The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has appointed former British Ambassador to Kosovo Ruairi O’Connell OBE as its director of international.

O’Connell has extensive experience in both the Foreign Office and the Home Office where he is currently director, international. He joined the Home Office in 2020.

His remits at the FCA include helping to shape the regulator’s international strategy as well as overseeing its international engagement including matters arising from the UK withdrawal from the EU.

O’Connell’s appointment follows the recruitment of six new directors in July as the FCA expands its headcount to meet its growing remit and the ambitious three year-strategy launched in April.

FCA chief executive Nikhil Rathi welcomes O’Connell’s appointment saying that “he brings with him extensive experience of international affairs, security and strategy”.

Last week, the FCA announced that it is aiming to recruit 100 new staff for a regional office it will establish in Leeds.

William Hague, director of change and transformation at the FCA, is leading the establishment of the office. Hague has a background working in central government including the Cabinet Office and HM Revenue & Customs.

The regulator has also hired Phil Nixon, a data services expert, to run its Leeds-based Digital Delivery Centre.