Senior Associate, Payment Investigations & Operations

About the role

The Senior Associate, Payment Investigations & Operations will lead the resolution of complex cross‑border payment exceptions. You will use deep knowledge of SWIFT and ISO 20022 standards to ensure smooth client fund flows while maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements.

Key responsibilities

• Manage end‑to‑end investigations for cross‑border remittances, including non‑receipt, amendments, and cancellations.
• Draft and process SWIFT messages (MT199, MT192, MT195, MT196) for inquiries and responses.
• Handle payment returns and rejects using pacs.004 and status updates via pacs.002 in line with ISO 20022.
• Liaise with correspondent banks and internal teams to resolve payment breaks and delays.
• Respond to client inquiries on payment status with professional communication.
• Monitor Nostro account breaks and perform daily transaction monitoring to identify failed or stuck payments.
• Support inbound and outbound remittance processing during peak periods to meet currency cut‑off times.
• Maintain accurate investigation logs and provide regular status updates to management.
• Ensure investigations comply with AML, sanctions screening, and KYC requirements.
• Identify recurring issues, suggest process improvements, and assist in UAT for payment system enhancements.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Banking, Finance, Business or a related field.
• 4‑5 years of experience in bank payment operations, specifically cross‑border remittances and investigations.
• Strong analytical abilities with high attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills and a client‑first mindset.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet strict cut‑off times.

Required skills

• SWIFT MT messaging (Category 1, 2, 9).
• ISO 20022 messaging (pacs.002, pacs.004).
• Experience with MT199, MT192, MT195, MT196.
• Knowledge of global clearing landscape and correspondent banking.