Research Fellow - Financial Crime Policy

Reports to: Director, CFS

Department: Centre for Finance and Security

Salary range: £50,000 - £60,000 based on skills and experience

Location: London

Contract: Full Time, Fixed Term until the 31st March 2027

About the Team

The Centre for Finance and Security (CFS) at RUSI is a specialist research group

focused on the intersection of finance and security. Its research aims to advance the integrity

of the financial system by equipping the international community with the knowledge, tools

and ideas to understand, identify and disrupt the threats of illicit finance.

Within that, our work on Financial Crime Policy (FCP) focuses on the development and implementation of effective anti-financial crime policies and regulation both in the UK and internationally. As countries look ahead to the fifth round of mutual evaluations by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), there are significant shifts in the global policy approach to tackling financial crime, including money laundering, fraud, terrorist financing and proliferation financing. The threat that financial crime poses to the global financial system is evolving and becoming ever-more resilient and multifaceted, driven by the emergence of new technologies. At the same time, the global response to illicit finance needs to drive inclusion and minimise the risk of unintended consequences.

Key areas of activity of the FCP programme are:

• Tackling the threat of dirty money to the UK
• The policy response to fraud and scams
• Financial integrity and financial inclusion

Main purpose of post

This position will act as the subject matter lead for the CFS's work on financial crime policy, including responsibility for the portfolio of ongoing funded projects and the identification of new opportunities.

Key tasks

The successful candidate will run the delivery of work on the global and UK response to financial crime. This will include both the delivery of specific short-term research projects, convening events and engaging with other stakeholders in the UK economic crime community (for example, civil society, industry, policy makers and regulators).

While the successful candidate will be expected to support the work of the team broadly, specific areas of focus are expected to be:

• Developing the CFS' portfolio of work on financial crime-related topics. This will include the delivery of existing research projects, convening public and private events on relevant topics and identification of future research/funding opportunities.
• Working closely with UK civil society as part of the Illicit Finance Working Group, a working group of the UK Anti-Corruption Coalition, to enhance the UK's response to illicit finance. This will include both the delivery of research project to provide evidence-based recommendations to policy makers, co-ordination with key allies and supervising engagement with multi-sector stakeholders (private sector, law enforcement, policy makers and others).
• Establishing credibility as an expert and trusted resource on financial-crime related issues, including presenting research at public events and to policy audiences, submitting evidence to Parliament and responding to government consultations, identifying opportunities for media commentary and other external engagements.
• Chairing RUSI's UK FATF Taskforce which provides an independent and expert view of the UK's progress in advance of the country's 2027 evaluation by the FATF.
• Work closely with the Business Development and Partnerships Manager to identify opportunities to grow the CFS' Partnership Forum.
• The role will also include direct line management responsibility.

The above list of duties is not exhaustive. The post holder will be required to undertake such duties that may reasonably be expected within the scope, grade and nature of the role.

Our expectations

We expect all staff to abide by and promote our RUSI's Vision and Values and Equal Opportunities Statement.

Person specification

Essential skills and experience

• Substantial research experience, or substantial professional/practitioner/policymaking experience in a relevant field.
• Demonstrated expertise in key thematic areas, as evidenced by (a) a strong record of significant publications and/or (b) recognition by external peers (for example- invited to speak at events, contribute to expert forums, or cited in other publications).
• Demonstrated success in directing and delivering major research projects.
• Proven ability to contribute to and manage the development of research project funding proposals.
• Project management experience, including responsibility for budgets, timelines, and reporting.
• Excellent research skills (qualitative and/or quantitative), with outstanding writing ability and strong oral communication skills.
• Strong administrative and organisational skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and teamworking skills, with the confidence to build new relationships and sustain existing collaborations.

Desirable skills and experience

• Experience of working within a not-for-profit or international organisation.
• Experience conducting research or managing projects across a variety of international contexts.
• Research or practical experience relevant to national or international policy challenges at the intersection of finance and security.

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave (rising with service)
• Additional days off during Christmas - RUSI Christmas closure days
• Generous pension contributions at 6% employer contribution,
• Access to 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• Free access to RUSI's world leading programme of events and conferences, research materials and library
• Trained Mental Health First Aiders
• *Enhanced sick pay
• *Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
• *Depending on length of service

Application Process

To apply, please click on the apply button and follow the instructions. You will be asked to include:

• Your CV;
• Cover letter of no more than one page.

If selected shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend a panel interviews. Successful candidate will be then invited to complete a written task. by

Closing date: 23:59 UK on 5th of December 2025. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the closing date brought forward if needed. Early application is encouraged.

Equal Opportunity and Values

At RUSI you will be appreciated and valued. Our stakeholders, transactions, and projects are international and diverse, so we work hard to create inclusive teams that support our efforts and each other. We are committed in promoting equality and diversity in our workforce and make it as diverse as the communities we serve. Our recruitment data helps us monitor the effectiveness of our recruitment practices in order that we can continue to improve on creating a more diverse workforce.

We're aware that the questionnaire may not capture the rich complexities of our backgrounds and identities, so we apologise if these are not best described. Please note that this data will be kept confidential and separated from your job application. If you are uncomfortable sharing, choose "Prefer not to say" or skip the questions entirely.

If you have any questions, please contact [email protected]