Faisal Alam

SUMMARY

Enterprise Technology Leader with 20+ years of experience in banking and financial services, specializing in integration architecture, API-first strategy and large-scale enterprise technology programs. Proven history delivering complex solutions across both local and international markets, with extensive onsite experience in UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, Uganda, Zambia, and

China.

Expert in Kafka, MQ/JMS, Java-based integration, microservices, ISO 20022, Open Banking, PSD2, CI/CD,

DevSecOps, and enterprise governance. Strong involvement with regulators, external auditors, and compliance frameworks. Known for building high-performing engineering teams and delivering missioncritical systems across diverse global environments.

CORE EXPERTISE

Integration & Architecture: Enterprise Integration Patterns, Event-Driven Architecture, Microservices,

Messaging, API-First Architecture.

Technologies: Java (Spring), Kafka, JMS, MQ, IBM Integration Bus, REST/JSON, SOAP, API Gateways,

Docker, Kubernetes.

Standards & Regulatory: Open Banking, PSD2, ISO 20022, PCI DSS, SBP Regulations.

Platforms & Domains: Temenos Core Banking, ACI Switch, Payments Processing, EMV, Visa/Mastercard,

Digital Channels, CRM, ESB/Middleware.

Engineering Excellence: DevSecOps, CI/CD (Git/Jenkins), GitOps, Observability, Architecture Governance.

Leadership: Team Management, Vendor Governance, Regulatory Engagement, Cross-functional Delivery.

SVP – Technology & Engineering | Systems Limited (BFSI) Jan 2023 – Present

 Defined and governed enterprise integration architecture across cloud, on-prem, and hybrid environments.

 Led Temenos Core Banking and ACI Switch integrations using microservices, Kafka, and API gateways.

 Implemented API-first strategy ensuring secure, scalable API lifecycle governance.

 Oversaw integrations across digital channels, CRM, payments, and partner systems.

 Championed DevSecOps, CI/CD, branching strategy, and engineering excellence.

 Conducted architectural reviews and performance validation of vendor platforms.

 Represented integration architecture in regulatory and audit engagements.

 Built and led high-performing integration engineering teams.

 Initiated AI.NOW program in the unit to enhance Integrations Productivity by using OpenAI,

Claude and Cursor tools

Chief Information Officer | Avanza Premier Payment Services (APPS) Nov 2017 – Jan 2023

 Co-founder and technology leader for SBP regulated digital payments company.

 Architected and launched PayFast, a large-scale internet payment gateway in Pakistan. Established enterprise integration frameworks for APIs, digital channels, QR/NFC, and settlements.

 Oversaw Tech, InfoSec, Operations, Customer Success, Internal Audit & SBP compliance.

 Enabled secure microservices, APIs, and event-driven architectures.

Chief Technology Officer | Pay2M - Qatar June 2021 – Jan 2023

 Led the full technology setup of Pay2M, a Qatar Central Bank(QCB) regulated PSP entity and subsidiary of Twyla Technologies. It includes payment gateway, POS acquiring platform, and merchant onboarding ecosystem.

 Directed Visa integration and certification, delivering secure transaction switching, settlement,

and dispute management capabilities.

 Established scalable microservices, secure API architecture, CI/CD pipelines, and ensured compliance with QCB, PCI-DSS, and EMV standards.

 Built and led cross-functional teams (Engineering, DevOps, InfoSec, QA, Operations) and managed key banking and fintech vendor partnerships

Director Product Development | Creative Chaos (Boloro Global) Jul 2015 – Nov 2017

 Product owner for Boloro Tap & Pay (NFC-based cloud payment platform).

 Designed POS, Android POS, and e-commerce integration architecture.

 Managed issuer/operator integrations across UAE, South Africa, Jordan, Egypt, Pakistan, Mexico,

and more.

 Ran 24/7 payment operations, settlements, and monitoring.

Senior Manager – Software Development | Avanza Solutions Jun 2008 – Jul 2015

 Delivered critical integrations for major banks such as NBB, BBK, ADCB, Barclays, SIB, MCB,

Meezan Bank, UBL.

 Led integration projects for ATM switch, EMV, Visa/Mastercard, CRM, and middleware.

 Developed integration components in .NET, C++, SQL Server, Oracle.

 Managed complete project delivery and architectural governance.

Assistant Manager – Information Technology | Maritime Technologies Complex

Jun 2008 – Jul 2015

 Requirements Analysis, Business Process Analysis and its Reengineering.

 System Analysis and Design / Software Engineering of ERP Project.

 Implementation of different corporate policies in the IT Department

 Project Management

 Client Managemen

MS in Computer Science & IT from NED University of Engineering & Technology

BS (Computer Science) from University of Karachi, Pakistan