Institute of Banking

Banking

Who is this programme for?

The Professional Diploma in Banking was introduced specifically to support the development of individuals in leadership positions, or who aspire to leadership roles in banking and financial services.

It exposes students to contemporary issues in ethics and corporate governance relevant to financial institutions within the context of understanding the importance of effective risk management. Students then progress to develop expertise in corporate finance, asset management or strategy, depending on their selection of the relevant optional module.

How you will benefit

This programme will support your personal and professional development whilst giving you an integrated, critical understanding of banking. It will:

•Broaden your knowledge and understanding of the requirements for responsible banking, taking on board the interests of a wide range of stakeholders.

•Develop your thinking on key business challenges and ethical dilemmas faced by management when striving to improve business performance.

•Provide you with the opportunity to develop specialist knowledge and expertise in corporate finance, asset management, or strategy in the specific context of retail banking.

•Enhance your business judgement, critical analysis and problem solving skills.

•Develop in you a holistic professional skill set to ensure commercial sustainability and the maintenance of the trust of customers and wider stakeholders.

Entry requirements

The minimum entry requirements are;

Individuals (non-degree holders) admitted to this programme will have at least 6 years' minimum experience in a banking or financial services firm and have completed the Professional Diploma in Financial Services (Level 8, 30 ECTS) or equivalent programmes comprising 30 ECTS at level 8, and a 30 ECTS Special Purpose Award/s at level 7.

or – Admission will also be granted to individuals with an Honours undergraduate business degree (or a degree in a relevant cognate discipline) with a minimum honours 2.2 and have 3 years' minimum experience in a banking or financial services firm. or – Admission will also be granted to individuals who may not meet the education entry requirements but who have significant experience in a management or senior management role.

Professional Body Membership

You must be a current member of The Institute of Banking, or become a member, to register for this programme. Membership is currently €40 per calendar year.

Continuous Professional Development

Those awarded the Chartered Banker designation on foot of having satisfied both the educational and work experience requirements will be required to complete 6 CPD hours annually to maintain the designation.

We provide all of the required CPD content with a combination of online courses and face-to-face events.

If you hold an Institute designation or a designation managed by the Institute CPD hours may be awarded on successful completion of this programme

Duration

A minimum of 12 months part-time, with the precise duration determined by the choice of optional module selected.

Delivery

Postgraduate courses are lecture-based and delivered on a part-time basis. Students can register for a maximum of two modules per trimester. Each 10 ECTS module comprises of up to 30 delivery hours per trimester.

Careers or further progression

Professional designation

This programme satisfies the educational requirement for the prestigious and internationally recognised Chartered Banker designation. Chartered Banker is the gold standard for professionals working in the financial services sector.

Chartered Bankers are highly qualified professionals, well equipped for a management career or leadership role

Students who successfully complete this programme will be invited to apply for Chartered Banker designation.

However, to be eligible for the Chartered Banker designation, these students will also have to satisfy the requirement of a minimum of three years' experience in banking or financial services.

Further enquiries

Sarah Pyne- Programme Manager
education@iob.ie

Subjects taught

Modules and learning outcomes

Students must complete two core modules, plus one optional module.

CORE:

01 Ethics and Corporate Governance (NFQ level 9, 10 ECTS)

This module looks at the corporate governance best practice principles and their application in both a financial services and a general organisational setting. It also aims to provide students with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the ethical dimension of corporate governance and, in doing so, stresses the importance of corporate culture to the longevity of organisations. In considering the behaviours and decision-making processes of individuals, groups, and specifically those charged with governing organisations, the module offers approaches for dealing with common ethical dilemmas and ethical crises.

02 Risk Management in Financial Institutions (NFQ level 9, 10 ECTS)

This module presents risk management best practice principles and their application in financial services. It is both quantitative and qualitative in nature reflecting the breadth of the topic. The module introduces a number of topics and methodologies and will also require input from your professional experience to develop a practical understanding of risk management in operation. The module addresses the different types of risk including market, interest rate, credit, conduct and operational risk.

OPTIONAL:

01 Corporate Finance (NFQ level 9, 10 ECTS)

This module addresses the essential aspects of corporate finance, including agency theory, project investment appraisal, the financing and maturity mix, working capital management policy, mergers and acquisitions, and dividend policy. It will give you the knowledge and skills essential in corporate banking and develop your professional judgement in considering financing proposals from corporate customers.

02 Asset Management (NFQ level 9, 10 ECTS)

An understanding of robust financial planning and wealth management is an important pre-requisite for meeting customers' financial and lifestyle objectives. This module covers core concepts in modern portfolio theory and marries them with the practical application of tools and techniques to construct and manage client portfolios. It assimilates a range of theoretical and empirical evidence to provide the best solutions when advising customers on investment and wealth management.

03 Strategy and Innovation for Retail Financial Services (NFQ level 9, 10 ECTS)

Globally, advances in information technology have disrupted banks' traditional business models and forced a re-evaluation of strategy. This new digital era has fundamentally changed the role of branch networks with the emergence of omni-channel distribution via the internet and mobile devices. This module considers the strategic choices available to management and investigates the new and emerging business models. It explores advances in data analytics to understand consumer behaviours and the development of a compelling customer experience in the digital world. Understanding the impact of innovation is a critical factor in creating a strategic framework for new solutions and opportunities to support competitive advantage.