Lead API Solution Architect

Lead API Solution Architect – Director Level – Up to £1000 per day INSIDE IR35 Banking Client London Our client, are seeking an experienced Lead API Solution Architect to shape and drive the enterprise API strategy across the financial services landscape. This senior role requires a strategic technology leader with strong expertise in API architecture and deep experience working in regulated banking environments. Key Responsibilities • Define and lead API strategy across the enterprise, aligned to business priorities. • Promote API-first adoption and reusable architecture patterns across the organization. • Establish governance standards covering API lifecycle, design, and versioning. • Design secure and scalable API solutions across banking platforms and partner ecosystems. • Enable integration across core banking systems, third-party fintechs, and cloud environments. • Collaborate with enterprise architects and business stakeholders to shape end-to-end solutions. • Embed strong API security practices and identity standards (OAuth2, OIDC). • Ensure compliance with financial regulations, including data privacy and risk controls. • Assess and mitigate security threats in API exposure and integration patterns. • Provide technical leadership to architecture and engineering teams. • Mentor teams on API best practices and design standards. • Drive architectural reviews and influence senior technology stakeholders. • Ensure APIs meet business SLAs for availability, performance, and resilience. • Use analytics and monitoring to drive continuous improvement. Essential Skills • Proven API architecture leadership in banking or regulated financial environments. • Working knowledge of payments, KYC, lending, trading, or regulatory reporting. • Familiarity with Open Banking standards and financial API ecosystems. • Strong understanding of REST, JSON, OpenAPI, and event-driven integration. • Experience with API platforms such as Azure API Management or Apigee. • Knowledge of secure messaging and integration tools (e.g. Kafka, IBM MQ). • Experience designing solutions on major cloud platforms (preferably Azure). • CI/CD pipelines and DevOps practices are essential.