Leader in UK Public Affairs: Jonathan Pallant, Head of External Affairs, Financial Services Compensation Scheme, “Lead by example and be clear on your standards”

Mace | 8th October 2026 | In-House Public Affairs, Westminster Index
Jonathan_Pallant

Shifting perceptions, particularly in financial services, is “no easy task” — and often requires sustained engagement across multiple audiences

“Representing the interests of the City was certainly a challenge at that time,” says Jonathan Pallant. He joined the City of London Corporation’s Remembrancer’s Office in the aftermath of the financial crisis — a baptism of fire that shaped his understanding of politics, policy and reputation from the outset. His route into public affairs was unusually direct. “After being fortunate enough to spend some time in the Cabinet Office, I had a unique start in joining the Remembrancer’s Office,” he says. For someone early in their career, it offered exposure not just to Westminster, but to the machinery of parliamentary engagement at a time when the financial sector was under intense scrutiny. That early experience still informs how he approaches his role today as Head of External Affairs at the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. His focus is less on individual policy debates and more on second-order effects. “Whatever the policy, ensuring that we have fully considered the impact arisi...

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