trust, contract, property, crime, company, insolvency) and associated procedure rules

• Demonstrable experience of tutoring, coaching and mentoring AFIs, as well as managing staff performance and training to maintain and enhance POC team capabilities

Essential:

• Sound knowledge of the Serious Crime Act 2015, the Criminal Finances Act 2017, the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, the Crime and Policing Bill and their impact on POC work at the FCA

• Current experience of the legal obligations under Data Protection Act 2018, PACE, RIPA / IPA, Human Rights Act and CPIA

• The willingness to exercise your own judgement and initiative

• Ability to adjust leadership style to suit different situations and communicate effectively with senior leadership and lead a team in time-sensitive, complex investigative work

• Advanced analytical and investigative skills, advanced drafting skills, communication and interpersonal skills

• A positive, motivated mindset and the ability to perform effectively while meeting demanding deadlines

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

• Hybrid model where employees work a minimum of 40% in the office each month (expectation of 50% for senior leaders). Changing from September to a minimum of 50% in the office each month (expectation of 60% for Directors and Executive Directors)

• Non-contributory pension (8–12% depending on age) and life assurance at eight times your salary

• Private healthcare with Bupa, income protection, and 24/7 Employee Assistance

• 35 hours of paid volunteering annually

• A flexible benefits scheme designed around your lifestyle

For a full list of our benefits, and our recruitment process as a whole visit our benefits page.

Our values & culture

Our colleagues are the key to our success as a regulator. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture: one that’s free from discrimination and bias, celebrates difference, and supports colleagues to deliver at their best. We believe that our differences and similarities enable us to be a better organisation – one that makes better decisions, drives innovation, and delivers better regulation.

If you require any adjustments due to a disability or condition, your recruiter is here to help - reach out for tailored support.

We welcome diverse working styles and aim to find flexible solutions that suit both the role and individual needs, including options like part-time and job sharing where applicable.
 

Disability Confident: our hiring approach
We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, and therefore, people or individuals with disabilities and long-term conditions who best meet the minimum 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.
 

Useful information and timeline

• Advert Closing: 7th April

• CV Review/Shortlist: 9th April

• Case study: From the 17th April

• Interviews: w/c 27th April

• Your Recruiter will discuss the process in detail with you during screening for the role, therefore, please make them aware if you are going to be unavailable for any date during this time.  

• SC Clearance is required for this role (SC Guidance) - you will hold or will be required to obtain Security Check (SC) level vetting.