Division Head - Digital Payment Technology

A leading bank is seeking an experienced Division Head for Digital Payment Technology to oversee the technology operations and delivery of its digital payment platforms. This role is critical in managing instant payment systems, interbank fund transfer links, and card scheme payment rails. The successful candidate will ensure platform availability, integration reliability, scheme compliance, and timely execution of payment initiatives in alignment with the bank’s policies and regulatory requirements set by the State Bank of Pakistan. Reporting directly to the Group Head of Information Technology / Chief Information Officer, this position demands a strategic leader capable of driving operational excellence and regulatory adherence in a fast-paced banking environment.

Key Responsibilities

- Manage the availability, performance, and incident resolution of key payment platforms including RAAST, 1LINK payment switch, and card scheme interfaces, ensuring uninterrupted payment processing for customers and interbank partners.
- Lead the implementation of new payment products, features, and regulatory mandates on payment platforms within approved scope, budget, and timelines to meet State Bank of Pakistan deadlines and customer expectations.
- Maintain and monitor integrations with 1LINK, EuroNet, RAAST, card schemes, and settlement systems by overseeing interface health, message flows, and reconciliation status daily to guarantee accurate transaction settlements and timely resolution of discrepancies.
- Ensure full compliance of payment platforms with scheme rules, certification requirements, and change control processes, maintaining comprehensive documentation to support audits and inspections.
- Track and analyze payment platform incidents, root causes, and corrective actions, providing monthly reports on platform performance, transaction trends, and outstanding issues to senior management for informed decision-making.
- Coordinate audit observations, inspection queries, and scheme assessments related to payment platforms, ensuring timely closure of findings to maintain regulatory compliance.
- Develop and enhance the capability of the payment technology team through structured task allocation, performance feedback, and targeted skills development plans to secure continuity in platform operations and delivery capacity.

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.

Experience Profile

- A minimum of 10 to 12 years of technology experience within banking or financial services.
- At least 5 years of hands-on experience in payment systems, payment switch operations, or card payment technology, including leadership responsibility for managing teams.

Behavioral Competencies

- Strong operational discipline to ensure smooth platform functioning.
- Effective problem resolution skills to address and mitigate incidents promptly.
- A compliance-oriented mindset to uphold regulatory and scheme requirements.
- Proficient stakeholder management abilities to coordinate across internal teams and external partners.

This role offers the opportunity to lead a critical function within a prominent financial institution, driving innovation and compliance in digital payments while fostering a high-performing team environment.