Managing data risks across almost 70 business units, each with its own data streams, platforms, and applications, is a colossal task. For one of APAC’s top 4 retail banks, the challenge of defining and governing critical data elements (CDEs) had become untenable without a unified, scalable solution. The bank’s data spanned 10 distinct platforms and over 600 applications, each adding complexity to the already demanding task of tracking data risks and meeting regulatory expectations. With no cohesive system to apply or monitor data controls across units, they faced heightened risk exposure and operational inconsistencies.

 

This is where Alex Solutions became essential. The bank turned to Alex for a centralized data governance framework that could finally provide the consistency and structure needed to govern data across a vast network of business units. Unlike standard data cataloging solutions, Alex was designed to map out and publish every CDE, data control, policy, and application, allowing business units to independently define and oversee their data elements while aligning with the bank’s overarching risk standards. Alex’s platform created a shared language and framework for managing data, transforming previously fragmented data governance practices into a unified, actionable structure.

 

Alex’s implementation plan reflected the scale and precision of the bank’s requirements. Integrating data from all 67 business units, Alex’s solution set up over 1,400 data controls and automated the lineage for more than 1,770 CDEs. With this centralized governance in place, data flows were no longer obscured or siloed; instead, they were mapped and transparent across the organization. Each business unit could now see its own data elements in relation to the bank’s full governance framework, mitigating data quality risks and empowering proactive risk management across all functions.

 

The benefits were felt immediately. Business units gained complete control over their CDEs, supported by a shared catalog that allowed them to track, manage, and enforce data controls within a unified, risk-aware structure. This centralized approach created a newfound trust in data across the organization, giving decision-makers the confidence that every data-driven insight was grounded in verified, consistently managed assets. The results were measurable: the bank now tracks 1,770+ CDEs, governed by 39 standardized policies, which have collectively reduced risk exposure and strengthened data resilience.

 

In an industry where data quality can determine operational stability and competitive advantage, Alex’s solution has given this bank the clarity and control necessary to navigate today’s complex data landscape. With Alex, the bank has built a resilient framework for managing data risks—ensuring that every piece of critical information is both a reliable asset and a shield against potential liabilities.

 

 

Customer Overview

 

Region: APAC
Industry/Sector: Financial Services – Leading Retail Bank

 

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Challenge

 

• Capability Area: Data Risk and CDE Management

• Data Complexity: The bank struggled with defining, managing, and governing CDEs across 67 business units.

• Technical Landscape: Data spanned 10 platforms and over 600 applications, increasing the challenge of monitoring data risks.

• Operational Inconsistencies: No unified framework existed to apply or monitor data controls effectively.

 

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Technologies

 

Data Management:

• Oracle

• SQL Server

• PostgreSQL

• Google Big Query

• Informatica

 

Reporting:

• Tableau

• QlikView

 

Analytics:

• SAS Base

• Google Big Query (dual-purpose: analytics and data management)

 

Compliance:

• Moody’s

 

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Results & Impact

 

Quantitative Outcomes:

• 1,770+ CDEs defined and tracked.

• 39 standardized policies implemented.

• 1,400+ data controls established, significantly enhancing governance capabilities.