Payment SME / Architect

Ascendion; City Of London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fintech company in the City of London is looking for a Payments SME/Solution Architect. This role requires 15+ years of experience in payment architecture and business analysis within the banking or fintech sector. Candidates must demonstrate strong expertise in SEPA, Faster Payments, and ISO 20022. The position involves architecting payment solutions, leading business analysis activities, and engaging with various stakeholders to ensure seamless implementation. A collaborative and proactive approach is key in this dynamic role.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in Payment Architecture, Solution Design, and Business Analysis.
• Expertise in SEPA SCT & Instant, Faster Payment, SWIFT (MT/MX), ISO 20022.
• Experience in Agile methodologies and working with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Architect and design payment solutions aligned with global standards.
• Lead business analysis activities for functional requirement gathering.
• Collaborate with regulators and payment schemes for streamlined participation.

Skills

Payment Architecture

Solution Design

Business Analysis

Agile methodologies

Job description

Job Description

• We are seeking a Payments SME/Solution Architect with strong expertise in payment system architecture, clearing mechanisms, and business analysis. The ideal candidate should have experience in SEPA (SCT & Instant), Faster Payment, ISO 20022, SWIFT messaging (MT/MX), and domestic/cross-border payments.
• This role requires both technical leadership and business analysis proficiency, ensuring seamless design and implementation of payment solutions while engaging with regulators, payment schemes, and internal stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Architect and design payment solutions aligned with global standards, including SEPA SCT/Instant, Faster Payment, & TARGET2.
• Lead business analysis activities, including functional requirement gathering, solution documentation, and process reengineering.
• Lead ISO 20022 migration projects, ensuring alignment with SWIFT MX and GPI standards.
• Collaborate with regulators and payment schemes to facilitate direct or indirect participation in payment networks.
• Conduct gap analysis and requirement validation to ensure completeness and accuracy in payment system implementations.
• Drive payment system modernization initiatives, including real-time payment processing, accelerated settlements, and API-based payment integrations.

Required Skills & Experience

• 15+ years of experience in Payment Architecture, Solution Design, and Business Analysis within the banking or fintech sector.
• Expertise in SEPA SCT & Instant, Faster Payment, SWIFT (MT/MX), ISO 20022, and real-time payments.
• Strong knowledge of payment settlement mechanisms and FX integration.
• Experience working with payment system regulators and payment scheme participation (direct/indirect).
• Proficiency in requirement gathering, process mapping, and gap analysis to identify and mitigate missed requirements.
• Hands‑on experience with payment orchestration, billing integration, and high‑value/low‑value payment processing.
• Experience in Agile methodologies, working with cross‑functional teams in a financial institution or fintech environment.
• Ability to engage with stakeholders across business, operations, IT, and regulatory bodies to ensure smooth implementation of payment solutions.