IST Switch Expert
Drive secure, high-availability payment switching transformations using FIS IST.
We usually respond within a day
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.
- Locations
- United Kingdom
- Remote status
- Hybrid
- Employment type
- Contract
- Job location
- London, United Kingdom
- Employment Level | Seniority
- Mid-Senior level
Workplace & Culture at Sperton
At Sperton, we believe that great results come from great people.
Our culture is built on trust, collaboration, and a shared passion for delivering quality in everything we do.
We are a Norwegian-owned international company with colleagues across Europe, Asia, and the USA, working together seamlessly across time zones and cultures. Our teams are diverse, yet united by the same goal — to connect people and companies in meaningful ways.
We value openness, initiative, and continuous learning. Everyone at Sperton is encouraged to take ownership, share ideas, and challenge existing ways of working to make our solutions even better.
Even though we operate globally, our approach is personal. We take pride in creating a supportive and inclusive environment where people feel heard, respected, and motivated to grow — both professionally and personally.
