At the outset let me wish all of you a very happy and prosperous 2008. I am sure the New Year will be one of exciting happenings in the banking and finance sector.
Thanks to all the support and encouragement received from all of you, the year 2007, was special to the Institute. Not only did the Institute launch some new courses it could also achieve the long pursued goal of offering an entry point qualification when the DBF exams were conducted on 29th and 30th of December 2007. Already Union Bank of India and United Bank of India have recognized the DBF as a desirable qualification. In due course, we hope all banks will recognize this diploma as an entry point qualification such that the candidates who take the examination will have greater employability. Currently the Institute is accepting application for the June 2008 examination.
The courses currently in offer have been depicted in the following diagram.
Associate examinations; namely JAIIB and CAIIB is well known to all of you. Let me, briefly talk about the other courses.
Diploma Courses: Currently the Institute is offering four diploma courses/exams. Typically these are three papers, off line examinations aimed at specialist levels of knowledge. Only PGDFA (six papers) is offered in an on-line multiple choice mode. Very recently the Institute has introduced a PG Diploma course in cooperative banking mainly for the Urban Cooperative Banks. In the coming year, the Institute will launch a diploma in Micro finance aimed at creating a cadre of micro finance professionals, and a diploma on Home Loan Counseling leading to the award of Independent Mortgage Counselor certification is also on the card.
Certificate Courses: The Certificate courses are knowledge intensive, one paper, multiple choice mode examinations. In view of the overwhelming demand, it now proposed that, starting June 2008 AML/KYC and Trade Finance will be offered in more on-line centers and also in some off-line centers. The Institute will also launch certificate examinations for SME and Commodity Derivatives. An exclusive certificate on Banking Mathematics will also be introduced. Further, during 2008 the Institute will, in association with DOEACC offer an IT & Banking course for those who seek employment in BPO/IT sector more particularly call centers catering to banking clients.
Management Courses: These are course which are offered in a blend of courseware, e-learning and class room teaching. Under this head, all the three AMP courses which we had launched in the year 2007; two in Mumbai and one in Delhi will conclude in the year 2008.
The Institute will take up issue with the banks for starting AMP in other metros. The Advanced Banking and Technology course which was organized in collaboration with PNB IIT is complete. Our follow up with the banks and other institutions has ensured that of the 33 students who completed the course 28 have been placed (10 in banks and 18 in IT companies). The second batch will start sometime in July 2008.
The Institute has completed three batches of Project Management Course in the year 2007. The feed back has been encouraging. Three more batches will be taken up during the year 2008.
The tie up with the IGNOU for CAIIB linked MOU continues.
The Institute has received good support from its members and others for the existing courses. I am sure the new initiatives will also receive a similar welcome.
Member service: Members are aware that the Institute is constantly endeavoring to improve its service. It is in this connection that, during 2007
The facility of paying fees on-line or in cash through Axis bank was launched.
The hall tickets are being placed in the portal- 10 days prior to the examination in a down loadable form for the members
An improved version of Virtual Class has been launched for the benefit of candidates taking up associate examinations.
Contact classes are being offered in more centers.
Update book lets were mailed to candidates for specific examinations.
It is however seen that the number of candidates taking advantage of the class room initiatives, in comparison to the number of candidates taking up the exam, is small despite a special price/fee offered by the Institute. While it is hoped that more candidates will take advantage of these support measures, the Institute will in the year 2008 try to offer some of these courses in e-learning mode also.
Research Initiatives: It was previously indicated that the Diamond Jubilee Overseas Fellowship is under revision. The improved version, including IBAs' CH Bhabha scholarship has now been announced. The applicants will be interviewed shortly.
Seminars: During 2007 the Institute has chosen the theme "Financial Inclusion and Financial Education" for its member education seminar. So far 5 seminars have been organized in various parts of the country.
Collaborations: The Institute has signed an MOU with ICLIF an institute promoted by Bank Negara Malaysia for knowledge sharing.
I have written about the courses and initiatives of the Institute so that you can choose an appropriate course and update your knowledge and skill. As the banking and finance sector explodes with new initiatives it is the knowledge edge that will be the differentiator in the service provided by the banks.
I welcome your views and suggestions for improvement
