The Chartered Banker Institute is delighted to introduce new, updated learning pathways leading to Associate Chartered Banker status, with future changes to other pathways to be announced in the coming months. Under the new qualification framework, learning pathways are simpler and more flexible, allowing learners to curate their own learning journey based on their professional areas of interest. 

 How will learning pathways change? 

To reach Associate Chartered Banker status, completion of 4 certificates is required. Options currently available include:  

  • Certificate in Corporate and Commercial Lending – coming soon  

In line with extensive consultations with our members and banks, the new framework has been designed in response to both the current and future changing requirements of the banking sector, helping to build knowledge and skills as part of ongoing development and role expectations. It is our aim to equip each banking professional with the skills needed to thrive in their role, incorporating key themes of sustainability, professionalism, ethics and digital across all qualifications.  

The new framework will produce faster qualification results, use more sophisticated assessment techniques, and offer an enhanced consistency to the entire qualification process. We look forward to offering all Institute members a more streamlined learning journey: one which is simpler, clearer and flexible enough to fit in with every member’s lifestyle.  

 

FAQ's

Why is the framework changing?

In line with extensive consultations with our members and banks, the new framework has been designed in response to both the current and future changing requirements of the banking sector, helping to build knowledge and skills as part of ongoing development and role expectations. It is our aim to equip each banking professional with the skills needed to thrive in their role, incorporating key themes of sustainability, professionalism, ethics, and digital across all qualifications.   

What is different about the new framework?

Under the new qualification framework, learning pathways are simpler and more flexible, allowing learners to curate their own learning journey based on their professional areas of interest.   

How do I become an Associate Chartered Banker under the new framework?

To reach Associate Chartered Banker status, completion of 4 certificates is required. Options currently available include:  

I have other qualifications – would these be recognised as prior learning towards the Associate membership?

Credit will be given for a number of existing Chartered Banker Institute qualifications in the new Associate Chartered Banker Framework.  You should have already received an email from us detailing your options. 

We do not currently accept external qualifications in lieu of Chartered Banker Institute qualifications in the new Framework. 

What are the professional designations I can use when I achieve my Associate and Chartered membership levels?

Associates can use the grade designation ACBI (Associate of the Chartered Banker Institute) and the professional designation Associate Chartered Banker. Chartered Members can use the grade designation MCBI (Member of the Chartered Banker Institute) and the professional designation Chartered Banker. Use of these designations requires you to remain a current member of the Institute. 

For example: 

  • Mr John Smith, ACBI Associate Chartered Banker 
  • Ms Elena Jones, MCBI Chartered Banker 

I hold the Certificate in Sustainable Banking. Can I also study for the Certificate in Green & Sustainable Finance, and will both certificates count towards the 4 qualifications I must pass to be awarded the Associate Chartered Banker designation?

Holders of the Certificate in Sustainable Banking may choose to go on to study the Certificate in Green and Sustainable Finance to further develop their knowledge in this important area.  Equally, as there are no pre-requisites for the Certificate in Green and Sustainable Finance, you may study for that certificate without having previously studied the Certificate in Sustainable Banking. 

However, as the core knowledge acquired across the two qualifications is similar, only one of the qualifications will count towards the Associate Chartered Banker designation. 

Why is the Certificate in Climate Risk not included in the new qualification framework at Associate Chartered Banker level?

Associate Chartered Banker is designed to provide a broad range of knowledge and skills to bankers across a wide range of core banking subjects.  Conversely, the Certificate in Climate Risk is one of our specialist qualifications, rather than a core banking subject and is designed to develop professional knowledge, understanding and skills relating to climate change, climate risk and sustainable finance, net zero with a view to supporting customers, clients, colleagues, and communities with the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon world.

Why is the Certificate in Green and Sustainable Finance included in the new qualification framework at Associate Chartered Banker level when the Certificate in Climate Risk is not?

The Certificate in Climate Risk is a part of our suite of specialist qualifications, intended for those working on the measurement and reporting of climate-related impacts on banks.  Specialist qualifications may fall outside of our Associate Chartered Banker framework, which is designed to provide a broad range of knowledge and skills to bankers across a wide range of core banking subjects. 

Accordingly, and in recognition that knowledge and understanding of sustainable banking is a critical topic, members may choose the Certificate in Sustainable Banking as one of their Associate Chartered Banker modules, or if they prefer, delve into the subject more deeply with our Certificate in Green and Sustainable Finance. 

If I currently hold Associate Chartered Banker or Chartered Banker status will this be affected in any way by the new qualification framework?

If you already hold Associate Chartered Banker or Chartered Banker status, this will not be affected by changes to our qualification framework. However, to keep your status you must remain a member of the Chartered Banker Institute and meet your annual CPD requirements. 

I am currently completing a university programme which will allow me to gain Associate Chartered Banker or Chartered Banker status. Will this route be affected by the new qualification framework?

If you are currently studying a Chartered Banker Institute accredited degree with one of our university partners, or studying a Chartered Banker Institute accredited programme with one of our partner organisations, you will not be impacted in any way. 

Is there a time limit/ due date for a full study journey towards Associate Chartered Banker or Chartered Banker status? Can learners study one qualification at a time and return to study next qualification at any time in the future?

At both Associate Chartered Banker and Chartered Banker level, learners have five years from the date of first enrolment on an Associate Chartered Banker or Chartered Banker level module (as appropriate), to complete the level and achieve either their Associate Chartered Banker designation or Chartered Banker designation.  Modules can be studied one at a time, and learners can return to complete the next qualification within the level at any time within the five-year period from their first module registration at that level.