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

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.