Mr. Shivansh Chandnani

Designing Distributed Payment Architectures for Data Localization: Balancing Compliance, Performance, and Global Scale

Abstract:

The rise of data sovereignty laws has transformed the design of global payment platforms, creating tension between the need for worldwide operability and the mandate for localized data storage. These requirements have challenged traditional centralized models, pushing organizations to rethink how payment systems are architected.
This session explores distributed system strategies that enable compliance while maintaining performance and scalability. We examine architectural paradigms including hub-and-spoke frameworks, multi-regional deployments, hybrid cloud approaches, and geographically-aware sharding each offering distinct advantages and trade-offs. While some models reduce operational complexity, others enhance processing speed and compliance precision, yet at the cost of increased infrastructure and integration overheads.
We will also address the key technical challenges that accompany data localization, such as latency management, consistency across regions, security of distributed environments, and operational complexity. These challenges require innovative responses, from intelligent routing and consensus protocols to edge computing, event-driven design, and predictive data handling techniques.
Finally, the talk highlights best practices drawn from leading implementations. Effective data classification frameworks, modern architectural patterns like Command Query Responsibility Segregation and Event Sourcing, and continuous compliance verification methods have proven essential. Strategic vendor and cloud approaches further strengthen resilience by reducing dependency risks and enabling flexible adaptation to shifting regulations.
This session offers both technical and strategic insights, showing how distributed architectures can go beyond regulatory compliance to serve as enablers of financial inclusion and innovation. By aligning design choices with regulatory and performance goals, payment platforms can continue to operate seamlessly at global scale while adapting to increasingly complex regional requirements.

Profile:

Shivansh Chandnani is an experienced software engineer specializing in payments and financial technology, currently serving as a Staff Software Engineer at Meta. With a proven track record of leading high-impact projects, he has played a pivotal role in scaling WhatsApp Payments across India and other international markets. Shivansh led a 16-member engineering team to revamp P2P payment integrations in the U.S., achieving a 90% cost reduction and streamlining compliance. His innovations include the first-of-its-kind WhatsApp Payment Gateway integration for Indian merchants, consumer incentive systems, and mobile top-up solutions. With prior experience in security systems, crypto trading infrastructure, and academic roles, Shivansh brings deep technical expertise in distributed systems, security, and scalability. He holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and is proficient in English, Hindi, and conversational Sindhi.