JIOB rebrands to redefine image
Published:Sunday | July 4, 2010 | 12:00 AM
The Jamaica Institute of Bankers, a subsidiary of the Jamaica Bankers' Association, has rebranded itself Jamaica Institute of Financial Services (JIFS) with the intention, its directors say, of correcting the perception that the training organisation serves the banking community alone.
Darlene Jones, director of the institute, said Monday that the training centre currently serves the wider financial sector and business community and that the organisation's new name reflects a mandate to offer its range of training services to the entire financial services sector, including securities dealers, insurance companies, and brokers.
In January, the institute will be launching a new programme called Certified International Risk Manager for this wider grouping.
JIFS Chair, Pamela Smith, says research has shown that risk-management training is in wide demand by the financial and business community.
In shorter programmes currently offered in this area by the JIFS, there is enrolment of approximately 50 persons.
Although new courses take time to gain traction, Smith said she expected high take-up of about 100 students for the new certificate programme.
The nine-month course is slated to cost US$4,500, with a 15 per cent discount available to JIOB members, said Jones.
Range in costs
The institute's courses and programmes range in cost from J$25,000 for short courses, to £21,000 (J$2.7 million) for the Master of Business Administration, which has an enrolment of some 600 students, is offered in conjunction with Manchester Business School, and offers degree certification outside the field of banking.
"Our focus will be more on certification and less on short courses, as in the past," said Jones.
The JIOB was established in 1977 as a joint venture between the Bank of Jamaica and local commercial banks. In 1999, the Jamaica Bankers' Association assumed full responsibility for all its operations.