Real-Time Payment Processing Platform

• Event-driven microservices design using AWS serverless technologies.
• Infrastructure as Code using AWS CDK with C# for consistent deployments.
• Multi-environment strategy supporting development through production.

2. Message Processing Strategy

• ISO 20022 standard compliance for FedNow and RTP networks.
• Automated message routing through SQS queues with dead letter queue support.

3. Integration Methodology

• API-first design for core banking system connectivity
• Comprehensive testing framework including unit, integration, and end-to-end tests
• Phased deployment approach minimizing business disruption

Technologies Used

Backend Development Stack:

• .NET 8 – Primary development framework.
• C# 12.0 – Programming language with the latest language features.
• Entity Framework Core – for database operations
• AWS CDK (C#) – Infrastructure as Code for consistent cloud deployments.

Frontend Technologies:

• Angular – Modern TypeScript-based framework for responsive web applications.
• Prime NG – Ul component library for a consistent user experience.

Database and Data Management:

• MYSQL – Relational database

AWS Services:

• AWS Lambda – Serverless compute for payment processing (50+ functions)
• Amazon ECS (Fargate) – Containerized services for complex message processors
• Amazon SQS – Message queuing for reliable asynchronous processing
• Amazon S3 – Storage for reports, archives, and large message handling
• Amazon API Gateway – REST API exposure with custom authorizers
• AWS Step Functions – Workflow orchestration for complex business processes.

Integration & Security:

• IBM MQ – Message queue integration with FedNow/RTP networks
• AWS Secrets Manager – Secure credential and certificate management
• Amazon VPC – Network isolation and security controls

DevOps & Deployment:

• Azure DevOps – CI/CD pipelines and Project management
• Docker – Containerization for consistent deployment environments
• Git – Version control, with branching strategies and pull request flows

Key Features

Real-Time Payment Processing

• Instant credit transfers with sub-second processing times
• Request for Payment (RFP) with scheduling and automation capabilities
• Real-time account balance inquiries and status monitoring
• 24/7/365 payment availability with 99.9% uptime guarantee

Advanced Message Handling

• ISO 20022 message transformation
• Digital signature validation and message security
• Automated exception handling for orphaned transactions
• Comprehensive audit trails and compliance reporting

Business Intelligence

• Real-time reporting and analytics dashboards
• Automated daily extracts and settlement reports
• Correspondent billing and net activity reporting
• Performance monitoring and alerting systems

Challenges Faced

Technical Challenges

• Complex Message Mapping: Converting between different ISO 20022 message formats required sophisticated object transformation logic
• High-Volume Processing: Managing thousands of transactions per minute while maintaining sub-second response times
• Integration Complexity: Seamlessly connecting with diverse core banking systems across different institutions

Business Challenges

• Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring adherence to evolving FedNow and RTP network requirements
• Zero Downtime Deployment: Implementing updates without disrupting critical payment processing
• Customer Onboarding: Training staff across 200+ financial institutions on new payment capabilities

Solutions Implemented:

• Horizontal scaling using AWS Lambda and ECS with automatic provisioning
• Comprehensive testing frameworks and staged deployment strategies

Outcome / Result

Market Success:

• 200+ successful FedNow implementations with zero failed deployments
• 70% market share in correspondent banking sector
• 5,500+ financial institutions actively using the platform
• Pioneer status as first-to-market FedNow solution provider

Financial Impact

• 18-24 month ROI achieved by client institutions.
• $2.5M additional fee income generated by typical regional bank in first year.
• 25-40% reduction in payment processing operational costs.
• 30% increase in new account acquisition folimplementing institutions.

Technical Achievements

• 99.9% system uptime across all environments.
• Sub-second transaction processing for standard payments.
• Zero security incidents since platform launch.
• 95% customer adoption rate within 6 months of implementation.

Conclusion

An application successfully transformed the real-time payment landscape for financial institutions across the United States. By leveraging modern cloud native architecture, advanced .NET technologies, and comprehensive AWS services, we delivered a platform that not only meets current market demands but positions our clients for future payment innovations.

Key Success Factors:

• Technology Excellence: Advanced use of .NET 8, AWS CDK, and serverless architecture
• Business Focus: Deep understanding of financial services requirements and regulatory compliance
• Market Timing: Early entry into FedNow ecosystem providing competitive advantage
• Operational Excellence: Proven deployment methodology ensuring zero implementation failures

The project demonstrates how strategic technology choices, combined with deep domain expertise, can deliver transformational business outcomes in the competitive