BIS hires head of data engineering and advanced analytics for banking technology unit

BASEL, SWITZERLAND, 29 SEPTEMBER 2026 —

The Bank for International Settlements announced on 28 September that it is recruiting a Head of Data Engineering and Advanced Analytics to lead its Banking Technology unit, with applications due by 19 October.

The three‑year fixed‑term role will be based at the BIS headquarters in Basel but is open to candidates worldwide, the posting says. Relocation support is offered for the successful applicant and any dependent family members.

According to the job description, the new leader will set strategy for data architecture, oversee the design and operation of data products, and manage analytical applications that use quantitative finance, machine learning and generative AI. The position also carries responsibility for budget, workforce and supplier management, as well as compliance with BIS technology, data, model‑risk, security and operational policies.

The posting outlines three core responsibilities. First, the head will lead and develop the Data Engineering and Advanced Analytics & AI sub‑teams, defining a multi‑year roadmap aligned with business priorities. Second, the role will establish engineering standards for reusable pipelines, metadata, observability and data‑quality controls across legacy and strategic systems.

Third, the incumbent will guide the development, deployment and lifecycle management of advanced analytical applications, ensuring they meet governance requirements and can be moved from experimentation to secure production.

Candidates must hold at least a university degree, preferably a master’s, in computer science, mathematics, statistics, quantitative finance or a related field. The BIS requires extensive experience delivering integrated data and analytics solutions, strong people‑leadership skills and a solid grasp of modern data‑platform concepts such as distributed processing, data lineage and security. Professional qualifications in data, cloud engineering, machine learning or financial risk are considered advantageous.

The posting emphasizes the BIS’s international workforce, noting employees come from more than 66 countries and operate across nine locations. It highlights a flexible, hybrid working model that combines onsite presence in Basel with home‑office days, and it promises a competitive compensation package that includes childcare and education allowances where applicable.

While the role is not directly tied to Malaysian firms, the recruitment underscores the growing demand for senior data and AI talent in global central banking. Malaysian banks and fintechs that are building similar capabilities may view the BIS’s emphasis on data governance, model‑risk compliance and production‑grade AI as a benchmark for their own hiring and technology strategies.

Applicants are directed to the BIS career portal for further details and to submit their materials before the 19 October deadline. The organization reiterates its commitment to equal opportunity and an inclusive workplace, inviting qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

Related: Bank for International Settlements (BIS) · Basel, Switzerland