The Muamalat Newsletter Vol. 2 2023

13 FEM eNewsletter | Dec 2023 professional development and positioning them as well- prepared and highly qualified banking professionals. The Chartered Banker Qualification Framework. The Chartered Banker is a globally recognisedprofessional banking qualification as well as a prestigious professional designation. Jointly awarded by AICB and the Chartered Banker Institute in the United Kingdom, the only organisations able to confer the status of Chartered Banker in South-East Asia and globally respectively, this qualification will help bankers to achieve and maintain the highest standards of excellence and professionalism. The Chartered Banker Qualification Framework provides two routes to attain the Chartered Banker designation, namely, the Standard Route and the Experiential Route. The Standard Route comprises three levels which are Level 1 - Affiliate Member, Level 2 - Associate Chartered Banker, and Level 3 - Chartered Banker. Whereby, the Experiential Route is an accelerated pathway for experienced bankers to attain the Chartered Banker status and gain professional recognition for their knowledge and contributions to banking. Based on these routes, graduates from Degree of Islamic Banking and Finance in USIM may follow the Standard Route should they decided to pursue and build career in the banking and financial services industries. Membership with a professional body is an added value proposition and a mark of public recognition and commitment to ethical values. Table below summarize the Chartered Banker membership progression according to the levels and routes. In addition to the above, AICB- USIMpartnershipbrings together other benefits such as industry linkages to bridge USIM with the industry, talent pool from USIM to prepare potential work ready talent for the financial industry, AICB supports to USIM lecturers which provide opportunities for relevant and selected lecturers to pursue the Chartered Banker qualification, enhancing knowledge and expertise through student activities which mainly focusing on out of class learning and exposure. As the financial landscape continues to evolve, the AICB- USIM partnership signals a pivotal moment in the pursuit of excellence in banking education. This collaboration not only underscores a joint commitment to raising professional standards but also reflects a shared determination to shape a future where banking professionals in Asia are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the complexities of an ever- changing industry. Report prepared by: Dr. Muhamad Azhari Wahid Head of Programme of Islamic Banking and Finance with Honours Faculty of Economics and Muamalat