Business Analyst – Cards Clearing & Settlement (visa / Mastercard)

Job description

**SUMMARY** At Santander, we are transforming the future of payments. As part of our Cards organization, you will work in a dynamic international environment, helping to shape and optimize the end-to-end card payment ecosystem across multiple markets and geographies. We are looking for a highly experienced Business Analyst specialized in Cards Clearing & Settlement, with deep expertise in Visa and Mastercard schemes, card payment processing, and financial reconciliation processes. This role is critical to ensuring the accuracy, efficiency, and compliance of card transaction processing across the entire payment lifecycle. **EDUCATION** Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field. Relevant certifications in Payments, Cards, Business Analysis, or Financial Services are considered an advantage. **TECHNICAL SKILLS** - Business Analysis methodologies and tools. - Functional specification writing. - Process modeling and documentation. - Data analysis and troubleshooting capabilities. - SQL knowledge for investigation and analysis purposes. - Understanding of APIs and system integrations. - Testing support and UAT coordination. - Practical understanding of Artificial Intelligence concepts and applications. - Ability to leverage Generative AI tools to improve analysis, documentation, and productivity. - Experience using AI-assisted tools for business analysis, process improvement, and decision support. - Curiosity and willingness to explore innovative technologies within the payments industry. - Understanding of how AI can enhance operational efficiency, customer experience, and risk management processes. - Strong analytical and problem-solving mindset. - Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills. - Ability to operate in complex and highly regulated environments. - Strong attention to detail. - Proactive and results-oriented attitude. - Ability to work effectively in cross-functional and international teams. - Continuous improvement mindset. **YOUR MISSION** As a Business Analyst within the Cards organization, you will act as the bridge between Business, Operations, Technology, Finance, and external payment schemes. You will be responsible for analyzing, defining, and improving clearing and settlement processes, ensuring that card transactions are accurately processed and reconciled while complying with Visa and Mastercard operational rules. **KEY RESPONSIBILITIES** - Cards Clearing & Settlement Expertise - Analyze and manage end-to-end card transaction flows, from authorization through clearing and settlement. - Support business initiatives related to card payment processing, financial reconciliation, and operational optimization. - Investigate and resolve complex clearing and settlement discrepancies. - Analyze financial impacts associated with transaction processing and scheme rule changes. - Support interchange, scheme fee, and reconciliation-related initiatives. - Business Analysis - Gather, analyze, and document business requirements. - Translate business needs into detailed functional specifications. - Perform impact assessments for new business initiatives, regulatory changes, and scheme mandates. - Define business processes and operational procedures. - Collaborate with Technology teams during solution design, implementation, and testing phases. - Scheme Management - Monitor and assess Visa and Mastercard rule changes. - Evaluate business and system impacts of scheme mandates and releases. - Coordinate implementation activities across business and technology stakeholders. - Act as a subject matter expert for scheme-related processes and operational requirements. - Incident Management & Operational Support - Analyze and troubleshoot clearing, settlement, and reconciliation issues. - Support root cause analysis and corrective actions. - Coordinate with internal teams, processors, and schemes to resolve operational incidents. - Ensure proper controls and monitoring mechanisms are in place. Stakeholder Management - Cards Business Teams - Operations - Finance - Technology - Risk & Compliance - Visa - Mastercard - External Processors and Partners **REQUIRED EXPERIENCE** - Mandatory - Proven experience as a Business Analyst within Cards, Payments, or Financial Services. - Strong expertise in: - Visa Clearing & Settlement - Mastercard Clearing & Settlement - Card Payment Processing - Reconciliation Processes - Chargebacks and Disputes - Interchange Concepts - Issuing and/or Acquiring Business Models. - Experience working with international card schemes. - Strong understanding of transaction lifecycle management. Preferred - Experience working with payment processors or card platforms. - Knowledge of ISO 8583 messaging standards. - Experience in multinational banking or payment environments. - Familiarity with regulatory and compliance requirements related to card payments. **WHY SANTANDER?** At Santander, you will have the opportunity to work at the heart of one of the world's leading financial institutions, helping to shape the future of digital payments. You will join an international team where innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning are part of our DNA. We encourage curiosity, embrace emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, and empower our people to make a meaningful impact on millions of customers worldwide.