Director, APAC Data Governance Operationalisation Lead - SMBC

Headquartered in Tokyo, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) is a leading global financial institution and a core member of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMBC Group). Built upon our rich Japanese heritage since 1876, we put our customers first and provide seamless access to, from and within the Asia Pacific region. SMBC is one of the largest Japanese banks by assets and maintain strong credit ratings across our global integrated network. We work closely as one SMBC Group to offer personal, corporate and investment banking services to meet the needs of our customers.

With sustainability embedded within our strategy and operations, we are committed to creating a society in which today's generation can enjoy economic prosperity and well-being, and pass it on to future generations.

Role Summary

The APAC Data Governance Operationalisation Lead is responsible for driving the implementation and adoption of Data Governance practices across the APAC region.

The role will lead the identification and governance of critical data, establish ownership and accountability across business and technology functions, and embed governance processes into day-to-day operations. Working closely with business, risk, finance, regulatory reporting and technology stakeholders, the individual will drive execution of the bank's BCBS239 and broader Data Governance objectives across multiple jurisdictions.

This is a regional leadership role requiring strong stakeholder engagement, programme delivery and organisational change capabilities, with responsibility for managing onshore, offshore and consulting teams.

Key Responsibilities

Drive Data Governance Operationalisation Across APAC

• Lead the execution of Data Governance Operationalisation initiatives across APAC entities.
• Establish practical and sustainable governance processes that can be embedded into business-as-usual operations.
• Drive consistent adoption of governance standards and operating practices across countries and business functions.
• Support the implementation of regional Data Governance strategy and roadmap.

Critical Data & Ownership Management

• Lead identification and governance of Critical Data Elements (CDEs)/Key Data Elements (KDEs) and other regulatory or business-critical data.
• Establish and maintain Data Owner and Data Steward accountability models.
• Drive agreement and adoption of ownership responsibilities across business and technology stakeholders.
• Ensure governance responsibilities are clearly defined, documented and operationalised.

BCBS239 & Regulatory Data Governance

• Drive operationalisation of BCBS239 and broader APAC regulatory Data Governance requirements.
• Translate regulatory expectations into practical governance activities and outcomes.
• Coordinate governance readiness activities supporting audit, regulatory and management requirements.
• Partner with country, risk, finance and regulatory reporting teams to strengthen data governance maturity.

Programme Leadership & Delivery

• Manage regional delivery plans, priorities, milestones and dependencies.
• Lead a combination of permanent staff, offshore resources and consulting partners.
• Coordinate activities across multiple countries and workstreams.
• Proactively manage delivery risks, issues and stakeholder expectations.

Stakeholder Engagement & Executive Communication

• Build strong relationships with senior business and technology stakeholders across the region.
• Drive alignment on governance priorities, ownership and implementation decisions.
• Prepare executive presentations, steering committee materials and management updates.
• Act as a key representative for Data Governance initiatives across APAC.

Required Experience & Qualifications

Essential

• 12+ years of experience in Data Governance, Data Management, Regulatory Reporting, Risk Data or related disciplines.
• Proven experience implementing or operationalising BCBS239 within a banking or financial services environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading enterprise-scale Data Governance initiatives.
• Strong experience identifying and governing Critical Data Elements (CDEs), Key Data Elements (KDEs) and critical business data.
• Experience establishing Data Ownership and Data Stewardship operating models.
• Strong programme and project management capabilities.
• Experience managing regional initiatives involving multiple countries and stakeholders.
• Experience leading permanent staff, offshore resources and consulting partners.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication and presentation skills.
• Exposure to Collibra or equivalent Data Governance platforms.

Preferred

• Experience working across APAC banking markets.
• Knowledge of regional regulatory requirements relating to Data Governance and Risk Data.
• Experience supporting Risk, Finance, Regulatory Reporting or Enterprise Data Management functions.
• Experience implementing governance operating models at scale.