MD, Head of Regional DMO, APAC

This position reports to the Regional Chief Data Analytics Officer and oversees data governance, data management, data analytics, and AI risk governance in the APAC region. The purpose is to establish an integrated data operation model that complies with global standards and various national regulations (such as BCBS239, MAS DG, APAC Cross-Border Data Regulation). Together with the Regional CDAO, it leads the overall strategy, and as Head of Regional DMO, it is responsible for building, operating, and executing the organizational structure in three regions (Singapore, Malaysia SSC, India GCC).

This position reports to the Regional Chief Data Analytics Officer ("CDAO") and oversees data governance, data management, data analytics, and AI risk governance in the APAC region. The purpose is to establish an integrated data operation model that complies with global standards and various national regulations (such as BCBS239, MAS DG, APAC Cross-Border Data Regulation). Together with the Regional CDAO, it leads the overall strategy, and as Head of Regional DMO, it is responsible for building, operating, and executing the organizational structure in three regions (Singapore, Malaysia SSC, India GCC). 

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Data Governance:

• 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.
• Facilitate data literacy programs across organizational levels.
• Engage HQ and regional leaders on budget, resources, and priorities.

Risk & Compliance:

• 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