Third, is to raise the quality of learning programs offered to financial practitioners in the country. This task was given to the Financial Accreditation Agency. The FAA has successfully launched the Finance Qualification Structure and FAA Learning Standards in September 2014. The Learning Standards will promote minimum standards in designing, developing and delivering learning programs. The Finance Qualification Structure will help to map professional qualification into a single framework that employers can use to compare and account for an employee’s prior learning. Ultimately, it will create seamless mobility for financial services practitioners to move across the industry within the financial sector. Another initiative conceptualised in 2014 and will be introduced in 2015 is the Financial Institutions Directors’ Education programme in Islamic Finance and Shariah Leaders Education Programme. These learning interventions are specifically designed to broaden the perspective of directors and shariah scholars on emerging opportunities in Islamic Finance, while equipping them with the necessary technical knowledge and skill sets. Offered at the ICLIFLeadership and Governance Centre, the programs will deploy proven learning methodologies and approaches. The industry has also done their part in transforming the financial services education landscape. The AICB and the Asian Banking School, the newly established entities created as a result from IBBM’s transformation in 2014, are committed to creating a greater brand identity through the offering of industry-focused professional examinations, qualifications and awards which are in tune with the evolving landscape of the financial sector. Of significance is the Chartered Banker Qualification.
This designation will be the Gold Standard in banking  2  BIS central bankers’ speeches  qualification and recognition. It will be jointly awarded with the Chartered Institute of Bankers. This award, I am confident, will be the catalyst that significantly elevates professionalism in the banking industry. I am most inspired by the theme of this year’s conference. It is pragmatic, realistic and aptly sums up the importance of talent management as we steer through the evolving financial landscape. Topics such as “Asia 2.0: Leading the Next Wave of Growth” and “Global Workforce Strategies CEOs Deploy to Achieve Leading Business Result” would be significant especially for HR practitioners managing multinational companies in Asia. Besides, topics such as “Are Our Graduates Employable?” will also be an interesting meeting point for HR practitioners and educators. I wish you an insightful and productive discussion. I trust that today’s conference is merely another step in the journey of intellectual quest that will continue long after this conference has ended. BIS central bankers’ speeches  3