At a Glance
- Tasks: Own and optimise payment costs, translating complex rules into actionable insights.
- Company: Join Airwallex, a leading global payments platform with a vibrant team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse culture, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the future of global banking and payments.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in payments with strong analytical and operational skills.
The predicted salary is between 81000 - 99000 £ per year.
About Airwallex
Airwallex is the only unified payments and financial platform for global businesses. Powered by our unique combination of proprietary infrastructure and software, we empower over 250,000 businesses worldwide with fully integrated solutions to manage everything from business accounts, payments, spend management and treasury, to embedded finance at a global scale.
Proudly founded in Melbourne, we have a team of over 2,300 of the brightest and most innovative people in tech across 27 offices around the globe. Valued at US$11 billion and backed by world-leading investors, Airwallex is leading the charge in building the global payments and financial platform of the future.
Attributes We Value
We hire successful builders with founder-like energy who want real impact, accelerated learning, and true ownership. You bring strong role-related expertise and sharp thinking, and you’re motivated by our mission and operating principles. You move fast with good judgment, dig deep with curiosity, and make decisions from first principles, balancing speed and rigor. You're humble and collaborative; turn zero‑to‑one ideas into real products, and you “get stuff done” end-to-end. You use AI to work smarter and solve problems faster. Here, you’ll tackle complex, high‑visibility problems with exceptional teammates and grow your career as we build the future of global banking.
Who you are
We are looking for an Associate Director, Payments/Scheme Economics to own the integrity, visibility and management of Airwallex’s payment costs, starting with card scheme fees and interchange fees across Visa and Mastercard. Reporting to the Head of Strategic Finance, you will be the subject matter expert on scheme economics, translating complex and rapidly changing network rules into accurate system configurations, financial outcomes and business decisions. You will ensure we understand what every payment should cost, that those costs are accurately reflected across our systems and financials, and that we systematically identify opportunities to improve payment economics as we scale.
Over time, the remit will expand across other card schemes, local payment methods and the broader payments cost base.
What you’ll do
- Own scheme economics and rule interpretation: Maintain deep expertise across scheme fees, interchange and network rules. Interpret scheme bulletins, operating regulations and fee schedules, translating changes into clear financial, product and operational requirements.
- Ensure accurate payment cost configuration: Translate complex scheme rules into fee tables, eligibility criteria and transaction-level logic. Partner with Product and Engineering to ensure cost calculation, allocation and customer billing accurately reflect current network rules across markets and payment flows.
- Protect payment cost integrity: Establish robust governance, testing and controls across scheme configurations. Reconcile expected costs against actual network charges, identify anomalies and leakage, and drive root-cause resolution.
- Build granular visibility into payment economics: Develop robust models and analytics across markets, products, payment methods and transaction types, creating a clear view of unit economics, margin drivers and cost movements.
- Drive structural cost and margin optimization: Identify, quantify and execute opportunities to improve economics through transaction qualification, BIN routing, cost configuration, and other levers. Partner with Product, Finance and Commercial teams to prioritize the highest-value opportunities.
- Shape pricing and commercial decisions: Translate underlying payment economics into recommendations for customer pricing, product design, new market launches and commercial strategy, ensuring growth is supported by sustainable unit economics.
- Build scalable infrastructure and automation: Partner with Product, Engineering, and Data teams to strengthen cost engines, fee allocation logic, dashboards and automated controls. Apply AI and advanced analytics to accelerate rule interpretation, detect anomalies and surface optimization opportunities.
- Own complex scheme economics issues: Serve as the escalation point for scheme pricing, interchange and rule-related questions, working directly with Visa, Mastercard and other payment partners where required.
What you’ll bring
- 7+ years of relevant experience in payments, acquiring, issuing, card networks, payment infrastructure or related roles, ideally within a global PSP, acquirer, scheme, issuer or fintech.
- Deep knowledge of card payment economics, particularly Visa and Mastercard interchange, scheme fees, transaction qualification and network rules.
- Strong ability to operationalize complex payment rules, translating fee schedules and network requirements into system logic, configurations and controls.
- Experience with payment cost systems and controls, including interchange tables, scheme fee logic, BIN-based rules, transaction attributes or similar payment configurations.
- Strong analytical and quantitative capabilities, including experience working with transaction-level data, economic modeling and reconciliation of expected versus actual payment costs.
- Strong commercial judgment, with the ability to connect detailed payment mechanics to pricing, product decisions and margin optimization.
- Exceptional attention to detail and ownership, with the discipline required to manage complex rules where small errors can create meaningful financial impact at scale.
- Strong cross-functional execution, with the ability to work effectively across Product, Engineering, Finance, Data, Operations and external payment partners.
Applicant Safety Policy: Fraud and Third-Party Recruiters
To protect you from recruitment scams, please be aware that Airwallex will not ask for bank details, sensitive ID numbers (i.e. passport), or any form of payment during the application or interview process. All official communication will come from an @airwallex.com email address. Please apply only through careers.airwallex.com or our official LinkedIn page.
Airwallex does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms/recruiters. Airwallex will not pay any fees to search firms/recruiters if a candidate is submitted by a search firm/recruiter unless an agreement has been entered into with respect to specific open position(s). Search firms/recruiters submitting resumes to Airwallex on an unsolicited basis shall be deemed to accept this condition, regardless of any other provision to the contrary.
Equal opportunity
Airwallex is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and anyone seeking employment at Airwallex is considered based on merit, qualifications, competence and talent. We don’t regard color, religion, race, national origin, sexual orientation, ancestry, citizenship, sex, marital or family status, disability, gender, or any other legally protected status when making our hiring decisions. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.
Location: NL - Amsterdam; UK - London
Employment Type: Full time
Department: Finance & Corporate Development, Finance & Strategy
Associate Director, Payments/Scheme Economics in London employer: Airwallex
Airwallex is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and innovative work culture, empowering employees to make a real impact in the global financial landscape. With a commitment to professional growth, team members benefit from accelerated learning opportunities and the chance to collaborate with some of the brightest minds in tech across a diverse, global environment. Located in Melbourne, Airwallex offers a unique blend of cutting-edge technology and a supportive atmosphere, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director, Payments/Scheme Economics in London
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Airwallex. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director, Payments/Scheme Economics in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Airwallex.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Airwallex's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Airwallex
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Airwallex.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Airwallex will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Airwallex employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
