The Financial Conduct Authority is recruiting graduates for its 2027 Regulatory Graduate Programme in Leeds, UK. The two-year programme pays £33,600 annually. Apply by November 2026.
Background & Job Description
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is inviting applications for its 2027 Regulatory Graduate Programme in Leeds, United Kingdom. The two-year rotational programme offers graduates the opportunity to develop professional skills and gain experience across different areas of financial regulation.
The FCA regulates financial services to help keep markets fair, protect consumers and support the UK economy. Graduate participants will contribute to important regulatory work while learning about financial services, regulatory frameworks and consumer protection.
The programme includes three rotations: two six-month placements during the first year, followed by a 12-month placement in the second year.
Opportunity Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization | Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) |
| Programme | 2027 Regulatory Graduate Programme |
| Location | Leeds, United Kingdom |
| Duration | Two years |
| Work arrangement | Minimum 50% office attendance each month |
| Annual salary | £33,600 |
| Degree requirement | At least a 2:1, or expected equivalent, in any discipline |
| Eligibility | Graduates and final-year students |
| Job reference | JR0022584 |
| Application deadline | Late November 2026 — confirm the exact date |
| Official application | Apply through FCA Careers |
Tasks
Graduate participants will rotate across teams and develop an understanding of financial regulation throughout the regulatory lifecycle.
Depending on their placements, they may gain experience in authorisations, policy, supervision, market oversight, enforcement, risk management and compliance.
Responsibilities may include supporting consumer protection work, contributing to regulatory policy, helping supervise financial firms, supporting investigations and producing insights to inform strategic decisions.
The programme aims to help graduates build technical knowledge alongside professional skills in judgement, stakeholder engagement, self-management and delivery.
Qualifications (Education and Certification, Experience)
Education Requirements
Applicants must have obtained, or be on track to obtain, a degree at 2:1 level or above in any discipline.
To qualify for the 2027 programme, candidates must either have already graduated or be in their final year of study.
Skills and Competencies
The FCA seeks candidates who are curious, motivated and eager to learn. Applicants should demonstrate an interest in developing new skills, building professional relationships and using data and evidence to solve complex problems.
The programme welcomes graduates from different academic backgrounds and provides structured learning and practical guidance to help them develop regulatory expertise.
Right to Work in the UK
Graduate offers depend on applicants obtaining and maintaining the right to work in the United Kingdom for the full duration of the programme.
Candidates should review the applicable work-authorisation requirements before applying.
Additional Information
Salary and Benefits
The advertised annual salary is £33,600.
The benefits package includes:
- 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays.
- A non-contributory pension, listed at 8–12% depending on age.
- Life assurance at eight times salary.
- Private healthcare through Bupa.
- Income protection and employee assistance services.
- 35 hours of paid volunteering each year.
- Wellbeing resources and support.
- Sports and social clubs, free eye tests and a subsidised restaurant.
- Interest-free season ticket loans.
Training and Career Development
The two-year programme combines meaningful work experience with structured professional development.
Graduates receive tailored induction and specialist training, access to professional development programmes, opportunities to meet senior leaders, and networking events with other graduates.
Their first two rotations will be confirmed before they join. The final rotation will take account of their interests, strengths and career plans alongside FCA business priorities.
Application Deadline
The supplied vacancy information contains two different closing dates. The job listing displays 30 November 2026, while the application instructions specify midnight on Sunday, 29 November 2026.
Applicants should confirm the closing date on the official FCA application page and apply early, as the vacancy may close before the stated deadline if applications are high.
How to Apply
Candidates must apply online through the official FCA recruitment portal.
Apply for the FCA Regulatory Graduate Programme 2027 in Leeds
The FCA permits only one application to an Early Careers programme within any six-month period, so candidates should consider their preferred programme carefully.
Important: The FCA states that application materials and assessment submissions must be the candidate’s own work. Responses generated by AI tools or similar software are not permitted for submissions. Applicants should follow the official instructions and complete all assessments independently.
For questions, contact early.careers@fca.org.uk.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the FCA Regulatory Graduate Programme 2027?
It is a two-year rotational programme designed to develop graduates’ knowledge and experience in financial regulation.
2. How much does the programme pay?
The advertised annual salary is £33,600.
3. Where is the graduate programme based?
This vacancy is based in Leeds, United Kingdom.
4. What degree is required?
Applicants need a degree at 2:1 level or above, or must be on track to achieve that result. Any academic discipline is accepted.
5. Can final-year university students apply?
Yes. Applicants must either have graduated already or be in their final year of study.
6. What benefits are included?
Benefits include annual leave, pension contributions, life assurance, private healthcare, income protection, paid volunteering and other wellbeing benefits.
7. Can international students apply?
Applicants must obtain and maintain the right to work in the UK throughout the programme. Candidates should review their eligibility before submitting an application.
8. When is the application deadline?
The vacancy page shows 30 November 2026, while the application instructions state midnight on 29 November 2026. Candidates should confirm the exact deadline on the official portal.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
This programme may suit graduates from any discipline who want to build a career in financial regulation, consumer protection and market oversight. Its rotational structure, competitive salary and professional development opportunities offer a pathway into the FCA’s Regulatory profession.
Applicants should confirm the application deadline, check their right-to-work eligibility and ensure all application and assessment submissions comply with the FCA’s requirement that candidates complete their work independently.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares external career opportunities for informational purposes. It is not affiliated with the Financial Conduct Authority and does not manage recruitment or selection decisions. Applicants should verify all details through the official FCA careers portal.
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