European Finance Observatory

Concept · Brief definitionRelevant to you

SQL (Structured Query Language)

SQL is the standard language for defining, querying and changing data in relational databases, standardised as ISO/IEC 9075. Analysts use it to select, filter, join and aggregate tables; it is the most requested technical skill in finance data roles.

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Roles that need it

This is a brief definition. A full explanation with a worked example is being written.

Skills it belongs to

Sources

Updated 31 Oct 2026.