The Company
Cognizant (NASDAQ: CTSH) is a leading provider of information technology, consulting, and business process outsourcing services, dedicated to helping the world's leading companies build stronger businesses. Headquartered in Teaneck, New Jersey (U.S.), Cognizant has over 350,000 employees globally. Cognizant is a member of the NASDAQ-100, the S&P 500, the Forbes Global 1000, and the Fortune 500, and is recognized among the fastest growing companies worldwide. Banking & Financial Services Consulting
Cognizant’s Banking & Financial Services (BFS) Consulting practice partners with global banks, financial institutions, fintech organizations, and capital markets firms to drive large-scale business and technology transformation. Our teams help clients modernize business platforms, accelerate cloud adoption, optimize enterprise architecture landscapes, and leverage emerging technologies including Artificial Intelligence, Generative AI, Agentic AI, and intelligent automation.
This role offers an opportunity to shape strategic technology visions for leading financial institutions, helping clients build resilient, scalable, and future-ready digital ecosystems while accelerating innovation and business growth. About the Role
As a Chief Architect – Banking & Financial Services, Enterprise Platforms & AI , you will provide strategic technology leadership across client engagements, driving enterprise architecture transformation and shaping next-generation business platforms. You will serve as a trusted advisor to CIOs, CTOs, and business executives, establishing architecture vision, technology strategy, and transformation roadmaps that align business objectives with long-term technology investments.
You will lead architecture teams across cloud, data, AI, platform modernization, and digital transformation initiatives while helping clients adopt innovative technologies that improve operational efficiency, customer experience, and competitive advantage. Key Responsibilities Enterprise Architecture Leadership
Define and drive enterprise architecture strategies that support business transformation within Banking and Financial Services organizations
Establish architectural frameworks, governance models, reference architectures, and technology standards aligned with business priorities
Provide executive-level architecture leadership across large-scale transformation programs
Drive architecture alignment across business, application, data, technology, security, and operational domains
Promote modern architecture practices and scalable operating models across complex enterprise environments Business Platform Transformation
Define and oversee architecture strategies for modern business platforms supporting front-to-back banking operations
Guide transformation initiatives across domains including Core Banking, Payments, Lending, Cards, Wealth Management, Treasury, Finance, and Customer Engagement platforms
Drive platform modernization initiatives that improve agility, operational efficiency, customer experience, and business scalability
Identify opportunities to simplify technology landscapes while enabling innovation and growth
Establish platform architecture principles that support composable, API-driven, and ecosystem-based business models Cloud Strategy & Modernization
Lead cloud transformation strategies across hybrid, multi-cloud, and cloud-native environments
Define cloud architecture blueprints that ensure scalability, security, resilience, compliance, and cost optimization
Advise clients on cloud adoption models, migration approaches, platform operating models, and cloud governance frameworks
Collaborate with engineering and infrastructure teams to modernize legacy technology estates and accelerate cloud delivery
Drive adoption of industry-leading cloud technologies and emerging platform capabilities Generative AI & Agentic AI Leadership
Define enterprise AI strategies that leverage Generative AI, Agentic AI, machine learning, and intelligent automation capabilities
Identify opportunities to embed AI-led innovation across customer, operational, risk, compliance, and enterprise functions
Establish architectural standards, governance models, and operating frameworks for responsible AI adoption
Guide AI platform architecture, model integration, automation ecosystems, and AI-enabled business capabilities
Partner with client executives to accelerate AI transformation and create measurable business value Technology Strategy & Executive Advisory
Serve as a trusted advisor to CIOs, CTOs, Chief Architects, and senior business stakeholders
Develop strategic technology roadmaps aligned with business objectives and future industry trends
Assess emerging technologies and market developments to identify opportunities for innovation and transformation
Support executive decision-making through technology assessments, architecture reviews, and strategic recommendations
Drive business-technology alignment across enterprise transformation initiatives Innovation & Industry Leadership
Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement across consulting and delivery teams
Promote experimentation and adoption of emerging technologies, platforms, and operating models
Collaborate with commercial and delivery teams to develop innovative client solutions and offerings
Represent Cognizant in industry forums, conferences, and executive client engagements
Contribute to market-facing thought leadership and strategic initiatives Architecture Governance & Standards
