EIBFS sets up e-learning platform for finance professionals

The Emirates Institute for Banking and Financial Studies has launched an e-learning platform to improve the skills of professionals in the banking and finance sector as it adapts to the post-Covid-19 environment.

Banking and finance professionals currently have free access to the education and training centre's Insight platform, which offers about 100 courses to date and uses a blended format of interactive learning.

EIBFS offers education and training programmes, including diplomas and bachelor degrees in banking and finance, at its campuses in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.

However, as the Covid-19 outbreak forced schools and universities in the Emirates to close in March, the institute migrated to offering online courses to its students.

It intends to have over 150 courses on its new Insight platform by the end of 2021 to educate professionals and supplement physical classroom learning.

“In the current exceptional times, change is inevitable, and we need to be prepared,” said Jamal Al Jassmi, general manager of EIBFS.

“With Insight, our focus remains to provide best-in-class education to the region’s banking and finance professionals under all circumstances.”

The pandemic has devastated the global jobs market as lockdowns and travel bans to contain the virus has led to the worst recession since the Great Depression of the 1930s.

However, LinkedIn data shows finance jobs in the Emirates, buoyed by an increase in postings for financial services roles that offset losses in banking and insurance, were up 1 per cent between March and May compared to the same period last year.

Increased efforts to drive digital transformation at banks and financial institutions have partly helped build this resilience.

The mission of EIBFS, which was established in 1983, is to provide strong banking and financial human development programmes and contribute towards Emiratisation in the sector.

Courses on the Insight platform cover functional and soft skills development across categories such as FinTech, data analytics, corporate banking and management, trade finance, compliance and anti-money laundering and Islamic banking.

Students will receive e-certificates upon completion of each course.

Mr Al Jassmi said the platform includes a set of soft skill programmes to help trainees build their interpersonal skills, relationship skills and management and leadership skills.

“With the changing requirements of our industry today, we aim to ensure a holistic learning experience that will empower our students to face the new reality as digitally agile and future-focused professionals," he said.