Explore high-impact Reference Data Lead Business Analyst jobs, a critical senior role at the intersection of finance, data management, and technology. Professionals in this career act as the vital bridge between business stakeholders and IT development teams, specializing in the governance, analysis, and enhancement of reference data. Reference data—the standardized, static information used to classify and define other data (like security identifiers, counterparty details, currency codes, and pricing sources)—is the backbone of financial systems. A Lead Business Analyst ensures this data is accurate, consistent, and fit for purpose across trading, risk, compliance, and reporting functions. Typical responsibilities for these leadership positions involve conducting deep-data analysis to understand complex business needs and translating them into detailed functional specifications. They lead programs encompassing multiple projects, often guiding the work of other analysts and global teams. A core aspect of the role is collaborating with external data vendors (e.g., Bloomberg, Refinitiv) to integrate feeds and manage product implementations. They work closely with end-users to capture requirements driven by business processes, industry standards, and regulatory mandates, and then partner with Project Managers, Developers, and Operations to deliver solutions. This includes overseeing the systems development lifecycle (SDLC), from planning and design through testing—managing Systems Integrated Testing (SIT) and User Acceptance Testing (UAT)—and final implementation. The typical skill set required for Reference Data Lead Business Analyst jobs is extensive. Candidates must possess over a decade of experience as a Business Analyst, with profound expertise in financial reference data and capital markets (Equities, Fixed Income, Derivatives). Strong SQL skills for data querying, analysis, and troubleshooting are essential, as are exceptional data mapping and analytical abilities. A data-oriented mindset with meticulous attention to detail is paramount. These roles demand strong written and verbal communication skills for writing specifications and liaising assertively with diverse teams. Familiarity with both Waterfall and Agile (e.g., JIRA) methodologies, comprehensive testing lifecycle knowledge, and proficiency with tools like MS Excel and Visio are standard requirements. Successful professionals are quick learners who can manage pressure, lead initiatives, and ensure the delivery of high-quality, authoritative data solutions that meet stringent business and regulatory needs. Discover your next career challenge in these pivotal roles that are fundamental to the integrity and efficiency of modern financial infrastructure.
