Putting theory into practice for future banking and business leaders in the Middle East

The experts from SunGard, a global leader in software and processing solutions for the banking industry, demonstrated software systems used on financial markets for trading and market research analysis.

Discussions at the workshop involved systems solutions for asset management and securities trading which SunGard provide to financial institutions around the world. Their solutions help support their front and back office operations offering tools for investment decision making, electronic trading, regulatory compliance and accounting.

Dr Kostas Giannopoulos, Head of Finance and Banking at BUiD, said: "No other business school here in the Middle East offers this quality of specialist vocational degree provided by BUiD. Our course has a strong practical focus that has been designed specifically for banking and finance professionals.

"Students learn how security trading and market research are conducted so at the completion of the programme they will be equipped with the necessary knowledge to become for example, traders, portfolio managers, risk officers and treasurers. The course draws on the first-hand experience of leading professionals and experts."

The new course has been launched at a time when the UAE is experiencing unprecedented growth. Total assets of the UAE banking sector rose by more than 40 per cent in 2005 and saw profits increase by 100 per cent. Prior to the launch, the programme received a record number of inquiries from banking executives in the Gulf looking to build on their knowledge and qualifications.

The fully accredited postgraduate degree is offered in partnership with the Sir John Cass Business School of City University, London, one of Europe's leading business schools. The prestigious school, staffed by internationally renowned academics and leading industry practitioners, has Europe's largest group of academic specialists in finance, risk, insurance and actuarial science offering an internationally recognised first-class education.

The MSc in Finance and Banking at BUiD is available both full time (one-year) and part time (two years) to allow those who want to work and study to benefit from the programme.

The Masters programme covers key aspects of banking and finance including risk management, investments, trading, fixed income markets and Islamic banking, all designed to enhance the students' skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the expanding and highly competitive market.