Establish enterprise architecture governance frameworks, standards, and best practices
Ensure architecture decisions align with regulatory, security, risk, and compliance requirements
Drive consistency, quality, and technical excellence across transformation programs
Lead architecture review boards and governance forums to ensure strategic alignment and solution integrity
Promote architecture disciplines that support long-term business and technology sustainability Skills & Experience Domain Expertise
Deep expertise within Banking and Financial Services, including Retail Banking, Commercial Banking, Payments, Lending, Wealth Management, Capital Markets, and Digital Banking
Strong understanding of enterprise business platforms and end-to-end financial services operating models
Experience leading digital transformation, platform modernization, and technology strategy initiatives
Knowledge of industry regulations, risk management, governance frameworks, and compliance requirements Functional Skills
Proven experience developing enterprise architecture strategies and transformation roadmaps
Strong expertise in business capability modeling, operating model transformation, and enterprise architecture governance
Experience advising senior executives on technology investments and transformation priorities
Ability to align technology initiatives with measurable business outcomes
Exceptional consulting, stakeholder management, and executive communication skills Technical Skills
Deep knowledge of enterprise architecture frameworks including TOGAF and modern architecture methodologies
Expertise in hybrid cloud, multi-cloud, and cloud-native architectures across AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform
Strong understanding of IT4IT platforms, IT operating models, and engineering excellence frameworks
Experience with enterprise business platforms including CRM, Core Banking, Payments, Lending, Cards, Wealth Management, and Finance platforms
Knowledge of modern data platforms, analytics ecosystems, digital engineering practices, and API-led architectures
Strong understanding of Generative AI, Agentic AI, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, AI Governance, and Intelligent Automation
Familiarity with developer productivity platforms, cybersecurity architectures, and emerging technologies Delivery Experience
15+ years of experience in enterprise architecture, technology strategy, or digital transformation leadership roles
Minimum 10 years of leadership experience within Banking and Financial Services organizations
Proven track record leading large-scale transformation initiatives across global enterprises
Experience building and leading high-performing architecture, consulting, and technology organizations
Experience managing complex stakeholder environments across business, technology, and regulatory functions
International experience supporting global transformation initiatives is highly desirable Personal Attributes
Inspirational leader with the ability to influence and align executive stakeholders across large organizations
Strategic thinker with strong business acumen and future-focused perspective
Strong communicator capable of translating complex technical concepts into executive-level discussions
Analytical and solution-oriented with exceptional problem-solving capabilities
Collaborative and relationship-driven with a strong focus on client success
Passionate about innovation, technology disruption, and continuous learning
Demonstrates Cognizant’s core values of client-centricity, collaboration, excellence, integrity, and innovation Contribution to Development of Practice
Contribute to the growth and evolution of Cognizant’s Banking & Financial Services Consulting practice
Develop reusable architecture frameworks, transformation methodologies, and industry accelerators
Drive thought leadership through white papers, industry forums, executive briefings, and market insights
Mentor senior architects, consultants, and technology leaders across the organization
Support business development activities, proposal creation, and strategic account growth initiatives
Strengthen Cognizant’s market position as a trusted transformation partner for financial institutions Industry Experience
15+ years of experience in Enterprise Architecture, Technology Strategy, Digital Transformation, or Chief Architect roles
10+ years of leadership experience within Banking and Financial Services organizations
Proven experience advising CIOs, CTOs, and executive leadership teams on enterprise transformation initiatives
Demonstrated success delivering large-scale modernization programs involving cloud, AI, data, and business platform transformation
Active participation in industry forums, professional organizations, and technology communities is highly desirable
Experience working across global, multi-regional financial institutions preferred Certifications (Preferred)
TOGAF Certification or equivalent Enterprise Architecture certification
AWS, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud Professional Architect certifications
AI and Machine Learning certifications from recognized providers
ITIL, IT4IT, or related IT governance certifications
Relevant Banking, Cloud, Security, or Digital Transformation certifications Location
United Kingdom / Europe (Hybrid)
Travel: Willingness to travel as required to support client engagements and executive stakeholder interactions.
