Amman: Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ), Board Chairman of the Institute of Banking Studies (IBS), Adel Al Sharkas, emphasized the strategic priority of developing human capital in Jordan's banking and financial sector. This initiative aims to enhance the sector's competitiveness and readiness to embrace digital transformation and address global challenges.
According to Jordan News Agency, since its inception in 1971, the Institute of Banking Studies has emerged as a pivotal center for training national cadres and offering advanced programs. Al Sharkas, in an interview with Petra, highlighted that the institute has executed over 9,000 training programs both domestically and internationally, benefiting approximately 127,000 trainees from various banks and financial institutions. These programs utilize modern training methodologies, incorporating in-person and remote interactive learning, as well as its digital platform "Learners Lead."
The institute's offerings encompass a broad spectrum of training programs in management, leadership, core and behavioral skills, Islamic banking, specialized banking training, and financial technology. Furthermore, it provides professional diploma programs in financial analysis, credit management, risk management, documentary credits, compliance and anti-money laundering, and internal auditing. Workshops for board members and senior executives are also available.
In collaboration with esteemed institutions such as ACAMS, GCI, PDI, CIBAFI, AAOIFI, Moody's, and IMA, the institute offers international professional programs and certifications. Additionally, it runs a master's program in finance and banking in partnership with the University of Jordan, boasting 300 graduates since its inception in 2003.
Al Sharkas noted that the institute has earned international accreditation in training quality from the U.S. Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET), with its accreditation renewed in 2025 for a five-year term. This distinction marks it as the first training institution in Jordan and the second among Arab banking institutes to achieve such recognition, underscoring the institute's dedication to global quality standards in banking training and development.
Highlighting the significant role of the Jordan Fintech Academy (FTA Jordan), a national initiative launched by the Central Bank in collaboration with the institute, Al Sharkas emphasized its contribution to developing human capabilities in financial technology and innovation. The academy's programs cover AI, blockchain, digital currencies, financial data analysis, cybersecurity, digital payments, and cloud computing, in partnership with prominent international entities.
The academy targets Jordanian university graduates with specialized programs equipping them with modern digital skills essential for labor market competitiveness. Additionally, it conducts awareness workshops on financial technology and innovation, and specialized cybersecurity training programs, in collaboration with the Jordan Financial and Banking Sector Computer Emergency Response Team (JoFinCert), benefiting over 200 employees.
Al Sharkas reiterated the Central Bank's unwavering support for the Institute of Banking Studies and the Jordan FinTech Academy, aiming to position Jordan as a regional hub for financial knowledge, training, and innovation, aligning with global standards.