Search for a Senior SWIFT Alliance Access Administrator for a major bank in Moscow

Objective

To find a Senior SWIFT Alliance Access Administrator for a large commercial bank in Moscow. This is a key specialist responsible for the configuration, monitoring, and support of the interbank transfer system — the very platform that ensures secure financial messaging between banks worldwide. The role required a deep understanding of all SWIFT Alliance Access nuances: from installing updates and managing encryption keys to real-time troubleshooting and integration with the bank's internal systems.

Key Challenges

1. Narrow specialization: a minimum of 3 years of experience with SWIFT Alliance is required. The system left Russia in 2022, so there are few specialists with current experience left.

2. Candidates did not want to move to foreign banks due to the unstable situation.

3. Hybrid schedule — office in Moscow only with a couple of remote days, which excluded candidates from other regions.

Solution

• Conducted an in-depth market analysis: studied HH.ru, LinkedIn, Telegram channels, specialized forums, and closed banker chats. Compiled a database of potential candidates.

• Identified companies that previously used SWIFT Alliance and continue to need its support — banks and fintech companies with legacy systems. This helped find contacts of suitable specialists.

• Agreed with the client on expanded criteria: considered candidates with experience from 5-6 years ago.

Result

Found a candidate with over 30 years of experience in SWIFT Alliance. He had been looking for a job for 6 months because companies rejected him due to his age — 60 years old.

The bank offered a salary significantly above the candidate's expectations, while maintaining the initial salary range.