Smart data, smart solutions

"Having recognized us as leaders in trading and innovation, clients are interested in the data that we have. We identified their growing need to access more of our differentiated data systematically," Global Deputy Head of Equities, Jason Barron, explains upon looking back at 2018.

UBS Data Solutions seeks to systematically aggregate information such as our trade ideas, positioning color and price indicators. Previously, this feedback was typically gathered by speaking with the sales coverage team.

"Experts from across the group surveyed and listened to our clients, then designed, developed and piloted the new platforms with customers based in Europe, America and APAC," says Tamera White, Global Head, UBS Data Solutions & Quant Solutions. "Clients told us that we more resemble a data business than a bank, noting our use of cloud delivery and a cross-product approach from the start."

"Another of our ambitions in Global Equities was to process and structure relevant data analytics in order to distribute bespoke offerings on selected products to clients in an automated way," Larry Booker, Head of Data Strategy and Analytics for Global Equities, explains.

"Ultimately, we're using a range of new technologies and data science techniques, combined with human expertise, to make life easier for our clients by identifying their preferences and connecting them with the products that are relevant to them," he says and adds, "The platform allows us to customize client communications, so they receive tailored information about the products that best meet their needs."

Although data regulation is still in its infancy outside the area of personal data, we know rigorous controls are fundamental to ensuring clients continue to trust that we're using data in a way that is beneficial to them. Our data governance sets out a clear and robust control framework building on pillars including employee education, specific use case approval process, product-specific aggregation and obfuscation rules, client access rights and end-to-end encryption.