BIBF launches Sustainable Development Academy to build capacity in sustainable finance

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance announced partnering with Fitch Learning and The London Institute of Banking & Finance to launch its Sustainable Development Academy to reskill and upskill banking and finance professionals.

This initiative is seen as key to helping the Kingdom achieve its Sustainable Development Goals and realising Bahrain Economic Vision 2030.

The Sustainable Development Academy brings together the best and brightest change-makers and professionals within the industry to deliver a carefully identified suite of programmes that will equip participants with the knowledge and competencies essential to undertake crucial work in sustainable finance.

In addition, the Academy offers comprehensive Environmental, Social, and Governance learning solutions, including digital certifications, live virtual workshops, and industry accreditations. Each step offers a dynamic blended-learning experience for participants, including certification programmes by Fitch Learning.

They meet the training requirements of various practitioners’ including Fundamental, Application and Professional level through the CFA Institute Certificate in ESG Investing. The SDA also includes several programmes to upscale knowledge, ranging from Board Level to practitioner and employees in non-business fronting units by The London Institute of Banking & Finance.

BIBF Director, Dr Ahmed Al Shaikh, stated, “Several regulations have been put into motion to meet SDG targets relevant to Bahrain.

As such, The Kingdom of Bahrain continues to establish a variety of agencies and committees to mould policies and strategies that will achieve the guiding principles of Bahrain Economic Vision.

It is only natural for the BIBF to step up and play its role in developing human capital in this field to complement these national initiatives.” On her part, BIBF Head of Banking and Finance Centre, Zeeba Askar, CFA, commented, “Many businesses now recognise the “why” of sustainable development, but don’t know the “how” to implement.

This is the skill gap that inspired the formation of the BIBF’s Sustainable Development Academy to ensure reskilling and upskilling human capital.” Chief Executive of The London Institute of Banking & Finance, Alex Fraser, said: “the launch of the Sustainable Development Academy will strengthen our long-standing relationship with BIBF.”

CEO of Fitch Learning, Andreas Karaiskos, said, “Our expert teams have worked closely alongside BIBF’s stakeholders to create an optimal learning experience that match’s the institute’s ambitions and objectives.”