IIB vocational courses for non-members

Mumbai: The Indian Institute of Bankers (IIB) is planning to throw open its doors to non-members for the first time to enable youngsters to pursue vocational certificate and diploma courses in banking and financial services.

IIB is seeking to prepare young aspirants for taking up careers in the Indian financial services sector. For starting vocational courses, IIB has initiated talks with the UK-based Bournemouth University for an alliance, says IIB according chief executive officer R H Sarma.

The university, whose programmes are designed and delivered in such a way as to give graduates a headstart in pursuing employment and career enhancement, is one of the premier providers of vocational higher education in the UK.

IIBs board has already taken a decision to offer innovative, job-oriented courses to non-members. The decision will require ratification (by amending the articles of association and memorandum of association) at the institutes annual general meeting scheduled to be held next month, says Sarma.

IIB has also tied up with the Australian Securities Institute for offering an 18-month post-graduate diploma course in financial advisory services. The course, which will be started in December 2002, includes a two-month intensive campus coaching at the UTI Institute of Capital Markets, Navi Mumbai.

Internationally, a licence is required for individuals to act as financial advisors, by advising clients on investing in equities, debt, mutual funds or insurance. We see this happening in our country, too. Hence, IIB is in talks with the capital markets regulator for recognising this course, says Sarma.

IIB has recently entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Canadian Institute of Bankers for offering simulated training to bankers in credit, treasury, investment and risk management, branch operations, balance analysis among others.