Division Head - Digital Payment Technology

A leading bank is seeking a Division Head for Digital Payment Technology to oversee the technology operations and delivery of its digital payment platforms. This role involves managing instant payment systems, interbank fund transfer links, and card scheme payment rails to ensure platform availability, integration reliability, compliance with regulatory requirements, and timely execution of payment initiatives. The position reports directly to the Group Head of Information Technology / Chief Information Officer and is based within the Information Technology Group.

Key Responsibilities

- Manage the availability, performance, and incident resolution of critical payment platforms including the RAAST payment platform, 1LINK payment switch, and card scheme payment interfaces. Ensure these systems operate within defined service levels to support uninterrupted payment processing for customers and interbank partners.

- Lead the implementation of new payment products, features, and regulatory mandates on the payment platforms. Deliver these initiatives within approved scope, budget, and timelines to meet both the bank’s strategic goals and the State Bank of Pakistan’s regulatory deadlines.

- Maintain and monitor integrations with key payment networks such as 1LINK, EuroNet, RAAST, card schemes, and settlement systems. Oversee daily interface health checks, message flows, and reconciliation processes to guarantee accurate transaction settlements and timely resolution of discrepancies.

- Ensure full compliance of payment platforms with scheme rules, certification requirements, and change control procedures. Maintain comprehensive documentation and evidence to support audits and inspections, thereby sustaining a verified compliance posture across all payment channels.

- Track payment platform incidents, analyze root causes, and implement corrective actions. Prepare and present monthly reports on platform performance, transaction trends, and outstanding issues to senior management to facilitate informed decision-making regarding platform enhancements.

- Coordinate responses to audit observations, inspection queries, and scheme assessments related to the payment platforms. Monitor and ensure timely closure of all findings to maintain ongoing regulatory compliance.

- Develop and strengthen the payment technology team by assigning structured tasks, providing performance feedback, and implementing skills development plans. This will ensure continuity in platform operations and enhance the team’s delivery capabilities.

Required Qualifications

- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, preferably in Computer Science, Information Systems, Software Engineering, or Electrical Engineering.

- Relevant certifications such as ITIL, ISO 8583-based payment systems, PCI DSS, or PMP from an accredited institution.

- In-depth knowledge of State Bank of Pakistan payment systems regulations, RAAST participation rules, 1LINK operating framework, and Visa or MasterCard scheme requirements.

- A minimum of 10 to 12 years of technology experience within banking or financial services, including at least 5 years focused on payment systems, payment switch operations, or card payment technology with demonstrated team leadership responsibility.

Behavioral Competencies

- Strong operational discipline with a focus on maintaining high service levels.

- Effective problem resolution skills to address complex technical and operational challenges.

- A compliance-oriented mindset ensuring adherence to regulatory and scheme requirements.

- Excellent stakeholder management capabilities to coordinate across internal teams and external partners.

This role offers an opportunity to lead critical digital payment technology functions within a prominent banking institution, contributing directly to the bank’s innovation and regulatory compliance in the evolving payments landscape.