ABOUT US
We’re the world’s leading provider of secure financial messaging services, headquartered in Belgium. We are the way the world moves value – across borders, through cities and overseas. No other organisation can address the scale, precision, pace and trust that this demands, and we’re proud to support the global economy.
We’re unique too. We were established to find a better way for the global financial community to move value – a reliable, safe and secure approach that the community can trust, completely. We’re always striving to be better and are constantly evolving in an ever-changing landscape, without undermining that trust. Five decades on, our vibrant community reflects the complexity and diversity of the financial ecosystem. We innovate diligently, test exhaustively, then implement fast. In a connected and exciting era, our mission has never been more relevant. Swift now has a presence in 200+ countries and legal territories to serve a community of more than 12,000 banks and financial institutions.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and oversee technology, data, and innovation risk assessment and mitigation, ensuring alignment with organisational strategy, growth initiatives, and risk appetite.
- Partner closely with Engineering, Data, Product, Innovation and Architecture teams to identify, assess and challenge risks arising from platforms, data usage, architectural decisions, and adoption of new technologies.
- Develop, evolve and embed risk frameworks and policies covering technology, cyber, data, engineering resilience, and emerging technologies (e.g. AI, cloud-native architectures, distributed systems).
- Provide authoritative risk guidance and constructive challenge on major initiatives, including data platforms, engineering transformations, and innovation programmes.
- Act as a trusted second‑line partner to senior stakeholders, translating technical risk topics into clear, decision‑relevant insights for executives and governance forums.
- Promote a forward‑looking risk culture that balances innovation, speed, and resilience, with a strong focus on prevention, preparedness, and control effectiveness.
- Monitor, assess and report on technology, data and innovation risk positions, trends, and material changes across the organisation.
- Own and manage the ongoing relationship with the relevant directorate(s), ensuring effective oversight, escalation, and alignment.
Technical & Risk Expertise
- Strong technical background with demonstrable experience across technology, cyber, and data risk, including control design, assessment, and challenge in complex environments.
- Proven ability to assess risks associated with modern engineering practices and technologies, such as cloud platforms, APIs, automation, data pipelines, AI/ML, and emerging tools.
- Experience applying risk methodologies (quantitative and qualitative) to technology‑driven change, product development, and data‑led initiatives.
- Ability to analyse complex technical and data‑centric architectures, identify material risk drivers, and articulate practical, proportionate risk responses.
- Deep understanding of enterprise technology and cyber risk, including evolving threat landscapes, third‑party dependencies, and systemic technology risks.
- Working knowledge of relevant industry standards and frameworks (e.g. ISO 27001, NIST, COBIT), with the ability to adapt them pragmatically to data and innovation contexts.
Operational Excellence & Risk Oversight
- Champion strong operational and technology risk practices across first and second lines, with an emphasis on data integrity, resilience, and engineering quality.
- Work with cross‑functional teams to strengthen control environments, streamline risk processes, and ensure risk considerations are embedded early in design and delivery.
- Contribute to executive, board, and oversight reporting on technology, data, and innovation risk exposure, trends, and control effectiveness.
- Support continuous improvement of risk assessment, scenario analysis, and assurance activities related to new and evolving technologies.
Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement
- Proven experience leading and developing small specialist teams in a complex, technical risk environment.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage credibly with senior engineering, data, and technology leaders.
- Ability to influence without owning delivery, providing constructive challenge while maintaining strong working relationships.
- Strategic mindset with the confidence to operate at executive and board level on complex, forward‑looking risk topics.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. Computer Science, Engineering, Data, Information Systems, or equivalent); advanced degree desirable.
- Relevant professional certifications in risk, technology, cyber or engineering disciplines (e.g. CRISC, CISSP, CISM, cloud or engineering certifications) preferred.
- Typically 7–10+ years of experience across technology, cyber, data, or engineering‑related risk, assurance, or control roles in complex organisations.
Key Competencies
- Strong strategic judgement and ability to balance innovation, risk, and organisational objectives.
- Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills, particularly in ambiguous or fast‑evolving technology contexts.
- Structured, pragmatic approach to risk that supports progress rather than constraining it.
- Collaborative, delivery‑oriented mindset with resilience in a dynamic environment.
What we offer
We give you the freedom to be yourself. We are creating an environment of unique individuals – like you – with different perspectives on the financial industry and the world. A diverse and inclusive environment in which everyone’s voice counts and where you can reach your full potential.
We are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require a reasonable accommodation related to accessibility during your application or interview, please contact accessibility-Sysgroup@swift.com or indicate this in your application.
Please note that this mailbox is not monitored for general recruitment enquiries and should only be used for accessibility or accommodation-related requests (for example related to vision, hearing or neurodiversity).
All requests are confidential and will not affect your candidacy.
Don’t meet every single requirement? At Swift, we are dedicated to building a workplace where people can bring their full selves and ideas to the team, so if you are excited about this role, we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every single qualification.
