VP, Reference Data Management

uobgroup; Singapore; On-site; SGD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

1011 United Overseas Bank Ltd in Singapore seeks a seasoned Head of Reference Data Management within the Centre of Excellence to lead governance, data quality and steady delivery across Global Markets, Custody, Treasury and related operations.

You will build a robust control framework, drive data standardisation, manage transformation programmes, and partner with Risk, Compliance, Technology and business lines to scale data capabilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor Degree in Banking, Finance, Business, Economics, IS or related discipline.
• 12+ years banking/financial services with reference data exposure.
• Proven leadership of operational teams and service delivery.
• Strong understanding of Global Markets products, processing, and market infra.
• Experience with risk, controls, audits, and regulatory reviews.
• Experience leading transformation, automation, or tech-enabled initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Reference Data Management team.
• Ensure data accuracy, completeness, and timeliness across systems.
• Maintain robust data governance and control framework.
• Drive data quality initiatives and remediation activities.
• Partner with Business, Operations, Technology, Risk and Compliance to enable growth and efficiency.

Skills

Leadership

Data governance

Stakeholder management

Transformation

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

SWIFT

Job description

Company: 1011 United Overseas Bank Ltd

About UOB

United Overseas Bank Limited (UOB) is a leading bank in ASEAN with a global network in Southeast Asia, Asia Pacific, Europe and North America. Operating through our head office in Singapore and banking subsidiaries in China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam, we have a global network of about 430 branches and offices in 19 markets. At the heart of UOB is our culture, shaped by the UOB Way and anchored on our four values - Honourable, Enterprising, United and Committed. For more than 90 years, these values have guided how we do right by our customers, collaborate with one another and create long-term value for the communities we operate in. As One Bank, we are committed to helping our colleagues build sustainable careers grounded in purpose, supported by strong values, and enriched with meaningful opportunities to grow.

Job Description

The incumbent is responsible for leading the Reference Data Management function within the Center of Excellence (CoE), providing centralized support across Global Markets, Custody, Treasury, and related banking businesses. The role is accountable for the governance, integrity, and maintenance of reference and static data supporting trading, settlement, custody, risk management, and operational processes. The incumbent will lead the delivery of reference data services, drive data quality and control standards, support business growth, and oversee strategic initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and scalability.

Responsibilities

Leadership & Service Delivery

• Lead and manage the Reference Data Management team, ensuring effective service delivery and operational performance.
• Develop team capabilities through coaching, performance management, succession planning, and talent development.
• Ensure appropriate resource planning, operational resilience, and business continuity arrangements.
• Establish performance metrics and drive a culture of accountability, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.

Reference Data Management

• Client and account static data
• Counterparty and legal entity data
• Settlement Instructions (SSIs)
• Securities and instrument master data
• Market and exchange reference data

Ensure data accuracy, completeness, consistency, and timeliness across systems and processes.

Act as the subject matter expert and escalation point for reference data-related matters.

Risk, Controls & Governance

• Maintain a robust control environment and data governance framework.
• Ensure compliance with internal policies, regulatory requirements, and audit expectations.
• Manage operational incidents, data quality issues, and remediation activities.
• Drive initiatives to strengthen data quality, control effectiveness, and operational risk management.

Stakeholder Management & Transformation

• Partner with Business, Operations, Technology, Risk, Compliance, and other key stakeholders to support business objectives and resolve complex issues.
• Represent the function in governance forums, audits, projects, and strategic initiatives.
• Lead transformation programmes, system enhancements, automation, and process optimization initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to leverage technology, data analytics, and AI-enabled solutions to enhance efficiency and scalability.

Requirements

• Bachelor Degree in Banking, Finance, Business, Economics, Information Systems, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 12 years of banking and financial services experience with significant exposure to Reference Data, Global Markets Operations, Custody Operations, Treasury Operations, or Securities Services.
• Proven leadership experience managing operational teams and service delivery functions.
• Strong understanding of Global Markets products, securities processing, settlement flows, and market infrastructure.
• Experience managing operational risk, controls, audits, and regulatory reviews.
• Demonstrated experience leading transformation, automation, or technology-enabled initiatives.
• Regional banking experience would be advantageous.
• Strong knowledge of: Reference Data and Static Data Management
• Securities Master and Instrument Configuration
• Settlement Instruction Management
• Counterparty, Client and Account Data Management
• Data Governance and Data Quality Frameworks
• Good understanding of Global Markets, Custody, and Treasury products and processes.
• Familiarity with SWIFT messaging standards, market infrastructure, and securities settlement practices.
• Strong leadership, communication, stakeholder management, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Additional Requirements

Be a Part of the UOB Family

UOB is an equal opportunity employer. UOB does not discriminate on the basis of a candidate's age, race, gender, color, religion, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, or other non-merit factors. All employment decisions at UOB are based on