Emirates Institute for Banking and Financial Studies (EIBFS), a regional leader in banking and finance education and training, has successfully wrapped up its first specialized certification program in financial technology (fintech) for the banking sector.
The Institute that is at the forefront of advanced financial education and capacity-building conducted the program in collaboration with PwC’s Academy Middle East, the education business of PwC focused on improving the knowledge and skills of finance and business professionals.
EIBFS entered a strategic partnership with the Academy in March 2019 to offer three new professional certificate courses in Fintech, Blockchain and Data Analytics.
Fintech has disrupted the financial services industry across multiple levels. Its scope and application transcend traditional banking and have enabled the sector to adopt new ways to make transactions quicker and easier.
A total of 26 employees of six banks and other financial institutions participated in the first certification program, led by Nameer Khan, Fintech Trainer at PwC’s Academy Middle East. The curriculum covered various topics related to the fintech ecosystem, including its subsectors and key players, as well as the main technologies and applications that are driving the digital transformation of the industry. The certification program aimed to provide banking professionals with a comprehensive understanding of fintech terminology, as well as underscore the prominent role it plays today in financial services and the world at large.
Jamal Al Jassmi, General Manager of EIBFS, said: “We recognize the added value that fintech brings to the financial sector, creating waves with the endless possibilities it is opening up within the industry. In addition to enhancing customer service and increasing competitiveness, the technology helps unlock growth opportunities through higher accountability and improved traceability. As an institute dedicated to advanced financial studies, we are proud to introduce our students to cutting-edge training and certification programs in the fintech space.”
He added: “With a strong partner in PwC’s Academy Middle East, we seek to bring the best in fintech education to the finance industry. As the sector matures, the skills of banking professionals must evolve so that they can cope with the demands of the dynamic industry. Our certification program is tailored to the requirements of its participants and the financial institutions for which they work.
“We are committed to enabling banks, insurance companies and other financial organizations to keep pace with the latest trends in financial services. Fintech is a prominent development across the domain, and banks stand to reap considerable benefits from adopting fintech solutions to streamline processes and operations. Building on the success of the first round, we plan to conduct regular certification programs in this space.”
EIBFS’s 2019 annual training plan places focuses on techno-functional skills, featuring 13 courses on Fintech, Digital, Blockchain, AI, IoT, Cybersecurity and Business Analytics, among other areas.