Building a new breed of professional Islamic bankers

The changes in the Islamic Banking and Finance industry have been tremendous since its inception and now it is getting shaped from all corners. However this sharp growth has not been met with developing the required human capital base. There is a dearth of Islamic Banking and Finance professionals not only locally but also regionally and globally. First Global Knowledge Centre (FGKC) – the educational arm of the Fist Global Group – pioneered the introduction of Islamic Finance education with a view to opening the doors for greener pastures through a career in Islamic Banking and Finance.

FGKC was established in 2006 and is the pioneer in Sri Lanka in the field of Islamic Banking and Finance education. FGKC offers the international recognized Islamic Finance Qualification ( IFQ) in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Maldives and Qatar, and is the First accredited training provider for the prestigious Chartered Institute for Securities & Investments (CISI) UK. FGKC has been recognized as “Education First” in the first ever Islamic Finance country report 2011 by KPMG for its outstanding contribution to the local Islamic Banking & Finance education industry..

FGKC has successfully educated more than 350 students in achieving IFQ status locally and prepares its students to sit for the CISI- UK computer based tests (CBT) by having in-house computer based mock exams 100% free of charge for FGKC students. Since July 2010, all the full time students of FGKC enjoy a 50% rebate in the IFQ UK exams and official study text of CISI-UK. Also FGKC has produced the highest marks holder for IFQ in Sri Lanka & Qatar, the youngest (at the age of 19) is to qualify IFQ is also a FGKC student. FGKC proudly states that more than 30 students have achieved ACSI status ( Associate Member of Chartered Institute for Securities & Investments)-uk and proudly recommend them for any Islamic financial organization in any part of the world.

ibanker is a unique qualification offered by FGKC, aimed at existing and potential participants of the industry. Those who want to learn from the basics of Islamic banking & finance or with O/ L ( pending) results can enroll for ibanker Foundation course which will be leading to Diploma and Advanced Diploma stages. This programme covers Conventional Banking & Finance, Islamic Banking & Finance and Risk Management. Those who follow ibanker’s Advanced Diploma programme will be in a position to get them employed in any Islamic Commercial Banks around the globe. At the successful completion of this course, the students will be in a position to sit for the Computer Based Test of IFQ if he/she wishes.

Especially for students who have sat the G. C. E. ‘ O’ level, G. C. E ‘A’ level or any other professional students, is scheduled to begin on 10th Mat ch 2012 i n Colombo. Registration is now open for potential students. For further details students could call on our hotline: 0777 626967 / 0774616710.

First Global is also in serious negotiations with some prestigious international institutions, academic bodies and universities to offer world class qualifications for those who are interested in pursuing a career in this ever-growing Islamic Finance industry.

FGKC has also conducted a num- ber of seminars and workshops on Islamic Banking, Finance and Takaful, by bringing down experts and practitioners to share their knowledge and experiences with the audience. The two annual signature events simply titled “Knowit-all” and “Know-it-beyond”, have been success stories for FGKC.

In the Islamic finance education in Sri Lanka, only FGKC has the lecturing panel consisting of professionals and practitioners in the Islamic Banking & Finance industry powered by Islamic Banking specialist in start ups, which is a unique experience gained over more than two decades in working for major Islamic Banks and Financial Institutions in the Middle East. Also FGKC has got very prominent and influenced personnels locally and globally in the field of Islamic Finance as lecturers in its panel to deliver the high quality and professional education.

First Global is making every endeavour to realize its dream of establishing ‘ First Global Academy’ by the year 2015. The initiative is to offer Bachelor and Post Graduate Degrees in Islamic Banking, Finance, Management and other related fields along with a totally Shari’ah compliant environment.

For further details log into www. fgkcentre. com or drop your inquiry to info@fgkcentre.