Payments Specialist Consulting Principal

About Cognizant ConsultingCognizant Consulting is a global community of 5,000+ experts dedicated to helping clients reimagine their business. We blend deep industry and technology advisory capabilities to create innovative business solutions for top global organizations. We’re seeking the next colleague to shape the future of money, value transfer, and the global payments ecosystem.About The RoleAs a Senior Payments & Emerging Innovations Specialist, you will advise clients on next‑generation payment models, digital money innovations, and the future of cross‑border value exchange. You will be a valued member of our Banking & Financial Services Consulting team and collaborate with industry partners, internal capability groups, and client executives to drive transformation across the global payments landscape.In This Role, You WillLead advisory and analysis engagements across emerging payment types, including stablecoins, retail & wholesale CBDCs, tokenized deposits, and digital-asset-based settlement models.Track and interpret global regulatory and innovation initiatives, such as BIS Innovation Hub experiments, cross‑border CBDC pilots, interoperability frameworks, and policy developments.Produce high‑quality thought leadership—white papers, points of view, market insights, and strategy documents—on the future of payments and digital money.Advise clients on ISO 20022 migration and optimization, including enrichment, transformation, and integration across domestic and cross‑border rails.Provide expert insights on SWIFT evolution, correspondent banking modernization, real‑time payments, RTGS systems, and next‑gen payment infrastructure.Lead or contribute to RFP/RFI/RFX responses, shaping solutions and building propositions for payments transformation and innovation programs.Support solution roadmap development, working closely with internal teams to translate emerging technologies into actionable delivery propositions.Represent Cognizant as a subject-matter expert, participating in industry workgroups, client discussions, and external forums.Work ModelWe believe hybrid work is the way forward. This role is a hybrid position requiring 3 days a week onsite in our London office or at a client location.The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting. These may change based on project needs, business requirements, or client expectations. We will always clearly communicate role expectations.What You Must Have To Be ConsideredMandatory consulting or advisory experience in payments, digital money, or financial services transformation.10–15 years of end‑to‑end payments experience, with exposure to emerging models including:Stablecoins and tokenized moneyRetail & wholesale CBDCsTokenized deposits and RLN conceptsCross‑border value transfer and settlement innovationsBlockchain‑based payments and digital asset infrastructuresStrong understanding of ISO 20022 message structures, data models, use cases, and implementation challenges.Deep knowledge of SWIFT, cross‑border payment flows, messaging evolution, RTGS/real‑time payment systems, and payment modernization.Proven ability to write and present thought leadership, frameworks, strategy recommendations, and market perspectives.Experience in crafting RFP/RFI/RFX responses and building compelling propositions.Ability to simplify complex, technical concepts and communicate effectively with executive and technical stakeholders.Understanding of global regulatory trends, compliance considerations, and industry standards in the payments ecosystem.These Will Help You SucceedExposure to digital identity, programmable payments, tokenization frameworks, or embedded finance.Experience participating in central bank, BIS, policy, or regulatory pilot programs.Familiarity with cloud‑native payment architectures, modern payment hubs, or microservices‑based processing models.BenefitsCognizant offers a competitive benefits package designed to support your wellbeing and professional development. Benefits typically include:Private medical insurancePension schemeLife assuranceEmployee assistance programPaid time off and wellbeing programsProfessional learning, certifications, and access to global knowledge networks #J-18808-Ljbffr