Bankers’ institute rebrands for a new era, pushing for mandatory certification for all professionals
The decision to rebrand, described by the institute as strategic rather than cosmetic, comes at a time when the global and local financial landscape is undergoing rapid transformation.
The Uganda Institute of Banking & Financial Services (UIBFS) has unveiled a significant rebrand, signaling a strategic shift to empower financial professionals and elevate industry standards. The institute, announcing its new guiding promise to “Learn. Transform. Lead,” simultaneously revealed plans to initiate legislation that would mandate its certification for every banker in Uganda.
The decision to rebrand, described by the institute as strategic rather than cosmetic, comes at a time when the global and local financial landscape is undergoing rapid transformation. Digital disruption, evolving regulatory frameworks, increasing consumer sophistication, and rising expectations from both employers and learners necessitate a new approach to professional development, according to UIBFS.
“It’s no longer enough to be qualified. You must be transformed. You must lead,” Goretti Masadde, the Chief Executive Officer at the Uganda Institute of Banking & Financial Services, stated, underscoring the urgency behind its bold new identity.
UIBFS emphasized its new identity is built upon the powerful three-word promise: “Learn. Transform. Lead.” This compass, Masadde said, will guide their offerings: ‘Learn’ through modern, flexible, and industry-relevant programs; ‘Transform’ by empowering individuals to shift mindsets and adopt future-forward skills; and ‘Lead’ in every role, institution, and across the financial system.
Perhaps the most impactful revelation is the institute’s active initiation of “The Uganda Institute of Banking & Financial Services Bill.” This proposed legislation aims to ensure that every banker operating in Uganda is certified by the Institute, a move designed to raise industry standards in tandem with the sector’s rapid evolution. “Because when the industry changes, its standards must rise with it,” Masadde noted.
Tracing its roots back to 1967 as an examination centre for the Chartered Institute of Banking UK and gaining autonomy in 1990, UIBFS has long been a cornerstone of Uganda’s financial ecosystem. This rebrand, they assert, is about aligning their mission of accelerating professionalism and inclusion in financial services with the contemporary needs and aspirations of today’s finance sector.
The CEO of UIBFS reiterated that the rebrand goes beyond superficial changes. “I vow that this rebrand will not stop at banners, colors, or ceremonies. It will be seen in the rigor of our courses, curriculum, research, and consultancies we launch or undertake, respectively,” the CEO affirmed.
The institute concluded with a direct challenge to current and future financial professionals: “This is your moment. So here’s the challenge: Will you wait for the industry to change you? Or will you be the one to change it?” positioning itself as the pivotal institution for driving proactive career development and industry leadership.
