Payment SME Architect

Ascendion; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services firm is seeking a Payments SME/Solution Architect with extensive experience of over 15 years in Payment Architecture and Business Analysis. The ideal candidate will lead the design of payment solutions, including SEPA SCT & Instant, Faster Payments, and SWIFT implementations. Responsibilities include collaborating with regulators, driving modernization initiatives, and managing cross-functional teams. A strong knowledge of payment mechanisms and Agile methodologies is essential for success in this role.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in Payment Architecture, Solution Design, and Business Analysis.
• Expertise in SEPA SCT & Instant, SWIFT (MT/MX), and real-time payments.
• Strong knowledge of payment settlement mechanisms and FX integration.

Responsibilities

• Architect and design payment solutions aligned with global standards.
• Lead functional requirement gathering and process reengineering.
• Collaborate with regulators and payment schemes to facilitate network participation.

Skills

Payment Architecture

Business Analysis

SEPA SCT & Instant

Faster Payment

SWIFT (MT/MX)

ISO 20022

Agile methodologies

Job description

Job Description:

• We are seeking a Payments SME/Solution specificity 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 battling 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.