IST Switch Expert

Job Title: FIS IST Switch Expert
Location: London
Employment Type: Contract

Role Overview:

We are seeking an experienced FIS IST Switch Expert to lead the architecture implementation optimization and support of the FIS International Switching (IST) platform. The ideal candidate will play a critical role in ensuring high availability scalability regulatory compliance and seamless transaction processing across ATM POS and digital payment ecosystems.

This role requires deep expertise in payment switching enterprise architecture transaction routing and modernization of legacy payment infrastructures into API-driven and cloud-enabled environments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Define target-state architecture for FIS IST across ATM POS and digital payment channels.

• Establish high availability active-active and disaster recovery designs.

• Lead architecture blueprints covering transaction routing authorization clearing and settlement flows.

• Drive alignment with enterprise architecture standards (cloud API microservices).

• Architect and lead migration from legacy switches (e.g. Connex BASE24 Postilion) to IST.

• Define coexistence strategies data migration approaches and phased cutover models.

• Identify optimization opportunities to reduce latency increase throughput and improve resilience.

• Design integration patterns with Core banking and authorization systems Card schemes (Visa Mastercard domestic networks) Fraud AML and risk systems.

• Enable transition from ISO 8583 to API/REST-based architectures.

Required Skills & Experience:

• 10 years in payment switching with deep expertise in FIS IST platform.

• Proven experience in enterprise-scale switch architecture and transformation programs.

• Strong command over ISO 8583 transaction lifecycle and routing logic.

• Expertise in:

  • Distributed systems and microservices architecture

  • API-first and event-driven designs

  • Hybrid/cloud infrastructure models

• Strong understanding of HSMs cryptography and secure transaction processing.

• Domain Expertise on Card payment ecosystems (ATM POS e-commerce) Scheme connectivity and certification processes ATM operations reconciliation dispute management.

About Sperton

This position is exclusively managed by Sperton a global talent partner connecting high-performing professionals with leading organizations worldwide.