Amman, Dec. 3 (Petra) – Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ), Board Chairman of the Institute of Banking Studies (IBS), Adel Al Sharkas, said developing human capital in Jordan’s banking and financial sector became a strategic priority for its direct impact on enhancing the sector’s competitiveness and capacity to keep pace with digital transformation and global challenges.

Since its establishment in 1971, the Institute of Banking Studies has served as a leading center for qualifying national cadres and delivering advanced training programs, he said in an interview with Petra.

The institute, Al Sharkas said, carried out more than 9,000 training programs inside and outside the Kingdom, benefiting around 127,000 trainees from various banks and financial institutions, using modern training methodologies, including in-person, remote interactive learning, and its digital platform "Learners Lead." He said the institute offers a wide range of training programs covering management and leadership, core and behavioral skills, Islamic banking, specialized banking training, and financial technology, in addition to professional diploma programs in financial analysis, credit management, risk management, documentary credits, compliance and anti–money laundering, and internal auditing, as well as workshops for board members and senior executives.

The institute provides international professional programs and certifications in cooperation with reputable institutions, such as ACAMS, GCI, PDI, CIBAFI, AAOIFI, Moody’s, and IMA, added the CBJ governor.

It also offers a master’s program in finance and banking in partnership with the University of Jordan, with 300 graduates since its launch in 2003.

He pointed out that the institute has obtained international accreditation in training quality from the U.S. Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET), and its accreditation was renewed in 2025 for five years.

It is the first training institution in Jordan to achieve this distinction and the second among Arab banking institutes, reflecting the institute’s commitment to global quality standards in banking training and development, he pointed out.

He highlighted the vital role of the Jordan Fintech Academy (FTA Jordan), a national initiative launched by the Central Bank in partnership with the institute, in developing human capabilities in financial technology and innovation and enhancing the financial sector’s readiness for digital transformation.

The academy offers advanced programs in AI, blockchain, digital currencies, financial data analysis, cybersecurity, digital payments, and cloud computing, in cooperation with leading international partners.

Al Sharkas said the academy focuses on Jordanian university graduates through specialized programs that equip them with modern digital skills needed for competitiveness in the labor market.

It also conducts awareness workshops on financial technology and innovation, in addition to specialized cybersecurity training programs delivered in cooperation with the Jordan Financial and Banking Sector Computer Emergency Response Team (JoFinCert), benefiting more than 200 employees.

He affirmed the Central Bank’s continued support for the Institute of Banking Studies and the Jordan FinTech Academy to advance Jordan’s position as a regional hub for financial knowledge, training, and innovation in line with global standards.

//Petra// NQ