Dear Member,

New Initiatives

The Institute has launched a campus based, part time Advanced Management Programme (AMP) in collaboration with leading business management institutes. So far, three AMPs have commenced at (a) South Indian Education Society College of Management, Navi Mumbai on 4th February 2007, (b) Welingkar Institute of Management Development & Research, Mumbai on 17th March 2007 and (c) at International Management Institute, New Delhi, on 15th July 2007.

A major step in the area of adding value to banking and finance education that the Institute has taken is to add a 'Diploma in Banking and Finance' an entry point qualification to the Institute's flagship courses. This course, launched recently, is equivalent to the JAIIB. It may be added here that the Institute has been working, for over a year now on the development of a qualification similar to JAIIB type for graduates, in any discipline, in the country who could take the exam and be available for absorption in the industry. Earlier, the Governing Council had given approval to launch an entry level qualification for those desirous of making a career in banking. I am thankful to the committee of eminent bankers and academicians headed by Mr M.V. Nair CMD of Union Bank of India, which guided us in the preparation of syllabus and material. Also, the course details were presented to IBA's management committee particularly as the objective of the course was to make available 'job ready' candidates to the banks. The committee welcomed the initiative. It should be added here that the course will be of equal relevance to the NBFC, broking houses, and IT/BPO companies and DSA/DMA which are working in the banking domain. The material for the course has been specially developed by adding inputs on the latest developments to the existing JAIIB material and an exclusive courseware on banking processes in the CBS as also manual banking environment. The Institute has tied up with Manipal Education Group (MEG) for handling the applications as also offer virtual classes to the students. The student, on joining the course will get a dedicated courseware and have access to virtual classes. Very shortly we will also launch the e-learning material. The first exam for the DBF is tentatively scheduled for December 2007. Subsequently the exams will he held once every half year. In order that candidates make a choice for the exam only when they are ready the dates for enrolment and examination have been kept different. As usual the course fee is very moderate. The examination will be conducted in the on-line and off-line modes. I am sure that if you know of people who would want to join the banking and finance industry and are looking to enhance their CV for the same, you will tell them about the DBF.

We are also working towards the launch of courses for home loan advisors, course for microfinance professionals, Course on SME and Advanced Diploma for Cooperative Banks. We are also entering into an MOU with DOEACC for offering 'A' level banking certification for 'plus 2' students who seek entry in to BPO/Call centres in banking domain. MEG will also help the Institute in offering virtual classes for JAIIB and CAIIB. The classes will be available in your home personal computer if you have a head set to listen to the classes. The details will be put on the portal shortly.

Bank Quest

The last issue of bank quest was on Human Resources issues and the current issue is on Banking Technology. We have included articles on various aspects of HR and banking technology written by practitioners in the industry. We hope you have enjoyed reading these issues.

Member Service

For the May/June Associate examinations we had improved the membership service by allowing download of admit cards in the portal. Recently we have added the facility of fee payment, in cash, in the branches of AXIS bank as also opened a payment gateway. I am sure these measures will enhance the service quality of the Institute.

Learning Vault

I invite your attention to the learning vault, a financial literacy initiative of the Institute, which we have added to the portal. I am sure you will enjoy attempting the question answers, reading the FAQs and glossary. At the same time I hope you will also send us questions/issues which are of interest to the customers so that the Institute can add them for larger consumption.

Our endeavour is that the Institute should try to constantly improve upon the quality of contents and service. Do write to us should you need any clarification, information. Also feel free to give us your feedback on any of our publications, programmes or any of your interaction with us.

The AGM of the Institute is scheduled for 17th September 2007. Please make it convenient to join us for the meeting.

(R. Bhaskaran)