Payment or Card Architect, Cape Town

We are seeking a highly experienced Payments / Card Architect to lead the design and delivery of enterprise payment solutions within a complex banking environment. This role is responsible for defining scalable, secure, and high-performance architectures supporting card issuing, acquiring, and digital payments ecosystems. The architect will drive the modernization of payment platforms by integrating legacy banking systems with modern API-driven and microservices-based architectures.The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in card processing, payment switching, and banking system integrations, with a strong understanding of payment network standards and regulatory requirements. 2. Key Responsibilities

Payments and Card Architecture

Design and implement end-to-end architectures for card issuing, acquiring, and payment processing systems. Define scalable solutions capable of supporting high-volume transaction processing across multiple banking channels. Architect solutions for authorization, clearing, settlement, and reconciliation processes.Ensure alignment with enterprise architecture standards and banking technology strategies. Card Network and Payment Scheme Integration

Architect integrations with global card networks including Visa and Mastercard. Design connectivity with payment switches, card management systems, and third-party payment processors. Ensure compliance with industry standards such as PCI DSS. Core Banking and System Integration

Define integration strategies between core banking systems, card platforms, and digital banking channels. Implement modern integration patterns using APIs, middleware, and event-driven architectures. Support modernization initiatives transitioning legacy payment systems into modern digital payment ecosystems.Security, Risk, and Compliance

Ensure payment architectures comply with banking regulations and internal security frameworks. Implement secure payment mechanisms including encryption, tokenization, and authentication protocols. Work closely with risk and compliance teams to support fraud prevention and transaction monitoring.Architecture Governance and Leadership

Provide architectural guidance and technical leadership to development and integration teams. Lead architecture reviews, technical design sessions, and solution governance processes. Define architectural standards, best practices, and design principles for payment systems. Stakeholder Collaboration

Work closely with business stakeholders, product teams, and technology teams to define payment solution strategies. Collaborate with vendors and payment partners on the implementation of payment technologies and integrations. 3. Required Technical Skills

Payment and Card Systems Expertise

Strong knowledge of card issuing and acquiring ecosystems Experience with payment gateways, switches, and card management systems Deep understanding of the payment transaction lifecycle (authorization, clearing, settlement) Knowledge of digital payments, contactless payments, and mobile wallet ecosystemsPayment Standards and Protocols

Experience with ISO 8583 Familiarity with ISO 20022 Compliance knowledge of PCI DSS Understanding of EMV and tokenization technologies Architecture and Integration

API-led architecture and microservices design Enterprise integration patterns and middleware platforms Event-driven architecture for real-time payment systems Experience with cloud or hybrid infrastructure architectures 4. Tools and Technologies

Experience working with enterprise banking and payment technologies such as: Card Management Systems (CMS) Payment switching platforms Enterprise integration middleware Messaging and event streaming platforms Cloud infrastructure technologies 5. Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field 8–12+ years of experience in payments, card systems, or banking technology architecture 6. Preferred Certifications

Enterprise architecture certifications such as TOGAF Payment industry certifications Security certifications related to financial systems Strong architecture and system design expertise Deep understanding of banking payments ecosystems Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skillsAbility to lead complex technical initiatives Strategic thinking with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities Skills

payment card industry data security standard payment processing payment processesmodules projects including edo

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