The FCA has created a “new and vital role” to help steer the organisation through Brexit.

The regulator says the appointment of former FSA investigator Nausicaa Delfas is “critical” for the EU withdrawal process.

The solicitor, who has specialised in EU and financial services law, will provide technical support to HM Government. She will work closely with EU27, international regulators and the financial services industry, to “ensure a smooth transition”.

The newly-created position of executive director of international will involve being responsible for setting and growing the FCA’s strategy for international engagement, and leading its delivery.

FCA chief executive Andrew Bailey said: “This is a new and vital role for the FCA, reinforcing our focus on the global regulatory agenda, and importance of international co-operation. It is also critical for our work throughout the process of EU withdrawal.”

The job will involve leading relationships with foreign regulators, governments and other stakeholders, and facilitating the FCA’s work to shape the global regulatory agenda and international policy.

Ms Delfas has been acting chief operating officer and a member of the FCA’s Executive Committee, since November 2016.

She said: “The work which we do internationally is vital to the delivery of our objectives, and it has become increasingly important given the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.”

Ms Delfas will be a member of the FCA’s Executive Committee, reporting to the CEO.

Mr Bailey also welcomed back Georgina Philippou to her role as chief operating officer after a period of extended leave.

Nausicaa Delfas career positions

- Acting chief operating officer and a member of the FCA’s Executive Committee, since November 2016.
- Director of the Specialist Supervision Division, leading on FCA's approach to IT and cyber resilience, financial crime, client assets and resolution, prudential regulation and complex cases, across all sectors.
- Held many senior roles at the Financial Services Authority (FSA) in supervision, risk and policy divisions, across different industry sectors.
- led innovative and complex reviews including the transfer of consumer credit regulation from the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) to the FCA on 1 April 2014.
- Joined the FSA's Enforcement Division in 2000, where she led investigations and disciplinary actions in retail and wholesale markets.