Solution Architect

Role Overview:

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Solution Architect specializing in Risk and Compliance within the Banking sector. Based in Riyadh, you will be a key driver in designing and implementing robust, scalable, and secure technology solutions that address the complex regulatory landscape and risk management requirements of the banking industry in Saudi Arabia. You will collaborate closely with business stakeholders, IT teams, and external vendors to translate business needs into effective and efficient architectural blueprints. Your deep understanding of banking regulations (e.g., SAMA guidelines), risk management frameworks, and technology solutions will be critical to ensuring our systems meet the highest standards of compliance and security.

Responsibilities:

1. Solution Design & Architecture: Develop end-to-end architectural blueprints and solutions for Risk and Compliance initiatives within the banking domain, ensuring alignment with business strategy, regulatory requirements, and IT standards.
2. Design solutions encompassing areas such as Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Know Your Customer (KYC), Fraud Detection and Prevention, Regulatory Reporting (e.g., COREP, FINREP), Credit Risk, Market Risk, Operational Risk, and Data Governance.
3. Define solution components, data flows, integration patterns, and infrastructure requirements.
4. Evaluate and recommend technology platforms, tools, and vendors relevant to Risk and Compliance solutions.
5. Ensure solutions are scalable, resilient, secure, and cost-effective.

Stakeholder Collaboration:

1. Work closely with Risk and Compliance business units, IT departments (including security, infrastructure, and development teams), and external regulatory bodies to understand requirements and constraints.
2. Facilitate workshops and discussions to gather functional and non-functional requirements.
3. Communicate architectural designs and solutions effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
4. Act as a trusted advisor on technology solutions related to Risk and Compliance.

Technical Leadership & Guidance:

1. Provide technical leadership and guidance to development teams during the implementation phase, ensuring adherence to architectural designs and best practices.
2. Define technical standards, guidelines, and patterns for Risk and Compliance solutions.
3. Participate in code reviews and ensure the quality and maintainability of implemented solutions.
4. Troubleshoot complex technical issues and provide effective solutions.

Risk & Compliance Expertise:

1. Maintain a deep understanding of relevant banking regulations and compliance requirements in Saudi Arabia (e.g., SAMA circulars, local laws).
2. Stay abreast of emerging trends and technologies in Risk and Compliance within the financial services industry.
3. Ensure that proposed solutions are aligned with security policies and compliance frameworks.
4. Participate in risk assessments and contribute to the development of mitigation strategies.

Documentation & Governance:

1. Create and maintain comprehensive architectural documentation, including solution designs, diagrams, and specifications.
2. Contribute to the development and enforcement of architectural governance processes and standards.
3. Ensure compliance with relevant data governance and security policies.

Qualifications:

1. Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field. Master's degree is a plus.
2. Minimum of 8 years of experience in IT, with a significant focus on solution architecture within the Banking sector.
3. Extensive and demonstrable experience in designing and implementing solutions for Risk and Compliance functions in a banking environment.
4. Deep understanding of banking regulations and compliance requirements in Saudi Arabia (SAMA guidelines).
5. Proven experience with relevant Risk and Compliance technologies and platforms (e.g., AML/KYC systems, Fraud Management solutions, Regulatory Reporting platforms, GRC tools).
6. Strong knowledge of enterprise architecture frameworks and methodologies (e.g., TOGAF, Zachman).
7. Excellent understanding of data modeling, data integration, and data governance principles.
8. Experience with various technology stacks, including but not limited to:
9. Cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP) - experience with cloud-based Risk and Compliance solutions is a plus.
10. Databases (e.g., Oracle, SQL Server, PostgreSQL).
11. Integration technologies (e.g., APIs, ESB).
12. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
13. Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively interact with both technical and business stakeholders.
14. Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
15. Fluency in English is essential. Arabic language skills are highly desirable.