The global payments business is in a state of unprecedented transformation. As payment preferences change and banks develop new payment models to reduce inefficiencies and maximize opportunities, the concept of "enterprise payments" has become more commonplace. However, when a financial institution takes such a holistic view of payment products and operations, the impact on technology is undeniable. Service-oriented architecture (SOA) is the flavor du jour, but can it legitimately add value to payments processing? This Research Note provides insight into how banks can use SOA to lay a foundation for the next generation of global payments.