Payments Architect (with Business Analysis Expertise)

Ascendion; Chester; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fintech company is seeking a Payments Architect with extensive experience in payment system architecture and strong expertise in SEPA, RTGS, and ISO 20022. The role involves designing payment solutions, collaborating with regulators, and leading modernization initiatives. Ideal candidates will have over 12 years of experience in the banking or fintech sector, and proficiency in business analysis and payment processing.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in Payment Architecture, Solution Design, and Business Analysis.
• Expertise in SEPA SCT & Instant, RTGS, ACH, and SWIFT.
• Hands-on experience with payment orchestration and billing integration.

Responsibilities

• Architect and design payment solutions aligned with global standards.
• Lead ISO 20022 migration projects.
• Collaborate with regulators and payment schemes.

Skills

Payment Architecture

Business Analysis

Payment Settlement Mechanisms

Agile Methodologies

ISO 20022

Real-Time Payments

Job description

Job Description:

• We are seeking a Payments Architect with strong expertise in payment system architecture, clearing mechanisms, and business analysis. The ideal candidate should have experience in SEPA (SCT & Instant), RTGS, ACH, ISO 20022 migration, SWIFT messaging (MT/MX), and 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, RTGS, ACH, & TARGET2.
• 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.
• Lead business analysis activities, including functional requirement gathering, solution documentation, and process reengineering.

Required Skills & Experience:

• 12+ years of experience in Payment Architecture, Solution Design, and Business Analysis within the banking or fintech sector.
• Expertise in SEPA SCT & Instant, RTGS, ACH, 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.