Manager, Visa Acceptance Risk Standards

Ecosystem Intelligence & Controls (EIC) is a Global Risk group that is tasked with the role of upholding the security and integrity of the payment ecosystem through the interdiction of illegal and fraudulent activity.  This is achieved through the deployment of risk quality control and/or compliance programs.  The programs are deployed through Visa Rules and additional client guidelines, and Visa performs quality control leveraging proprietary tools, specialized third party vendors, regional risk teams, and other stakeholders.  EIC also works with internal and external stakeholders to further its charter and initiatives.

The person in this role will support the overall design and deployment of the “Acquirer & Third-Party Control” processes as defined in the Visa Rules, under Visa’s programs (Visa Integrity Risk Program (VIRP), Visa Acquiring Monitoring Program (VAMP), Fraud, Scams, Credit, Enumeration risk management, Data security, PCI DSS compliance.  The candidate will need to have very deep analytical skills and be able to lead client engagement. The objective of these processes is to assess the effectiveness of controls Acquirers & Third-Party Agents have in place to board and manage merchants that are active across defined, high-risk merchant activities.  This person will contribute in creating an “underwriting” as well as an “ongoing monitoring” approach, define minimum standards and acceptance criteria that are used to approve Acquirers to be active across such activities.  The person will ensure related policies, procedures, and controls are executed consistently across all Visa regions as well as by internal and external stakeholders.  

Essential Functions

• Perform underwriting and assessment of the effectiveness of controls Acquirers have in place to onboard and manage merchants covered under Visa’s Integrity Risk Program.  Such underwriting may include any of the following: review of Self-Assessment Questionnaires, of Acquirer Policies, Procedures and sample Merchant Files, various external diligence information, payment fraud performance, etc.

• Perform periodic risk-based assessment of Acquirers covered under Visa’s Integrity Risk program, with ongoing monitoring

• Handle Acquirer control assessment of the more complex clients, such as clients that operate across various regions and/or across various merchant activities in scope of the Program

• Conduct on-site Acquirer Audits, or coordinate Audits through 3rd parties

• Support Visa’s Close Monitoring process and coordinate risk and threat management actions vis-a-vis ecosystem participants posing an excessive risk or potential threat — exceeding Visa’s stated risk tolerance. 

• Working closely with the Visa Program Management Office, perform periodic industry reviews of high-risk activities, and recommend program changes to ensure continuous program effectiveness

• Engage with Merchant Sales and Acceptance (MSA) and Account Executives to share intelligence, assess mitigating actions, and ensure clear accountability across functions and/or individuals to drive a consistent and timely remediation approach

This is a hybrid position. Expectation of days in office will be confirmed by your hiring manager.

Basic qualifications:
•5 or more years of work experience in underwriting and client-facing roles with a bachelor’s degree or at least 3 years of work experience with an Advanced degree (e.g. Masters, MBA, JD, MD)
•Strong analytical thinking and skills with minimum experience of 4 years
•Agree to 50% travel time to meet the Clients
•Fluent in speaking, writing, and creating presentations in Spanish language to support the region.

Preferred qualifications:
•5 or more years of experience with a bachelor’s degree
•Strong Visa or Payments industry experience, with focus on Acquirer risk management (including merchant underwriting) and or financial industry experience with focus on client underwriting
•Self-starter who can communicate with a deep understanding of the company needs and enable people to move forward through complexity
•Relationship & Client management experience
•Knowledge or experience in audit or underwriting
•Stakeholder management (internal and external)
•Proven ability to implement strategic initiatives, processes and operational decisions
•A clear record of strategic thinking, sound judgment and superior problem solving in the area of trust and security
•Flexible and creative thinker with strong execution skills, generate out-of-the-box solutions, manage ambiguity, anticipate the impact of decisions/initiatives and able to move seamlessly from high level concepts to details.

Visa is an EEO Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. Visa will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with EEOC guidelines and applicable local law.