Jonathan Pallant
Current Employer/Organisation Name
Financial Services Compensation Scheme
What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?
I have been working in the public and private sector, primarily concerning public affairs within the financial services sector. I am now the Head of Stakeholder and Public Affairs for the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. As part of the senior leadership team, I have responsibility for the organisation’s external affairs, advising my CEO and Board, and also for FSCS’s international liaison work. I previously worked in regulatory affairs at the World Federation of Exchanges – the global body for stock exchanges and clearing houses. As part of this work I engaged with international and national regulators to help shape policy and legislation. This covered a number of topics, such as digital assets (particularly crypto and stablecoin), risk management, cyber security and Fintech, as well as general financial regulation. Prior to joining the World Federation of Exchanges, I held senior roles with the City of London Corporation, the governing body for London’s financial district, leading teams on policy engagement and advocacy for the City of London with the European Union and the 27 Member States. During this time I worked with the Foreign Office and other relevant Government Departments. I was later appointed the City’s senior policy adviser for international markets. Prior to this, I worked in the private office of the Lord Mayor of London and in the City’s Parliamentary affairs department – regarding anything from policing or local government through to technical financial legislation.
Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?
I studied Politics at University and always found it the most interesting of subject matter as it was not only such an integral matter to how people live their lives but also that it is very forward looking – unlike a lot of arts subjects. As a result, I went straight to working in politics, although I was less interested in working for a political party. I enjoy the fast moving and vibrant nature of the work and being involved in foremost in the headlines but also in how issues can be improved to the betterment of the lives of the public.
Please tell us if you were a member of any societies, groups or sports clubs?
I was a member of a number of societies and sports clubs, including the politics society and rifle club.
What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?
The variety of the subject matters available, including the ability to study other related modules, such as economics. I found my dissertation to have been a particularly enjoyable research project, as well as other projects which enabled me to interview politicians in support of my work.
What did you enjoy most about studying here?
The balance between social and study, as well as the variety of modules available.
Why did you choose to study at Exeter?
A respected institution, well regarded for Politics as a discipline and being in part of the world that I would not otherwise have spent much time in, as opposed to London where I would likely spend much of my working life.
What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?
Work experience at a young age and specific knowledge for the type of work I wanted to enter.
What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?
To gain as much experience as possible ahead of application to the workplace. Whether that be in volunteering for local MPs’ offices or think tanks – which are relevant to the pollical world.
What are your plans for the future?
I intend to remain working in financial services realm whether that is in the public or private sector.
