Reflections on the 2024 Annual Banking Conference: Day One
The 2024 Annual Banking Conference, hosted by the Chartered Banker Institute, brought together global leaders, practitioners, and innovators to explore the evolving landscape of banking across two days of insightful discussion. Underpinned by the Institute’s commitment to professionalism and excellence, the conference delved into critical themes such as leadership in the digital era, sustainability, and the future of skills development in banking.
Day One of the event included a brilliant panel of sector leaders, including chair Eric Leenders, Managing Director of Personal Finance at UK Finance, Tanya Retter, Executive Director at the Institute, Carole Layzell, Head of Barclays South at Barclays, Jason Reynolds, UK Head of People Capability at HSBC, and Bongi Mbelu, Executive Head: eCommerce, Personal and Private Banking at Standard Bank South Africa. To catch up on the key insights from Day One, please visit our YouTube channel here.
Championing Professionalism in Banking
At the heart of the discussions was the evolving nature of professionalism in banking. Panellists highlighted the delicate balance between maintaining traditional banking principles and integrating the skills required for a rapidly changing world.
In particular, Jason reflected on how modern banking professionals must excel at technical expertise, interpersonal skills, and the fundamentals of finance. This was echoed by Carole, who shared that professionalism today demands not just adherence to regulatory standards but nurturing a culture of psychological safety and inclusivity within teams.
The Institute’s role in supporting this evolution was a key focus, with Tanya noting:
“Professionalism remains at the core of banking, but we must adapt to new challenges by embedding empathy, innovation, and sustainability into our frameworks.”
Leadership in a Changing World
Leadership in banking has become increasingly complex as organisations navigate digital transformation, customer expectations, and sustainability goals. Bongi emphasised the importance of leaders adopting a dual focus: driving innovation while remaining human-centric.
Carole expanded on this, exploring the growing demand for purpose-driven leadership, highlighting how organisations like Barclays are embedding sustainable finance practices into their operations. She noted:
“To lead effectively, we must identify and seize opportunities in change, while ensuring we mitigate risks responsibly.”
From guiding teams through emerging technologies to addressing ethical considerations in AI adoption, it was clear that leadership must evolve to balance technological advancement with integrity and trust.
Harnessing Technology with Purpose
A recurring theme throughout the conference was how technology continues to reshape banking. Jason discussed the growing prevalence of tech-centric roles, with approximately one in eight UK financial services jobs now focused on technology—a figure that is double that of other industries.
However, technology must complement, not overshadow, the human element. Tanya highlighted the Institute’s emphasis on combining technical and interpersonal skills to create responsible banking professionals:
“Banking remains rooted in trust and human relationships. Technology should enhance this, not detract from it.”
Tanya further outlined how the sector could embrace this digital transformation, noting specifically the Institute’s Certificate in Digital and AI Evolution in Banking, designed to equip professionals with the skills to navigate this rapidly changing environment responsibly, while staying attuned to ethical and societal considerations.
Driving Purpose Through Sustainability
The continuing importance of sustainability was a cornerstone of the conference. Panellists discussed how banks have a responsibility to align business strategies with environmental and social goals.
Bongi spoke passionately about how purpose-driven organisations not only build long-term customer loyalty but also demonstrate leadership in addressing global challenges. Carole reinforced this, detailing Barclays’ efforts in financing green technologies and helping industries transition to low-carbon economies.
Tanya noted that the Institute is committed to embedding sustainable banking principles into all its professional qualifications, ensuring bankers are equipped to lead this critical transformation.
Inclusion: Ensuring No One is Left Behind
A particularly meaningful discussion revolved around how to ensure that no one is excluded in the shift towards digital and sustainable banking.
Bongi underscored the importance of intentionality, sharing how collaboration with communities can bridge gaps in accessibility. Carole offered practical examples, including Barclays’ Digital Eagles initiative, which has helped thousands, from children learning to code to seniors mastering basic digital skills. This led Jason to observe that a personalised approach is crucial:
“One size does not fit all. Tailored solutions are essential to bringing everyone along on the journey.”
Lifelong Learning: The Key to Future Success
With the pace of change in our sector, the need for continuing one’s personal and professional development is clear. The panel reflected on the 70:20:10 approach, where 70% of learning is acquired on the job, 20% through role models and interactions with experienced peers, and the remaining 10% achieved through more formal education and qualifications. Noting this Jason encouraged professionals to stay curious and adopt a “little and often” approach to learning. Building on an earlier point made by Bongi, that the necessary skills may not be in the room, Carole noted the importance of bringing together networks of people for shared learning spaces. Bringing together perspectives from diverse backgrounds and sectors not only helps build an appreciation of differences, it can spark fresh thinking and innovation.
This sits very well with the primary objectives of the Institute, in supporting our members to improve and extend their knowledge and skills. Most members will come to us via the formal 10% - through professional qualifications, the pathway to which has been made even simpler through the newly updated qualification framework and its flagship Chartered Banker status. Through events like the ABC, the Institute creates communities of learning for its members - the ‘20%’ channel – providing opportunities to hear different perspectives from thought leaders and peers from our own sector and others. Our comprehensive suite of CPD resources supports the ‘little and often’ 70% channel. Tanya noted that our work is focused on creating opportunities for banking professionals to deepen their expertise and demonstrate their commitment to responsible banking.
Looking Ahead
Day One of the conference reinforced the critical role of the banking profession in shaping a better future. From advancing ethical leadership to embracing professionalism, community and expertise, the Institute remains dedicated to equipping professionals with the skills, knowledge, and values required to meet the challenges ahead.
As we move forward, collaboration, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to professionalism will guide the way. Tanya aptly summarised the Institute’s mission:
“Our goal is to support individuals and organisations as they navigate change, ensuring banking continues to serve society with integrity and purpose.”
We extend our gratitude to the speakers, panellists, and attendees for making the 2024 Annual Banking Conference such a resounding success.