CIBN works with fintech bodies to promote professionalism
The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria has partnered with FinTechNGR and the Fintech Development and Advocacy Initiative, on a tripartite agreement to promote professionalism and competence in the financial sector of the economy.
The President of CIBN, Dr. Ken Opara, disclosed this on Wednesday at a conference in Lagos.
Okpara said it was the first time the institute is collaborating with two partners at the same time to provide certification.
He said: “I consider today a unique day in the institute’s annals. Firstly, this is the first time that the institute is collaborating with two partners at the same time to provide a certification. Secondly, this is the first collaboration agreement to be implemented during my period. This initiative is a further step towards realizing the mandate of the institute to promote professionalism while strengthening knowledge and expertise in the financial services ecosystem.”
He reiterated the determination of the organization to be the bridge that will create positive handshakes among all the players in the sector through, among other things, capacity building, programs, training, content development and solid corporate governance guidelines.
Opara added: “Under this agreement, the three institutions have come together to award Fintech certification which provides an excellent opportunity to bridge the technical talent gap and indeed further drive the implementation of the skills framework in the banking and finance industry in Nigeria.”
He applauded the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Bankers Committee for appointing the institute as the accrediting agency for the implementation of the competency framework.
Opara said the organization was determined to succeed in the mission, which he said would lead to service delivery.
“It is therefore important for us to now turn this agreement from a commitment on paper into a reality. On this note, we will not rest on our laurels until the start of the maiden edition of the exams in April 2023.
“I want to assure you that the time between now and then will be used to undertake the development of the syllabus and examination framework, development of study packages, obtaining approval from the Central Bank of Nigeria and other relevant bodies and creating awareness among stakeholders,” noted Opara.
The President, FinTech Nigeria, Ade Bajomo, also observed that both Fintech and the banking sector are partners.
While commending CIBN for its commitment to deepen its professionalism, Bajomo said there is a difference between banks and Fintech.
The Registrar/Managing Director, CIBN, Dr ‘Seye Awojobi noted that the signing of the tripartite agreement is a dream come true of the journey that started in 2017 as the institute seeks technology to scale expertise and professionalism.
He noted that without Fintech, the future is uncertain.
