Advisor, Cross-Industry Policy

The role

As an Advisor in Cross-Industry Policy in our Sydney or Melbourne office, you will contribute to the development of prudential standards and guidance on complex and emerging issues that cut across banks, insurers and superannuation trustees. Operating in an environment characterised by uncertainty, competing considerations and evolving risks, you will lead significant policy work, bringing together specialist expertise, evidence and stakeholder perspectives to develop practical and proportionate solutions.

The Cross-Industry Policy team helps shape APRA’s policy response to some of the most important and emerging issues facing the financial system. Working on topics which cut across all APRA’s regulated industries, you will tackle complex policy questions and develop practical, proportionate solutions that strengthen financial safety and resilience. Current priorities include risks such as cyber threats, artificial intelligence and geopolitical risk, as well as reforms to simplify the prudential framework and reduce unnecessary regulatory burden. The role provides an opportunity to work on high-profile and evolving issues and influence policy across APRA’s regulated industries.

The team

The Policy branch is responsible for developing and maintaining the prudential standards and guidance that underpin APRA’s regulation of banks, insurers and superannuation trustees. Within the Policy branch, the Cross-Industry Policy Team is responsible for prudential standards and guidance which apply across all APRA regulated industries.

Policy collaborates with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders. Internally, Policy engages with entity supervisors, risk specialists, data teams and legal advisors during the policy development process. Externally, it engages with subject matter experts, Government departments, other regulatory agencies, industry associations and regulated entities to test and refine its policy proposals.

Key responsibilities

• Develop practical, evidence-based policy responses to emerging risks and complex issues affecting banks, insurers and superannuation trustees;
• Lead policy projects from problem definition and analysis through consultation and the development of prudential standards and guidance;
• Identify opportunities to simplify requirements and reduce unnecessary regulatory burden while preserving sound prudential outcomes;
• Bring together insights from APRA specialists, industry and other government agencies to test ideas, understand trade-offs and refine policy proposals;
• Prepare clear, persuasive papers, submissions and briefings that inform decisions on significant policy issues; and
• Provide practical advice to internal and external stakeholders on cross-industry policy matters.

About you

• Experience in policy at a government agency, consulting or within a regulated sector, and an interest in emerging risks and issues that cut across the financial sector;
• Intellectual curiosity and the ability to get across unfamiliar topics, assess evidence and draw out their implications for policy;
• Strong prioritisation and project management skills, with the ability to take ownership and keep complex projects moving;
• Sound judgement, strong problem-solving, strategic awareness and confidence working with ambiguity and increasing autonomy;
• The ability to work collaboratively and build relationships, influence stakeholders and maintain momentum on complex issues; and
• Clear, engaging written and verbal communication, translating complex analysis into accessible advice and recommendations.

To work with us, you need to be an Australian citizen with eligibility to obtain and maintain Australian Government Security clearance.

About APRA

The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) places you at the heart of Australia’s financial services industry. APRA serves the Australian community by helping ensure that financial institutions deliver on the financial commitments they make, within a stable, efficient and competitive financial system.

At APRA, we’re committed to providing an inclusive workplace where everyone belongs, feels valued and respected. We aspire to attract and foster diversity of background, thought and experience, recognising that a broad range of perspectives, approaches and ideas makes us stronger, and better enables us to meet our obligation to protect the financial wellbeing of the Australian community. When applying, please inform us of any adjustments you may need during the interview process.