With rapid changes being experienced within the Financial Services industry, including globalisation and the blurring of the traditional boundaries between banks, insurance companies and other financial institutions, each of these sectors must look to continuing education as a way to remain in the forefront of the financial services industry. This is validated by the increasing need in the workforce for qualified and skilled personnel.

The Institute of Banking and Finance of Trinidad and Tobago (IBAF) recognises the need for ongoing education, relevant to the Banking and Financial services industry. IBAF's educational programmes provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to compete in the fast paced Financial Services Industry.

HISTORY

The Institute of Banking of Trinidad and Tobago was established to promote and advance the Banking profession and matters of interest to bankers by contributing to the continued development of the study and practice of banking. The primary objective was the development of professional education for bankers.

The idea of a school for bankers was born in 1974, and remained in an 'orphan' state until NIHERST, a government institution, founded in 1978, adopted the idea and called the first inter-bank seminar in October 1981.

After several inter-bank working committee meetings, the agreement to formally establish the Institute of Banking of Trinidad and Tobago was signed on July 31st 1984.

As the 90's came to a close the Institute recognized that the rigid lines which divided Banking from the rest of the Financial Services Sector had begun to fade. In order to remain at the forefront of Banking and Finance education and thereby remain competitive, a special resolution was passed by the governing Council to change the name from the Institute of Banking of Trinidad and Tobago to the "Institute of Banking and Finance of Trinidad and Tobago".

This move opened up the Institute's membership to anyone who had an interest in becoming a member.

OUR MISSION

"To facilitate the continuous development of banking and finance professionals and to promote high standards of knowledge, skills and conduct to meet the demands of a changing financial industry."

VISION

"The preferred learning institution for Financial Service Professionals"