Reference Data Analyst - Associate

19 Sept 2025

London, LND, GB, EC2M 2AT

SMBC: A trusted partner for the long term 

 

Here at SMBC Group, we want to help you find the next step in your career so read on to discover if this opportunity is the one for you. We like to recognise potential in our people, so we welcome your application even when your experience doesn’t perfectly align with the job description. Whilst we’ll always strive to be better, we’re proud of our inclusive culture, and encourage our applicants and colleagues to be their authentic, unique selves. 

 

 

Who we are

United by a sense of purpose towards our customers – to be a trusted partner for the long-term – and our universal banking platform in EMEA, SMBC Group has an international growth agenda and award-winning products, meaning we provide exciting opportunities to work on a diverse range of projects and initiatives. We deliver a full suite of corporate finance products and solutions to our customers as well as investment banking and advisory services, and a range of innovative solutions in global capital markets. Read on to find out how you could enhance your skills and gain valuable experience, by joining us to support our clients transition to a sustainable future.

Role Summary

The Reference Data Analyst is an important role required to support the Reference Data Lead, as part of the EMEA Division’s Data Governance and BCBS239 Programme.  The ideal candidate must have knowledge of master and reference data management, including the support of master and reference data policies, standards, procedures & processes.

The role will require working with stakeholders across all functions and regions to ensure fit-for-purpose data, as we look to leverage best practice across the industry.  As the concepts of Data Governance and Master & Reference Data Management are new to the organisation, the role also requires an ability to educate and convince stakeholders at all levels on the essential nature of this role.

The candidate must be willing to challenge the status quo in an empathic manner, while helping the wider team to have an ethos of openness and transparency that will help us nurture real business innovation.

Business Area

The EMEA Data Office sits within the Operations, Planning and Data Department, covering all EMEA entities (including Securities and Banking subsidiaries) and all datasets.  This team is responsible for defining and implementing the EMEA Data Strategy and building out its data management capabilities. As part of this work, the EMEA Data Office has established a framework which encompasses cultural, behavioural, procedural, and system transformation to deliver the strategy. This initially focuses on good governance by improved Data Architecture, Data Management and Data Quality, but as we evolve, will focus more on how we can use Data to drive new ways of working and improved business outcomes. We have been formed to drive data-led transformation through the bank, and it is a great opportunity to join us very early on in this exciting journey.

There are 6 pillars of the EMEA Data Office – Data Strategy, Data Governance, Data Innovation & Advisory, Data Analytics, Data Migration and Data Privacy.

The remit of the EMEA Data Governance Team is to determine and implement the Data Governance Framework and policies in accordance with EMEA local regulations and manage the definition, design and quality of all key data within EMEA and provide data SMEs for all key change initiatives. 

Accountabilities and Responsibilities

  • Reporting to the Reference Data Lead in the first instance.
  • Support the master and reference data strategy, policies, standards, procedures & processes for EMEA data.
  • Support for the data governance implementation across the Master & Reference domains, as well as business-specific reference data domains, in line with BCBS239 requirements.
  • Responsible for the data definition, lineage and governance aspects 'end to end' for prioritised scope
  • Responsible for monitoring changes to business data requirements and ensuring that change and release management activities are executed for the data domains
  • Contributes to the firm's objective of meeting industry regulatory expectations with respect to the data governance program as well as establishing processes that generate accurate, complete, timely and reliable data
  • Work with stakeholders across the Division on the development and implementation of data standards and adoption requirements for EMEA Data
  • Contribute to building a strong market & reference data management culture by participating in forums where appropriate and providing market & reference data insight and information within the EMEA Data Office.
  • Enable the driving of continuous improvement, deliver on the identified opportunities for process improvement and efficiency gains, ensuring they are sustained over time as required.
  • Work alongside stakeholders to embed new cultures and ways of working, both among the leadership and their teams.
  • Support the investigation of Data Quality Issues, development of remediation plans and recommendations to fix at source in relation to master and reference data

Knowledge, Skills, Experience and Qualifications - Essential

  • Working knowledge of master and reference data policies, standards, procedures & processes, as well as knowledge of data governance practices, business and technology issues related to management of enterprise data and data-related regulatory requirements
  • Working knowledge in data governance, data quality, profiling and analysis, with experience of using Collibra or other data governance tooling.
  • Work closely with business stakeholders and SMEs to manage timely execution of resolutions, escalate delays and obstacles/roadblocks to business control forums
  • Ability to provide updates to the Reference Data Lead and other SMEs/stakeholders, stay on track and report risks and issues timely with proven ability to quickly earn the trust of SMEs, sponsors and key stakeholders
  • Ability to think in an enterprise-wide manner, rather than a siloed or business unit focused fashion
  • Analytically minded with experience in problem solving and being able to implement and deliver solutions
  • Proven ability to be a team player, while retaining the ability to work independently and see challenges through to resolution
  • Confident manner and strong presentation skills.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Visio, and PowerPoint

Knowledge, Skills, Experience and Qualifications - Desirable

  • Knowledge of data-related regulatory requirements such as BCBS239
  • Knowledge of emerging trends and issues within the Data Management landscape
  • Experience working in regulated frameworks, ideally financial services
  • Experience of using Data Governance tools such as Collibra, and MDM tools such as Informatica

Competencies

Customer Focus
Driving Change
Driving Results
Embraces Diversity
Enterprise Leadership
Judgement and Decision Making
Risk Management
Strategic and Visionary
Trust and Integrity

What we offer

For all the expertise and experience you bring to help us make a difference, it’s only sustainable if we support you to build your career and be your best self so we offer competitive company benefits, centred around promoting positive well-bring and work-life balance. We also believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, where all team members perspectives and contributions are valued. Initiatives in place which promote a diverse and inclusive culture and healthy work life balance include hybrid working, Sport & Social Clubs and Diversity and Inclusion networks.

As an employee of SMBC you have access to a host of both useful and exciting benefit offerings. See below some of the benefits on offer to you:

  • Hybrid and flexible working 
  • Competitive paid leave days
  • Benefits to support your physical wellbeing, including private medical insurance and life and invalidity insurance 
  • Various policies to support your mental wellbeing, including a robust behavioural health network with counselling and coaching services  
  • Access a wide range of learning and development opportunities and career progression opportunities 
  • Ambitious remuneration package

So, if you like a challenge and want to continuously grow and develop in a role where you will be supported along the way by a dynamic and diverse team, apply today!!

 

We recognise our role as a bank to support social change and welcome all applications, including those from groups often under-represented in financial services. We value the uniqueness of professional and personal, backgrounds and perspectives as they play a vital role in continuing the sustainable growth of our organisation. We’ll ensure reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process are offered due to a disability or long-term condition whenever requested.  

 

About SMBC

A trusted partner for the long term
United by a sense of purpose towards our customers - to be a trusted partner for the long-term - and our universal banking platform in EMEA, we deliver a full suite of corporate finance products and solutions to our customers, including corporate, structured and trade finance, leveraged finance, loan market and treasury products. We can also provide investment banking and advisory services and a range of innovative solutions in global capital markets.
Find out more about what we do and who we are at www.smbcgroup.com/emea