International Banking and Payment Relations Specialist

Description

The International Banking and Payment Relations Specialist is responsible for managing and developing relationships with global banking partners, payment service providers (PSPs), and financial institutions. This role ensures smooth payment operations, oversees bank account management, executes payments, supports cross-border transactions, and optimizes payment flows in compliance with regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain strong relationships with international banks, PSPs, and financial partners
• Lead communication and day-to-day relationship management with payment service providers (PSPs)
• Negotiate commercial terms, pricing, and service conditions with banks and PSPs to optimize cost and performance
• Manage the end-to-end onboarding of new payment systems and providers, including due diligence, documentation, integration coordination, and go-live support
• Evaluate and select new payment partners and solutions based on business needs, geography, and risk profile
• Coordinate with technical and product teams during payment system integrations and testing phases
• Support the onboarding of new banking partners, merchant accounts, and payment solutions
• Manage corporate bank accounts, including opening, closing, updating signatories, and maintaining accurate account records
• Prepare, initiate, and process outgoing payments (wire transfers, SEPA, SWIFT, local payments), ensuring accuracy, proper authorization, and timely execution
• Verify payment instructions, supporting documentation, and approval workflows in line with internal controls
• Perform regular reconciliation of bank accounts and payment transactions, ensuring alignment between internal systems and bank statements
• Investigate and resolve discrepancies, unmatched transactions, failed or delayed payments, and settlement issues
• Monitor and optimize payment flows (incoming/outgoing transactions, settlements, reconciliation)
• Handle communication with banks and PSPs regarding account issues, payment delays, technical issues, and operational queries
• Coordinate the setup and maintenance of payment channels (SWIFT, SEPA, local payment schemes, etc.)
• Ensure compliance with international banking regulations, AML/KYC requirements, sanctions screening, and internal policies
• Work closely with internal teams (finance, compliance, operations, product) to resolve payment-related issues
• Analyze transaction data and identify opportunities to improve approval rates, reduce costs, and enhance efficiency
• Manage disputes, chargebacks, and escalations with banking partners and PSPs
• Stay updated on global payment trends, regulations, and emerging technologies

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field
• At least 2 years of experience in banking, payments, fintech, or financial operations
• Understanding of international payment systems (SWIFT, SEPA, card schemes, alternative payment methods)
• Hands-on experience with PSP integrations, onboarding, and relationship management
• Experience in negotiating with financial institutions or payment providers
• Hands-on experience with payment execution, bank account management, and reconciliation processes
• Familiarity with compliance requirements (AML, KYC, sanctions screening)
• Excellent communication and relationship management skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Fluent in English (additional languages are a plus)