BIBF Hosts Financial Advisory Programme Graduation Ceremony

BIBF recently honoured graduates of its inaugural Securities Market Regulation Certification Programme (based on Series 79) at a ceremony conducted at the Gulf Hotel Convention Centre.

14 participants from various local financial institutions received their completion certificates in the presence of H.E Rasheed Mohammed Al Maraj – Governor of the Central Bank of Bahrain and Chairman of the BIBF Board of Directors, BIBF team members and guests of the graduates.

The qualification, mandated in October 2015 for individuals dealing in debt and equity offerings through public or private placement, mergers, acquisitions and financial restructuring, was designed by BIBF to address the training needs of a highly dynamic sector.

“One of the CBB’s main objectives is to maintain transparent, fair and efficient capital markets to ensure investor protection and safeguard Bahrain’s reputation as the region’s leading financial centre. BIBF’s mandate as a premium provider of innovative, industry-relevant qualifications is to support the objectives of the CBB and aid in strengthening Bahrain’s position as a financial hub”, said BIBF Director Solveig Nicklos in her opening speech.

“The Securities Market Regulation Certification Programme is a direct result of the unique relationship BIBF has with both the regulator and the banking industry. BIBF received feedback that the popular Series 7 programme – previously mandated by the CBB for brokers – did not provide the specialised skills required by investment bankers to effectively serve the industry, and worked closely with the market to create a suitable alternative”.

The syllabus includes collection, analysis and evaluation of data; underwriting/new financing transactions, types of offerings and registration of securities; mergers and acquisitions, tender offers and financial restructuring transactions; and general securities industry regulations. The 5-day programme is followed by a multiple-choice examination.