External Data Compliance Specialist

Job description

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 Is the next step in your career at SMBC Group EMEA? We’re looking for a External Data Compliance Specialist to join the External Data team in the Data Office. The External Data Compliance Specialist plays a central role in ensuring that the organisation’s use of external and market data remains compliant, efficient, and aligned with contractual, regulatory, and vendor obligations. The role provides oversight and subject‑matter expertise across licensing, reporting, entitlements, and consumption practices, ensuring the firm meets its obligations to exchanges, data vendors, and internal governance standards. A key part of the position is educating and advising business and technology teams to help them understand their obligations, make informed decisions, and embed compliant usage into day‑to‑day workflows. We are looking for someone with: Strong knowledge of exchange and market‑data licensing models , including usage rights, redistribution restrictions, reporting rules, entitlements, and commercial implications. Proven experience in market‑data compliance within financial services, including hands‑on involvement with audits, data‑usage assessments, or entitlement reviews. Ability to interpret, assess, and communicate complex licence terms and apply them to business workflows, systems, and change initiatives. Demonstrated ability to identify compliance risks , assess materiality, recommend remediation, and ensure timely follow‑through. Exposure to transformation programmes or system changes impacting market‑data usage Excellent communication and influencing skills, with experience advising front‑office, technology and working with procurement and legal stakeholders. Familiarity with data governance principles Experience identifying opportunities for cost optimisation and alternative sourcing. The anticipated salary range for this role is £50,000 - £76,000 , with the final offer determined based on the candidate’s skills, experience, role scope, location, and relevant market factors. In addition to base salary, the role may be eligible for a discretionary incentive award and a competitive benefits package, including core benefits such as pension provision Business Area Established in 2022, the EMEA Data Office oversees building out the Bank’s data management capabilities across all EMEA entities (including Securities and Banking subsidiaries) and sits in our Operations function. The team is primarily based in London and additionally has a presence in Frankfurt and Abu Dhabi, with the appointment of a Local Data Officer for our EU AG entity in 2024. The Data Office initially concentrated on building foundational governance through improved data architecture, data management and data quality and has now grown to include a broader suite of capabilities including strategy & culture, analytics, data migration, and information governance. We are committed to exploiting data to drive new ways of working and improved business outcomes more effectively and innovatively across SMBC. The External Data team exists to ensure the organisation can access and use external data efficiently, compliantly, and in a way that supports strategic, commercial, and regulatory objectives. Its purpose is to provide clear governance, transparency of cost, and strong controls around how external data is sourced, licensed, distributed, and consumed across EMEA. The team also works to strengthen vendor relationships, improve data quality, and help business areas maximise the value of the firm’s external data investments. Position Description The successful candidate will lead the development and implementation of external data compliance frameworks, monitoring controls, and reporting processes. They will work closely with exchanges, external data vendors, and internal stakeholders to interpret licence terms, assess compliance risks, and drive remediation if required. The role will also oversee periodic audits, ensure accurate entitlement and usage reporting, and support procurement and business teams in evaluating new data requests to ensure usage is both compliant and cost‑effective. They will Lead the design and ongoing oversight of the firm’s market data compliance framework across EMEA. Interpret and advise on exchange and vendor licensing terms , ensuring compliant and appropriate data usage. Oversee usage, entitlement, and reporting processes to ensure accuracy and alignment with contractual obligations. Support transformation and change initiatives to ensure market‑data usage remains compliant during system, process, and organisational change, and that effective change‑control processes are in place. Act as an advisor on external data usage , guiding teams on compliant access, redistribution, entitlements, and best‑practice usage patterns. Drive continuous improvement in controls, reporting, tooling, and governance to reduce compliance risk and maintain audit readiness 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!!