Thinley Namgay

Financial Institutions Training Institute (FITI) launched the Junior Associate (JA) certification course in Thimphu yesterday.

This is expected to broaden and enrich the bankers’ knowledge to support sustainable economic development.

The six-month course is a continuing professional development programme offered through distance learning mode to those working in the financial service sectors.

A total of 102 participants have registered in the first batch.

The course will focus on principles and practices of banking, accounting and finance for bankers, and legal and regulatory aspects of financial services.

FITI’s Chief Executive Officer, Kuenga Jurmi, said that the course was unique. The self-module course is customised according to Bhutan’s needs. “The course and books are in line with best international practices.”

Before the final examinations, students will undergo a mock test, periodic workshops, and other supplement learning. If the candidate fails on the first attempt, FITI will provide a second chance, failing which the candidate will have to register again by paying Nu 30,000.

Speaking to the participants, RMA’s governor, Dasho Penjore, said that feedback and group meetings were important to enhance integration among the staff from different financial institutions. “RMA will contribute to this learning process.”

Dasho Penjore said that the financial institutions played a major role in the country’s economic transformation and stressed on the importance of the right attitude, human resource capacity, and digital knowledge.

The course is one of the three long-term flagship programmes of FITI. The other programmes are two-month certificate in banking, postgraduate diploma in banking, and five professional certification courses such as risk management, credit management, banking operations, pension and provident, and insurance which is offered on campus.

FITI was established in 2011 by the RMA in collaboration with the Financial Institutions Association of Bhutan as an autonomous apex institution for training, research and consultancy with an objective to train and build the human resource capacity of the financial sectors.