The Financial Conduct Authority is putting down roots in the north of England and looking to hire more than 100 people to fill newly-created jobs in the city of Leeds.
The news comes a year after the watchdog unveiled plans to become less London-centric by basing staff in Cardiff, Belfast and Leeds – in addition to its strengthening its existing presence in Edinburgh by doubling headcount in the Scottish capital to 200.
The Leeds offices will be based at Queen Street, which lies in the heart of the business district, the FCA said. Its doors will open in September and the premises will house the regulator’s digital delivery centre, alongside other key business teams.
The recruitment of data and technology staff is a priority for the watchdog, it added.
William Hague, director of change and transformation at the FCA, is leading the establishment of the office, with Phil Nixon appointed head of the digital delivery centre.
FCA chief executive Nikhil Rathi (pictured) said: “As a national regulator, it is vital we have a truly national footprint. That means having colleagues 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.”
