Head of Policy

About Yapily

Yapily is committed to fostering innovative financial services that are equitable and accessible through open banking technology. As an open banking infrastructure platform, Yapily addresses fundamental industry challenges related to access and control over financial data that have traditionally been dominated by card networks and banks. The company securely connects businesses of all sizes to thousands of banks worldwide, facilitating data access and payment initiation through open banking.

Role Overview

We seek a distinguished policy and regulatory leader driven by our mission to develop a more open and competitive financial system. Positioned at the crossroads of regulation, technology, and business strategy, this role focuses on cultivating robust relationships with government, regulators, and industry to further Yapily's policy objectives. The candidate will monitor and influence advancements in open banking, finance, digital identity, artificial intelligence, and digital asset regulation, translating complex regulatory changes into clear, actionable strategies for the company. Close collaboration with senior stakeholders to deliver effective advocacy, manage regulatory risks, and support the company’s expansion is essential. A passion for shaping the future of financial services and ensuring the effective scaling of Open Banking and Open Finance is paramount.

Qualifications and Experience

• At least 7 years’ expertise in public policy, regulatory affairs, government relations, or financial services policy, with strong capabilities in influencing UK/EU regulations and practical application of regulatory demands.
• Direct experience engaging with government regulators and policymakers.
• Deep knowledge of payments systems, open banking, open finance, plus familiarity with financial regulatory frameworks in the UK and EU.
• Understanding of stablecoin and digital asset regulation, including MiCA and UK frameworks; experience with US regulations is advantageous.
• Awareness or interest in emerging regulatory topics such as AI, digital identity, and agentic commerce, including their impact on payment processes and associated policy implications.
• Product management experience with a genuine instinct for product development, comfortable managing roadmaps, defining requirements, and collaborating with engineering teams.
• Strong skills in producing detailed policy submissions, briefing documentation, and advocacy materials.
• Proven stakeholder management and advisory experience at senior levels concerning regulatory risks and strategic positioning.
• Ability to work independently and adapt to shifting priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Technologically adept with enthusiasm for how technology can drive regulatory compliance and further business innovation.
• Eligibility to work legally in the United Kingdom.

Benefits and Perks

• 25 annual holiday days plus bank holidays, with one extra day added after each year of service, up to five additional days.
• Flexible hybrid working policy supporting office presence, remote work, or up to 30 days of work abroad annually through a 'Nomad Working' arrangement.
• Comprehensive private medical insurance coverage.
• Participation in a company pension scheme.
• Enhanced parental leave policies for both maternity and paternity.
• An annual £200 allocation for learning and personal development.
• Cycle to Work scheme participation.
• Employee referral bonus scheme awarding £1,000 per successful referral.
• Monthly budget allocated for social activities.
• Office-based daily snacks provision and a dog-friendly work environment.