Lead Model Validation Analyst

London

71 Queen Victoria Street, London, EC4V 4AY

Full time

Hybrid

Risk

Small businesses are the backbone of the economy, and we’re here to help them win. We’ve built a platform that uses clever data to get them the funding they need in minutes, not weeks.

At Funding Circle, we have the restless energy of a fintech start-up with the stability of a public company. It’s a unique mix that gives Circlers the autonomy to take ownership and the scale to make an impact that truly counts.

We’re a high-performing team that chooses to lift each other up. We challenge, we champion, and we have each other’s backs - because we know that when we stand together, we move faster and build better.

The impact is real: Last year alone, the businesses on our platform generated £7.2bn for the UK economy 📈 Come and join a mission that matters!

[Read our Impact Report] | [See our Trustpilot]

📍 London (Hybrid) | 🤝 3 days in the office | 💰 Competitive Salary + Benefits

This role is a key part of our Second Line Credit Risk Team, which provides independent oversight of the credit strategies and models developed by our First Line teams.

We are seeking a Lead Model Validation Analyst to independently review and validate a wide range of financial models, including those for marketing, acquisitions, customer management, and impairment provisioning. This is a critical position to ensure our models are robust, accurate, and compliant with regulatory standards.

• Perform independent validation of all key models used by the business. This involves assessing the model's conceptual soundness, data integrity, and implementation

• Work closely with model developers and business units to address model risks and ensure timely resolution of identified issues

• Provide oversight for ongoing model performance monitoring and recalibration activities

• Prepare comprehensive validation reports detailing the review process, findings, and recommendations. Communicate these findings effectively to model owners, developers, and senior management

• Ensure all validation activities and model documentation comply with internal policies and external regulatory guidance

• Contribute to the enhancement of the model validation framework and methodologies to keep pace with industry best practices and evolving regulatory requirements

We value deep expertise, but a growth mindset and good energy are what really make our team click. We’re a group that chooses to lift each other up and think smart every day.

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in a quantitative field such as Finance, Economics, Statistics, Mathematics, or Computer Science. A Ph.D. is a plus

• 7+ years of experience in model development, model validation, or a related quantitative risk management role, preferably within the financial services industry

• Strong knowledge of financial products, risk management principles, and statistical modeling techniques

• Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment, fostering strong partnerships with stakeholders to resolve model challenges

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, able to work independently with minimal guidance

• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders

• Proficiency in programming languages such as SQL, Python, R

• Familiarity with regulatory guidance on model risk management, such as IFRS9

• Able to take ownership of redesigning departmental workflows, using AI to automate complex tasks and drive operational efficiency

• Competently able to Identify high-impact AI use cases and implement advanced prompting techniques to solve multi-layered business challenges

We’re building a place where everyone truly feels they belong. Even if your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every requirement, we'd still love to hear from you.

We back you to build an incredible career. As a flexible-first employer, we use a "best of both" approach. We’ll see you in our London office to collaborate – with barista coffee and subsidised Just Eat lunches on us!

Our Circler Proposition focuses on five areas:

• Flexibility: We provide a benefit allowance you can tailor to your own life and family.

• Health: This includes private medical and dental, health assessments, and access to a digital GP.

• Wealth: We offer life assurance, share schemes, and financial coaching.

• Development: You get a dedicated annual learning allowance to help you level up.

• Lifestyle: We have electric car and cycle-to-work schemes, plus season ticket loans.

We also have award-winning parental leave policies. We're here to support you through the big life moments, from fertility treatments to new additions to the family.