One of the things which may not be the same again is the way we learn. With growing
digitisation of education, there is a lot of interest around online classes. Inspite
of its shortcomings, online classes have advantages too. This could signal a shift
in the way institutions like IIBF ought to function going forward. The new year
will come with new expectations, new hopes, new opportunities and challenges. Challenges
will have to be converted into opportunities.
At IIBF, to keep pace with the changing times, we have redrawn our strategy on the
basis of:
- What will happen once the pandemic ends?
- How do we re-think our remote working strategies?
- How to re-orient our online classes to make them more interactive and content driven?
I would now like to walk all of you through some of the initiatives taken / will
be taken by IIBF.
Remote Proctoring Examinations
The Institute has introduced Remote Proctored Examinations. Such mode of conducting
exams allow flexibility to candidates of appearing for the exams from the comfort
of their homes while simultaneously enhancing the knowledge base. Remote proctoring
is being done in combination with AI driven auto-proctoring and physical remote
proctoring processes to ensure quality standards.
Focus on E-Learning
According to a recent study, your skills won’t last long in this fast changing
financial markets and the organisation clearly prefers work skills over degrees.
Accordingly, the most important aspect in our professional life is the ability to
“learn”, “unlearn” and relearn”.
IIBF offers e-learning covering the areas of Credit Management, MSME, AML/KYC, International
Trade Finance, Cyber & IT Security, Retail Banking, Risk, Treasury, General
Banking including Accounting & Legal Aspects of Banking, etc. I am happy to
share that many public and private sector Banks have taken our customized e-learnings
for their officers/staff. Our online learning programmes accommodate everyone’s
needs and offer impactful and updated learning contents.
Courses on the anvil
In order to keep pace with the ever-changing banking landscape, the following new
courses are being introduced:
- Resolution of Stressed Assets with special emphasis on Insolvency and Bankruptcy
Code-2016 for Bankers
- Emerging Technologies
- Strategic Management & Innovations in Banking
Professional Banker Qualification
The Institute will be introducing a gold standard aspirational qualification. This
unique qualification, which will provide cutting edge knowledge to professionals
in banking & finance fields, is expected to plug the long-felt skill gap in
mid-management levels. The details will be announced by the Institute shortly.
Training Programmes
The Advanced Management Programme (AMP), one of the flagship programmes of the Institute
which is conducted in collaboration with IIM Calcutta has been well accepted by
the banking fraternity. The current AMP batch has as many as 60 participants from
19 banks and financial institutions.
AMP programme is designed with a focus on building leadership capabilities at Banks
& Financial Institutions.
Besides the AMP, the training vertical of IIBF conducts niche programmes covering
different functional areas of the banks. New programmes on MSMEs, Agricultural Financing
have also been drawn up by the Institute. The Institute has state of the art studios
at its offices at Mumbai, Kolkata and New Delhi. This has enabled trainings to be
conducted in the virtual mode in a seamless and effective manner.
The Institute has devised customized training programmes for various Banks to cater
to their specific needs. The purpose of customized training programmes is skill
upgradation to make the employees ready to deliver on those skills
Infrastructure available at IIBF
IIBF has separate academics and training verticals at Mumbai. IIBF also has its
zonal offices christened as Professional Development Centres (PDCs) at New Delhi,
Kolkata and Chennai. The training classrooms at all the above places have state
of the art facilities.
We have recently acquired our own premises at New Delhi. This premises, located
at a central location (opposite IIT Delhi), will become operational in a couple
of months’ time and will have residential accommodation and state of the art
training facilities including a studio for virtual classroom. IIBF is thus well
placed for being the preferred academic and training partner for banks.
Collaboration with Chartered Banker Institute
On 27th June 2017, IIBF had entered into a Mutual Recognition Agreement
(MRA) with the Chartered Banker Institute offering a pathway for the Certified Associates
of the Indian Institute of Bankers (CAIIB) from India to have their qualifications
recognised by the Chartered Banker Institute, and be able to become Chartered Bankers
by studying the Chartered Banker Institute’s Professionalism, Ethics &
Regulation module, and successfully completing a reflective assignment.
Taking forward this MRA, a pathway is now being made available for the Junior Associates
of the Indian Institute of Bankers (JAIIB) to also acquire the Chartered Banker
Status through the JAIIB Professional Conversion Route.

The date of announcing the programme will be decided in consultation with the Chartered
Banker Institute and will be announced shortly.
Please stay safe and healthy by taking appropriate precautions and by following
the advice provided by your local health authorities.
Last but not the least, I take this opportunity of wishing all of you a very happy
and prosperous New Year 2021
With warm regards,
Biswaketan Das
1st January 2021.