Head of Regional DMO, APAC

SMBC Group; Singapore; On-site; SGD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial institution seeks a seasoned data governance professional in Singapore. The role requires translating the APAC Data Strategy into operations while ensuring compliance with global regulations. Responsibilities include overseeing data platforms and engaging stakeholders across various departments. Candidates should have 20+ years in financial services and proven leadership in IT and transformation initiatives, with proficiency in Japanese being a plus.

Qualifications

• 20+ years in financial services; 10+ years in IT/Data leadership.
• Proven track record leading large-scale IT and transformation programs.
• Comprehensive understanding of data governance regulations across APAC.
• Experience managing sizeable budgets and multinational teams.
• Proficiency in Japanese language is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Translate the APAC Data Strategy into actionable plans.
• Implement global data governance standards and ensure compliance.
• Oversee data platforms, ensuring adoption of Data Ownership Framework.
• Lead transformation programs and data teams across regions.
• Engage with stakeholders to align on budget and resources.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Data governance

Regulatory compliance

Communication

Data strategy development

Leadership

Tools

Databricks

Collibra

Job description

• Translate the APAC Data Strategy into actionable plans and ensure consistent implementation across all regional entities.
• Implement global and regional data governance standards, adapting them to local regulatory requirements while maintaining alignment with head office policies.
• Establish, operationalize and drive adoption of the Data Ownership Framework, ensuring clear roles for Data Owners and Stewards across business units.
• Oversee adherence to cross-border data regulations, privacy laws (e.g., PDPA), and AI risk governance frameworks, embedding controls into daily operations.

Data Management & Analytics Delivery:

• Oversee data platforms, including cloud-based technologies such as Databricks and Collibra.
• Collaborate with Tech and AI teams; supervise analytics, data science, automation initiatives.
• Oversee regional delivery of transformation programs including BCBS239.
• Lead formation and expansion of GCC data teams and coordinate offshore execution.

Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration:

• Partner with business leaders, IT, risk, compliance, and vendors to embed stewardship.
• Provide thought leadership on trends, regulatory changes, and technologies.
• Engage HQ and regional leaders on budget, resources, and priorities.
• Ensure compliance with global and local data regulations.
• Implement controls to manage risks including those from third‑party data services.

External Assignments and Roles, related to Data Governance:

• Data Protection Officer (DPO) under Singapore’s PDPA; mandate includes oversight and coordination of related data protection matters across APAC offices.
• Member of the ABS’s (Banking Association) Standing Committee on Data Management (SCDM); working jointly with representatives from other financial institutions and MAS officers to promote collaboration across the banking sector within Singapore and beyond on data management issues faced by member.
• Member of the MAS’s MindForge Project Steering Committee; working jointly with representatives from other financial institutions and MAS officers to develop AI Risk Governance Framework and Guardrails.

Essential Experience & Qualifications:

• 20+ years in financial services; 10+ years in IT/Data leadership.
• Proven track record leading large-scale IT and transformation programs.
• Comprehensive and strong understanding of banking systems used in the bank, data set, data flows, data platform and technology of those banking systems.
• Comprehensive understanding of data governance and related regulations across APAC.
• Strong stakeholder management, communication capability to lead cross functional initiatives especially Technology, Risk and AI related department.
• Experience in data strategy, policy development, and budget management.
• Experience in enlarging and operating the organizational framework for multinational teams across multiple locations.
• Experience in leveraging offshore centers and driving the outsourcing of banking processes and operational tasks across multiple countries.
• Experience in managing sizable budget, including planning, tracking and optimization.
• Proficiency in Japanese language will be advantageous as the role will need to communicate with Head Office colleagues whose main working language is Japanese.