Policy Adviser, Cryptoassets

Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to develop specialist expertise in cryptoassets? If so, we’d love to hear from you !

About the Team

The Cryptoassets Unit leads on HM Treasury policy development for cryptoassets as financial services, including work to update the UK's regulatory framework address the risks and opportunities posed by this new asset class. The Unit consists of one Grade 6/E2, two Grade 7s/E, one HEO, and one SEO (the post being advertised here). We sit within a welcoming, friendly wider Payments and Fintech (PAF) team within the HMT Financial Services Group. The PAF team leads on:

•                    payments systems and services policy, including all the ways you can make a payment, such as cash, card, and the 'plumbing' which enables the payment to be made.

•                    financial technology innovation, known as 'FinTech', which refers to both technological innovation across financial services (such as Open Banking) and to a specific group of firms that combine innovative business models with technology to enable, improve, and disrupt the financial services sector; and

•                    financial services policy for cryptoassets.

About the Job

Cryptoassets have become a high-profile issue within financial services. They have significant implications for consumers and the financial system more broadly. The post holder will join a high-performing team advising ministers on how best to manage these rapid developments and deliver a regulatory framework fit for the future.

The successful candidate will support the Cryptoasset Unit’s objective to advance the UK's thinking on cryptoasset policy and supporting the safe adoption of new technology. Key post holder accountabilities could include:

•                    Policy development: In a fast-evolving sector. You will work with others in the branch to formulate policy proactively and in response to international and domestic developments. This will also include actively monitoring developments in the cryptoassets space to identify and respond to emerging issues (for example, the emergence of decentralised finance – or Defi - financial products and services built on the blockchain).

•                    Producing legislation: The role is expected to involve substantial legislative work to update the UK’s framework for financial services regulation, to ensure that consumers are protected from the worst harms associated with cryptoasset investment, and that the UK has the right conditions for cryptoassets firms to innovate and grow.

•                    Engaging externally: Ongoing engagement with the cryptoasset sector is an important part of this role, in order to build expertise and ensure that HMT policy reflects the latest sector developments. The role also involves close working with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Bank of England, with which you will need to build and maintain robust functional networks.

•                    Advising ministers: The postholder will be responsible for briefing Treasury ministers, both in writing and verbally, to assist Ministers with decisions on cryptoasset policy and in dealing with parliamentary, media, and external engagement.

About You

Experience of working in or studying the field of digital currencies, Fintech, economics or financial services regulation would be desirable but is not crucial, as is a curiosity about developing personal expertise and understanding of cryptoassets!

You will be able to work optimally with professional partners both internally and externally to deliver complex policy outcomes; demonstrate the ability to use evidence and knowledge to support accurate, expert decisions and advice and take ownership for delivering timely and quality results with focus and drive.

Some of the Benefits our people love!

·        25 days annual leave (rising to 30 after 5 years), plus 8 public holidays and the King’s birthday (unless you have a legacy arrangement as an existing Civil Servant). Additionally, we operate flexitime systems, allowing employees to take up to an additional 2 days off each month

·        Flexible working patterns (part-time, job-share, condensed hours)

·        Generous parental and adoption leave packages

·        Access to a generous Defined Benefit pension scheme with employer contributions of 28%

·        Access to a cycle-to-work salary sacrifice scheme and season ticket advances

·        A range of active staff networks, based around interests (e.g. analysts, music society, sports and social club) and diversity

For more information about the role and how to apply, please follow the apply link.

If you need any reasonable adjustments to take part in the selection process, please tell us about this in your online application form