The latest edition in the ‘Meet the expert’ series: Eimear Keane, Senior Manager of Market Data Compliance at TRG Screen.
When you talk to Eimear about exchange compliance, she doesn’t start with policies or paperwork. She talks about people. The clients she helps every day to make sense of something that’s rarely simple.
After years working with firms from across the industry, she’s watched compliance evolve; leaving behind manual declarations and spreadsheets for smarter, automated tools and data driven management. And through it all, her calm, analytical style has made her a go-to for clients tackling one of the trickiest parts of market data.
We caught up with her to talk about what the job really involves, how AI is reshaping it and why swimming in the Atlantic isn’t as far removed from compliance as you might think.
Tell us about your role, what do you do?
I’m a Senior Compliance Manager at TRG Screen, focusing on exchange compliance. I work with all kinds of clients – from boutique hedge funds to tier-one investment banks – helping them meet the reporting requirements of the exchanges they subscribe to.
That means verifying user counts, submitting declarations, managing honesty statements and savings programs, and supporting clients through audits. In short, I make sure everything runs smoothly and accurately across all aspects.
How did you find your way into this space?
I actually started in IT and telecom, working briefly at British Telecom before joining a small software company that built usage monitoring tools for investment banks. That’s where I first discovered the fascinating world of market data, and how deep and detailed it can be.
From there, I moved through a few specialist firms, each focused on different aspects of market data management and compliance, and even spent time working in the US. Looking back, every step taught me something new about how data, technology and regulation intersect. It’s been quite a journey, but it’s all led to where I am now.
What skills or mindset does it take to succeed in exchange compliance?
You need an analytical head and a people focus. It’s not enough to understand the data – usage patterns, licensing rules and exchange policies – you have to translate all that into something practical for clients.
Every client setup is different and constantly changing. Exchanges update their policies and clients launch new applications. We have to assess whether a particular use case falls under trading, portfolio management or risk. It’s detective work, really – spotting patterns, asking questions, interpreting the details.
And communication matters. We sit between clients and exchanges, so you need to build trust on both sides and help them see each other’s point of view.
What impact does your work have on clients, and on the industry more broadly?
For clients, it’s all about confidence. They know their reporting is accurate, on time and compliant, which means no surprises at audit time.
Because we work with so many clients and exchanges, we also get to give feedback on what works and what doesn’t. Exchanges sometimes ask for our input when they’re updating processes, policies or portals, which means we get to help shape better practices for everyone.
What are the red flags you often see when onboarding a new client?
Inconsistent data; it’s usually the first clue. Big dips or spikes in usage tend to mean something’s fallen through the cracks.
We review everything: user lists, application files, reporting feeds. Sometimes it’s just an application that’s dropped off, but catching that early prevents bigger problems later.
What excites you most about the future of market data management?
Definitely the pace of change and how technology, especially AI, is starting to make a real impact.
We’ve already seen this through PEAR and tools like AI Assist, which help clients get to the information they need faster and in a more digestible way. It’s about freeing people from manual work so they can focus on higher value analysis.
That said, AI should always complement human judgment, not replace it. It’s about speeding up the process, not removing the expertise.
What advice would you give firms looking to strengthen their compliance processes?
Be clear about where the pain is, whether it’s accuracy, speed or visibility. Once you know that, you can target it.
At TRG Screen, we can tailor solutions around those needs, whether it’s helping with exchange declarations, streamlining invoice reconciliation or building better reporting workflows. The goal is simple: give clients time back to focus on strategy while we handle the detail.
What part of your work gives you the most satisfaction?
I love the early stages of a client relationship, when we’re getting under the skin of how they work and spotting opportunities to make things better. Every client starts in a different place, and it’s incredibly rewarding to build something that genuinely transforms how they manage compliance day to day.
Watching that shift happen – not only reach their objectives but often go further than they expected – is what makes it all worthwhile. Seeing that shift from manual effort and uncertainty to confidence, automation and control is when you know you’ve really added value.
What might people be surprised to learn about you?
Probably that I’m an open water swimmer! I live on the west coast of Ireland, so I’m never far from the sea. And yes, I swim year-round, even in winter.
I’ve also trekked to Everest Base Camp and climbed Kilimanjaro, so I suppose I like a challenge.
Is there a connection between your hobbies and your work?
Absolutely. Open water swimming teaches you to adapt; conditions can change in an instant. One minute the sea’s calm, the next it’s choppy. You have to stay focused, keep moving and trust your preparation.
It’s not so different in compliance. Things can be steady for months, and then an exchange announces a new policy or audit cycle, and you have to pivot quickly. It’s all about staying calm and responding to change with confidence.
And outside of work?
Spending time with my husband and our five year old son. We all love the sea, so as a family, we spend a lot of time outdoors and by the water.
Stay tuned for more expert insights in our Meet the Expert series, where we showcase the incredible talent behind TRG Screen and their contributions to the financial services industry.
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