Interim Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
London | Hybrid | Urgent Interim Assignment
A highly ambitious financial services organisation is seeking an experienced Interim Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) to lead cyber security through a critical period of growth, transformation and regulatory scrutiny.
This is a rare opportunity to shape the security strategy and operating model of a business building for the future. The successful candidate will have a genuine opportunity to influence technology, risk and operational resilience from the ground up.
Importantly, this is not a traditional governance-led CISO role.
We are looking for a forward-thinking cyber leader with strong technical credibility, a deep understanding of emerging threats, including those posed by AI, and the ability to engage confidently with Boards, regulators and executive stakeholders.
The Opportunity
As Interim CISO, you will be responsible for defining and delivering the organisation’s cyber security strategy, ensuring robust controls, resilience and security capabilities are embedded across the business.
You will act as the senior security advisor to executive leadership, working closely with technology, risk and regulatory stakeholders while building a security function capable of supporting significant future growth.
- Key responsibilities include:Developing and executing the cyber security strategy and roadmap.
- Building and enhancing security operations capabilities, including detection and response functions.
- Leading cyber resilience and threat-led testing programmes.
- Driving cloud, identity and data security initiatives.
- Establishing robust third-party and supplier security frameworks.
- Managing relationships with regulators, auditors and Board committees.
- Translating complex cyber and technology risks into clear commercial and regulatory outcomes.
- Building and leading high-performing security teams and external service providers.
About YouYou will be an experienced CISO, Deputy CISO or senior cyber security leader with a proven track record operating within highly regulated environments.
We are particularly interested in individuals who combine strategic leadership with hands-on technical understanding and can confidently challenge, influence and communicate at the most senior levels.
- You are likely to bring:Experience leading cyber security within a UK regulated banking, financial services, fintech or payments environment.
- Strong knowledge of PRA, FCA, operational resilience and broader cyber regulatory requirements.
- Experience designing or transforming security functions rather than simply maintaining mature environments.
- Deep expertise across cloud security, identity and access management, cyber operations, threat detection and incident response.
- A strong understanding of AI-related cyber threats, emerging attack vectors and associated controls.
- Experience engaging directly with regulators, Boards and executive committees.
- Outstanding communication skills and the ability to simplify complex technical concepts for non-technical audiences.
- A pragmatic, delivery-focused approach suited to fast-paced and evolving environments.
- Why Consider This Assignment?High-profile interim leadership role with significant executive exposure.
- Opportunity to influence long-term cyber strategy and security architecture.
- Direct interaction with Board-level stakeholders and regulators.
- Chance to build and shape capabilities rather than inherit legacy structures.
- Fast-moving environment where decisions made today will have lasting impact.
This position would suit a commercially minded security leader who thrives in transformational environments and is passionate about building modern, resilient and secure organisations.
To discuss this opportunity in confidence, please contact Joe O’Flynn at NSCG.
| Remuneration: | Negotiable |
| Location: | London |
| Reference: | JN -092026-32216_1788259890 |
| Type: | Contract |
| Industry: | Financial Services |
| Sector: | Financial Services |
| Skills: | CISO |
| Date added: | 1 Sep 2026 |
| Closing date: | 29 Sep 2026 |