International Payments Specialist

Lead is a fintech building banking infrastructure for embedded financial products and services. We operate an FDIC-insured bank headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri.  Additionally, we have offices in San Francisco, Sunnyvale, and New York City, where our technical, product, design, and legal teams operate. We are built for a constantly evolving financial landscape, where new ventures and technological advancements emerge daily. Guided by a team of entrepreneurs and technologists with decades of experience navigating intricate banking and payments regulations, Lead blends regulatory and technological expertise to help our fintech partners scale their operations with compliance and creativity.
Simply put, Lead offers the essential attributes that every fintech seeks in a partner bank. First, unparalleled technical expertise from a distinguished team of developers with an extensive understanding of the banking and payments systems. Second, oversight expertise, automated compliance systems, and bespoke program management to navigate the ever-shifting regulatory landscape. Finally, a commitment to transparency and operational rigor to ensure everyone’s money does what it’s supposed to do. 
As a Community Bank, we provide personalized banking services and solutions to support the businesses, individuals, and charitable organizations of the Kansas City Metropolitan Area, both in branch and online. We are committed to fostering strong relationships, supporting local economic growth, and we believe in the power of being an integral part of the community we serve.
Role Description: The International Payments Specialist will play a crucial role in implementing and managing cross-border financial transactions. They will assist the team with handling high volumes of payment transactions for multiple countries, ensuring payments are processed correctly and in compliance with applicable regulations and internal policies. Additionally, they will be tasked with understanding relationships with any foreign or correspondent banking relationships.

In this role you will:

• Assist in guiding and expanding the Payments Program to encompass a full spectrum of international payments, including SWIFT messaging and settlement, International ACH origination, and alternative cross-border payment methods such as Visa Direct and digital asset solutions
• Lead efforts in collaborating with SWIFT and internal stakeholders to become a SWIFT member with a fully connected BIC. Work closely with both internal teams and external partners to ensure smooth integration and operational success.
• Identify the need for relationships with foreign financial institutions. If necessary, assist in identifying and managing relationships with these institutions to ensure seamless international payment processing.
• Create and deliver training programs and develop operational procedures for the team to successfully process international payments and manage SWIFT messaging. Ensure team members are fully equipped to handle high volumes of cross-border transactions.
• Assist with the reconciliation process for international payments, ensuring accurate settlement and tracking of payments across multiple platforms. Prepare and present reports related to international payment activities, including fraud, discrepancies, and other key metrics.
• Work alongside project managers and engineers as they build out international payment functionality into our platform. Provide subject matter expertise to ensure that systems are designed and implemented to support international payments effectively.
• Assist in educating clients on the requirements and processes for sending international payments. Respond to client inquiries and resolve any issues related to international payments, ensuring a smooth client experience.
• Undertake additional responsibilities as assigned, which may include process improvements, system upgrades, or new payment method integrations.

Qualifications:

• 5+ years of experience in international payments, financial messaging, and treasury services, with a strong focus on cross-border payments and SWIFT connectivity.
• Proven experience working with SWIFT and correspondent banks, managing relationships with financial institutions globally, and navigating complex regulatory environments.
• Expertise in SWIFT infrastructure, messaging systems, and security protocols.
• Experience in compliance and risk management related to international payments, with a solid understanding of AML, KYC, and global regulatory requirements.
• Understanding of the regulatory frameworks around international payments and how they affect cross-border transactions.
• Extensive experience with ISO 8583 (card transactions), ISO 15022 (SWIFT MT), and ISO 20022 (preferred) messaging standards.
• Strong understanding of cross-border payment strategies and an understanding of how digital assets (cryptocurrencies, stablecoins, etc.) fit into the broader cross-border payments ecosystem.
• Experience working in the payments industry or within a financial institution (bank, fintech, payment processor, etc.) with hands-on exposure to cross-border payment systems, financial messaging, and international payments.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, with a startup mindset and a readiness to take on new challenges.
• Self-starter, highly engaged, proactive, and ready to roll up your sleeves to tackle complex problems and drive solutions.
• Strong leadership qualities, with the ability to take ownership, guide team members, and provide ongoing training and mentorship in cross-border payment operations.

What we offer:

• At Lead, we design our benefits to support company culture and principles, to foster an efficient and inspiring work environment, and to create the conditions for our team to give their best in both work and life
• Competitive compensation based on experience, geographic location, and role
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, 401k Matching, and other wellness benefits, including FSA, HSA and HRA
• Paid parental leave
• Flexible vacation policy, including PTO and paid holidays
• A fun and challenging team environment in a dynamic industry with ample opportunities for career growth

*Lead Bank is proud to have an inclusive culture committed to ensuring equal employment opportunity in all employment decisions regardless of race, color, gender, national origin, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, veteran status or any other legally protected status.
*Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 
*Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
*Pursuant to the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
**Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several US geographic markets. Pay is based on a number of factors and may vary depending on geographical market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. These ranges may be modified in the future.
Zone 1: $123,654 - $145,475 (SF/Bay Area, NYC, Seattle, LA)Zone 2: $107,525 - $126,500 (Austin, Boston, Chicago, Denver, San Diego, DC)Zone 3: $92,863 - $109,250 (Other US Metros)
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