Chika Amanze-Nwachuku writes that the choice of CIBN as the host for the 22nd edition of the World Conference of Banking Institutes, underscores the confidence reposed on the institute globally, given its role and contribution in ensuring a safe and sound financial system in Nigeria and beyond
Come April 24, the Chartered Institute of Bankers Nigeria (CIBN) will play host to thousands of participants from over a 100 organisations and banking institutes across the globe that will converge in the commercial city for the 22nd edition of the World Conference of Banking Institutes (WCBI), scheduled to hold from April 24 – 28, 2017 at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria.
The CIBN won the rights to host the biennial conference for all banking institutes across the globe on April 7, 2015 after it was unanimously voted in Seoul, South Korea, at the 21st edition of the Conference organised by the Korea Institute of Bankers.
The Institute had secured the support of regional groups from different continents such as the European Banking & Financial Services Training Association (EBTN), Asian-Pacific Association of Banking Institutes International Conference (APABI) and Alliance of African Institutes of Bankers (AAIOB), as well as the Central Bank of Nigeria, Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Bankers Committee, as well as the Nigerian Embassy in the Republic of South Korea and the Federal Government of Nigeria to host the Conference.
Global competition and financial crisis have put additional pressures on the financial institutes around the world, prompting them to constantly rethink their strategies and approach to business to overcome the numerous challenges. Radically, new approaches to learning are now needed more than ever to be able equip financial professionals with stronger skillsets to remain afloat in an increasingly complex sector.
The theme of this year’s Conference, “Rethinking the Future of Banking and Finance & Life-Long Learning” is therefore very apt. It is also in line with the mandate of the CIBN that continuous learning and development by all banking professionals is of utmost importance not just to the individual but to the growth of the banking and financial sector as a whole.
The WCBI serves as a veritable platform for the banking institutes to strategically appraise the achievements and challenges faced by the banking sub-sector globally and also their responsibilities in effectively supporting the financial sector’s performance.
Expectedly, the world confab in Nigeria will promote innovative talent management strategies for the financial services sector; encourage strategic learning, cross fertilization of ideas and networking for value; promote investment and economic growth especially in the financial services industry; enhance access to information, knowledge experience and expertise of professionals from other jurisdictions; as well as provide unique platform for bilateral relations.
The Conference first began in the United Kingdom in 1975. There have been 21 WCBI conferences held in different parts of the world with the last one held in Seoul, South Korea in 2015 where the CIBN won the hosting rights for this forthcoming edition.
The conference was created to provide a global platform for the review of achievements and emerging challenges concerning the functioning of banking and finance Institutes and their role in effectively supporting the financial sector’s performance and profitability.
This year’s event is unique, given that the Institute and indeed the region of West Africa would be hosting the Conference for the first time.
The event is expected to attract a large number of Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and senior executives from leading financial institutions and other stakeholders engaged in banking and other financial services, education and training both in the private and public sectors across the globe.
It will feature keynote address, speeches, paper presentations and panel discussions centred on issues germane to the future development of banking and finance within a global perspective. The conference will explore five sub-themes as follows: Envisioning the future of banking & finance in the global economy; Re-professionalising banking through continuous education; the dynamics of competition: present & future; the need for & role of banking/finance standards: global, regional & national; and the desire for lifelong learning.
There will also be four parallel sessions holding simultaneously on topical subjects covering Technology, Payment Systems, Regulation and Artificial Intelligence/Blockchain.
Conference Papers will be delivered by seasoned and globally acclaimed speakers/ presenters such as: Mr. Adjiedj Bakas, a distinguished Thought Leader and Author of The Future of Banking; Mr. Colin Morrison, President EBTN; Prof. John Ashton Academic, Director CBMBA, Bangor University; Dr. Andrew S. Nevin, Advisory Partner & Chief Economist PW; Mr. Ari Lehavi, Executive Director Moody’s Analytics New York; Emeritus Professor Pai Obanya, Miss Mary Aina, Senior Manager, Technology & Operations Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce; Mr. Peter Green Senior EuroFinance Director; Mr. Simon Thompson, CEO Chartered Banker Institute Scotlan; Dr. Okwu Joseph Nnanna, Deputy Governor Central Bank of Nigeria; Mrs. Christine Duhaime, Founder/Chief Executive Digital Finance Institute Canada to mention a few.
The platform of the conference will also be used to launch the proposed Global Banking Education Standards Board (GBEStB). The GBEStB initiative was initiated by the banking institutes across the world from Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle-East in October 2011 as part of the global initiatives towards re-professionalising banking and rebuilding public trust /confidence in the banking system globally.
The major objective of the GBEStB is to develop an international, ethical and professional standards/ guidelines for use by banking institutes and others involved in the education and training of bankers, in four main areas-Education Standards Setting, Advocacy of Standards, International Cooperation and Research and Development.
A Taskforce/Committee comprising The Chartered Bankers Institute, Scotland, Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers, Malaysia; The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria; The Institute of Banking and Finance, Singapore; Kenyan Institute of Bankers was set up to develop the concept, guidelines and prospectus for the Board. The Taskforce had developed the prospectus to serve as an operating manual for the Board. The Task Force held a meeting which was coordinated by The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria via conference call on November 24, 2016 with representatives of various institutions from Scotland, Uk, Canada and Nigeria in attendance and the next meeting will be holding in January 2017. The ultimate aim is to launch the GBEStB prospectus at the 22nd WCBI Conference in Lagos Nigeria.
The conference will also feature sideline events, which provide unique opportunities for sponsorship, networking and knowledge sharing. Local and international exhibitors will also be on ground to showcase their products and services to the global audience
The Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, is expected to be the distinguished Guest of Honour at the Opening Ceremony of the Conference while the Governor of Lagos State, the host city, His Excellency, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, FCA, will be the Guest of Honour at the event.
Already, the governor of the host state Akinwunmi Ambode has expressed his willingness to partner the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CBIN) in hosting the world confab, pointing out that it would be a veritable vehicle for promoting investment potentials in the State.
The governor said the event is a good platform to promote financial tourism for the State.
Speaking recently, while receiving members of the Governing Council of CIBN, ably led by the President/Chairmen of Council of the Institute, Professor Segun Ajibola, Ambode noted that the story of the growth and development of Lagos could not have been completed without the huge contribution of the financial service industry, adding that the sector remained a veritable vehicle that has been able to drive professionals to contribute to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the State.
He commended the critical role played by the financial service industry in terms of creating employment, contributing to taxes and developing capacity. “It will therefore be unfair not to appreciate and commend everything that the CIBN has actually done to the growth and development of Lagos” he said
The Governor further stressed that Lagos, as the economic hub of Nigeria and the West African region, contributes about 70 percent of the financial services in the country. He therefore expressed optimism that the State in collaboration with CIBN was in a good stead to lead the nation out of recession.
Speaking earlier on the WCBI, Ajibola stated that the Conference would be an avenue to showcase the rich cultural heritage, hospitality and investment potential of Lagos whilst attracting more foreign direct investments into the State.
“It could further improve the internally Generated Revenue of the state as a choice tourist destination,” he added.
Ajibola said that the WCBI would also provide an opportunity for Nigerian banking and finance professionals to interact and network with over a thousand delegates from all over the world.
Already, preparation for the world confab is in full swing as the CIBN the proud host is working with Lagos state government to ensure the event is hitch-free.
