Market Data Specialist

As a Market Data Specialist, you will play a crucial role in managing and optimizing market data services across the organization. Your responsibilities will involve supporting investment teams by handling benchmark governance, market data sourcing, and vendor relationships. You will collaborate closely with internal stakeholders and external market data partners/vendors to ensure efficient data usage, contractual compliance, and strategic initiatives related to market data. Key Responsibilities: - **Market Index Sourcing & Onboarding** - Identify and onboard new market data/benchmark/indices to align with evolving investment strategies. - Evaluate index/market data providers for coverage, acceptability, and data quality in consultation with stakeholders. - Maintain benchmark documentation, conduct periodic reviews of benchmark relevance, and facilitate the onboarding of new benchmarks and indices. - **Market Data Management** - Review market data usage across the firm and support contract renewals. - Ensure adherence to licensing agreements and optimize data consumption. - **Vendor & Stakeholder Management** - Cultivate relationships with key market data and benchmark vendors (e.g., Bloomberg, MSCI, FTSE Russell, S&P Dow Jones). - Lead negotiations on contractual terms, licensing fees, and service levels. - Serve as a liaison between vendors and internal stakeholders including Investment, Risk, Compliance, and Technology teams. - **Cost Optimization & Process Improvement** - Monitor and analyze licensing costs, identifying opportunities for cost savings and process efficiencies. - Contribute to data governance initiatives to enhance operational effectiveness and mitigate risks. - **Project Contribution** - Participate in or lead ad hoc projects related to benchmark strategy, data integration, and vendor management. - Support continuous improvement efforts across data and benchmark operations. Experience / Qualifications: - Degree in Finance, Account, or Business-related disciplines. - Minimum 5 years of experience in large financial services institutions, particularly in the Asset Management and Investment Services sector. - Deep understanding of asset management business practices related to data usage, licensing, processes, systems, controls, and deliverables. - Proven hands-on experience in Market Data operations & ecosystem is a MUST. - Strong knowledge of market data vendor services/products (e.g., Bloomberg, Refinitiv, MSCI) and contractual frameworks is essential. - Data management experience and understanding of data management frameworks are advantageous. - Knowledge of benchmark governance and lifecycle management, especially in the context of investment benchmarks for performance attribution and risk monitoring, is beneficial. - Proficiency with Market Data Inventory Systems like FITS, InfoMatch, Optimize Spend, or MDM is highly preferred. - Ability to effectively engage with business stakeholders. - Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively as part of a small team.,