Involved in pre-mRNA splicing as a component of the splicing factor SF3B complex. SF3B complex is required for 'A' complex assembly formed by the stable binding of U2 snRNP to the branchpoint sequence (BPS) in pre-mRNA. Sequence independent binding of SF3A/SF3B complex upstream of the branch site is essential, it may anchor U2 snRNP to the pre-mRNA. May also be involved in the assembly of the 'E' complex. Belongs also to the minor U12-dependent spliceosome, which is involved in the splicing of rare class of nuclear pre-mRNA intron. Component of splicing factor SF3B complex which is composed of at least eight subunits; SF3B1, SF3B2, SF3B3, SF3B4, SF3B5, SF3B6, PHF5A and DDX42. SF3B associates with the splicing factor SF3A and a 12S RNA unit to form the U2 small nuclear ribonucleoproteins complex (U2 snRNP). Belongs to the SF3B1 family.