Every time a shopper taps a card at checkout, a chain of institutions, networks and security checks completes the transaction in a matter of seconds. Behind that everyday moment sits an entire industry of payment processors, card networks and banks working to keep money moving safely.

This course opens up that hidden machinery for professionals who want to work confidently in banking and financial services. Participants examine how payment systems are built, how credit cards function within that system, and how banks are evolving their services to keep pace with a digital-first customer base.

Knowledge and Benefits:

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Explain how electronic payment transactions are authorized, processed and settled.
• Compare types of credit cards, card networks and the interchange fees that fund them.
• Apply security practices such as encryption, tokenization and 3D Secure to reduce fraud.
• Relate payment regulations and compliance requirements to day-to-day banking operations.
• Identify opportunities to integrate payment solutions with wider banking services through APIs and open banking.

Who Should Attend?

• Managers and department employees in banks.
• Accountants and their assistants in banks and financial institutions.
• Businesspeople wishing to develop their skills in bank management.
• Those working in the field of control and auditing.

Module 1: The Payments Landscape: Cards, Wallets and Banking Services

• Definition and significance of electronic payment systems.
• Types of electronic payment methods: credit/debit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers, cryptocurrencies.
• Types of banking services (retail, commercial, investment) and how technology is reshaping them.
• Key stakeholders across the payment and banking ecosystem.

Module 2: How a Transaction Really Works

• Structure and components of credit cards (issuers, acquirers, networks).
• How electronic payment transactions work: authorization, capture and settlement.
• Understanding the payment transaction lifecycle and timeframes.
• Core banking systems and how they support these transactions.

Module 3: Keeping Money Safe: Security and Fraud Prevention

• Common security threats: fraud and data breaches.
• Security measures and technologies: encryption, tokenization, 3D Secure.
• Identifying and managing risks associated with electronic payments and banking.
• Incident response planning for payment security breaches.

Module 4: Card Networks, Fees and the Rules That Govern Them

• Overview of major credit card networks and how interchange fees affect merchants.
• Key regulations affecting electronic payments (PCI DSS, AML, KYC).
• The role of regulatory bodies and compliance challenges for financial institutions.
• Data privacy laws and their implications for payment systems.

Module 5: Designing for the Customer

• Importance of user experience (UX) in electronic payment systems.
• Emerging trends: contactless payments, digital wallets and mobile payments.
• Understanding user behaviour and payment preferences.
• Future innovations: biometric authentication and virtual cards.

Module 6: Connecting Payments to the Bank

• Challenges and strategies for integrating payment solutions with banks.
• Exploring APIs and open banking principles.
• Real-time payments and their implications for banks.

Module 7: Building a Payment Business and Looking Ahead

• Key components of a business plan for a payment service.
• Market analysis, target audience and competitive landscape.
• Financial projections, funding and marketing strategy.
• Future trends: blockchain, cryptocurrency and AI in payments.