Core Payment Architect

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Capco is a global technology and business consultancy focused on financial services. We are dedicated to helping our clients navigate an evolving industry by combining innovative thinking with expert knowledge. Our team consists of specialists across various domains, including Capital Markets, Insurance, Payments, Retail Banking, and Wealth & Asset Management.

About the Job

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Core Payments Architect to join our Core Banking team, where you will guide clients through the design, implement, and oversee the technical architecture of payment systems, with a strong focus on Payments Services Hub (PSH). You will collaborate with stakeholders to ensure scalable, secure, and compliant payment solutions. Your role involves defining the technology roadmap, supporting system integration, and leading the implementation of innovative payment services.

Duties & Responsibilities

1. Architecture Design

• Client-Centric Architecture Development: Collaborate with clients to design and maintain robust payment system architectures that ensure scalability, high availability, and optimal performance tailored to their specific needs.
• Workflow Optimization: Define comprehensive end-to-end payment processing workflows, encompassing clearing, settlement, and real-time payments, to enhance operational efficiency for clients.
• Integration of Payment Schemes: Assess and integrate various payment schemes such as SWIFT, SEPA, ISO 20022, and local clearing systems to provide clients with a versatile and compliant payment infrastructure.

1. Technology Strategy

• Strategic Technical Roadmapping: Partner with clients to define a technical roadmap for their payment solutions that aligns with their business objectives and adheres to regulatory requirements.
• Innovation Leadership: Drive technological innovation by introducing cutting-edge payment technologies, APIs, and microservices-based architectures that empower clients to stay ahead in a competitive landscape.

1. Implementation and Integration

• Legacy System Migration: Lead the strategic migration from outdated payment systems to modern PSH-based solutions, ensuring minimal disruption and maximum efficiency for client operations.
• Seamless Integration: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate PSH with core banking systems, third-party applications, and open banking platforms, facilitating a cohesive ecosystem for clients.

1. Governance and Standards

• Regulatory Compliance Assurance: Ensure that client solutions comply with essential regulatory frameworks such as PCI-DSS, GDPR, and PSD2, mitigating risks associated with non-compliance.
• Establishment of Best Practices: Develop and implement standards and best practices for payment solution design and development, fostering a culture of excellence in client projects.

1. Stakeholder Management

• Collaborative Engagement: Work closely with business units, IT teams, and vendors to deliver tailored payment solutions on schedule and within budget constraints.
• Expert Guidance: Serve as a subject matter expert in payment architectures, providing strategic insights and recommendations to client leadership teams to enhance decision-making processes.

The candidate must have:

1. Technical Expertise

• Comprehensive PSH Knowledge: Possess in-depth expertise in PSH architecture, design patterns, and implementation best practices, enabling the delivery of high-quality payment solutions.
• Proficient in Payment Protocols: Demonstrated experience with critical payment protocols such as ISO 20022 and ISO 8583, along with a solid understanding of tokenization and encryption standards to ensure secure transactions.
• Cloud-Native Solutions Familiarity: Well-versed in cloud-native technologies and containerization tools, including Kubernetes and Docker, facilitating scalable and efficient deployment of payment systems.

1. Payments Domain Knowledge

• Real-Time Payments Expertise: Hands-on experience with real-time payments, cross-border remittances, and card payment systems, allowing for the development of innovative solutions that address client needs.
• Payment Gateway Proficiency: Deep understanding of payment gateways, fraud detection mechanisms, and reconciliation processes, ensuring robust security and reliability in payment transactions.

1. Integration and Middleware

• API Design and Management Acumen: Strong grasp of API design principles and management strategies, coupled with expertise in middleware solutions and integration patterns that streamline payment system connectivity.
• Integration Platform Experience: Practical experience with Enterprise Service Bus (ESB) or Integration Platform as a Service (iPaaS) solutions for seamless payment system integration, enhancing operational efficiency.

1. Regulatory Compliance

• Regulatory Knowledge: In-depth understanding of global and regional payment regulations and standards, including PSD2 and SAMA’s Open Banking framework, ensuring compliance in diverse markets.
• Compliance Assurance Experience: Proven track record in ensuring adherence to PCI-DSS and ISO 27001 standards, safeguarding client operations against regulatory risks.

1. Leadership and Collaboration

• Cross-Functional Leadership: A demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams effectively while managing complex payment transformation projects, driving successful outcomes for clients.
• Exceptional Communication Skills: Strong communication and stakeholder management skills that foster collaboration and ensure alignment across diverse teams, enhancing project success.