“I’m delighted that we’re moving a step closer to opening our new Leeds office, in a city with a growing reputation as a digital and tech hub.”

Those were the words of Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) chief executive Nikhil Rathi when it was revealed that the FCA has already signed the deal for its upcoming premises in Leeds, the opening of which is slated in September.

Leading the establishment of the new office is FCA change and transformation director William Hague. Meanwhile NHS and IBM alumnus Phil Nixon is coming onboard next month to serve as head of the regulator’s digital delivery centre, which will be based in the new site alongside other key business units.

Located at 6 Queen Street, the Leeds office will be manned by more than 100 new FCA colleagues.

“As a national regulator, it is vital we have a truly national footprint,” said Rathi, whose camp has already established a presence in Cardiff and Belfast. “That means having colleagues in all parts of the UK.”

Previously, the watchdog also committed to doubling the size of its Edinburgh workforce.