A major financial guidance initiative has been launched in Bahrain during the first of the Continuing Professional Development events.

The events are being organised by Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI) in association with the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF).

The Financial Advice Programme currently underway at the BIBF will offer successful candidates the opportunity to become members of the CISI, the world's leading body for investment professionals, to benefit from the programme.

The programme is based on the requirements set out in the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) Rule Book and is the first locally-customised initiative in Bahrain endorsed by the CBB as the minimum mandatory qualification for entry level financial advisers in the kingdom.

"We welcome the collaboration with the CISI in introducing appropriate training programmes that promote the adoption of global best practices and professional qualifications which will enable industry professionals to provide sound financial advice," CBB Governor Rasheed Al Maraj said.

CISI Advisory Council president Khalid Rashid Al Zayani welcomed the initiative.

"Improving professional skills of those who work in banks and other financial firms is a key factor in maintaining confidence in the system," he said.

"Membership of a global professional body will give young Bahrainis a solid foundation for their careers."

CISI chairman and Sheriff of the City of London, Alderman Alan Yarrow, praised the CBB and BIBF for launching the initiative.

"As the governor has said, benchmark qualifications and membership of an appropriate professional body not only recognise individuals' achievements but also reflect their commitment to high standards of personal integrity," he stressed.

CISI chief executive Simon Culhane said: "We look forward to welcoming our Bahraini colleagues into our global family, and helping strengthen yet further the kingdom's resilient financial sector." – TradeArabia News Service