The National Institute of Banking and Finance (NIBAF), in collaboration with the Foreign Exchange Operations Department (FEOD) of the State Bank of Pakistan’s Banking Services Corporation (SBP-BSC), successfully concluded a comprehensive 12-day training program titled “FX Professional Certification.” The event took place at NIBAF’s Lahore campus from May 19 to May 31, 2025, bringing together professionals seeking advanced knowledge in the domain of foreign exchange operations.
This specialized certification program was designed to enhance the professional capacity of individuals working in foreign exchange, with a strong focus on both theoretical foundations and operational best practices. Over the 12-day period, participants received in-depth exposure to the complexities of foreign exchange transactions, regulatory frameworks, risk mitigation strategies, and compliance requirements.
The training featured expert-led sessions by trainers from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), SBP-BSC, and seasoned professionals from the financial industry. This multi-perspective approach allowed attendees to gain a well-rounded understanding of the foreign exchange landscape in Pakistan, equipping them to handle a broad range of operational challenges in their respective roles.
Sessions covered key areas such as foreign exchange markets, international payments systems, currency trading mechanisms, and anti-money laundering (AML) compliance related to cross-border transactions. The curriculum was carefully structured to cater to professionals working in banks’ treasury departments, compliance units, trade desks, and regulatory divisions.
NIBAF and SBP-BSC’s collaborative effort reflects their joint commitment to promoting knowledge-based excellence within the banking sector. By aligning the content of the certification with the latest regulatory updates and international best practices, the program aimed to bridge skill gaps and ensure that participants are equipped to navigate the rapidly evolving foreign exchange environment.
The FX Professional Certification is one of several capacity-building programs initiated by NIBAF in recent years to develop domain-specific expertise in Pakistan’s banking workforce. The inclusion of insights from regulators and practitioners made the program particularly impactful for participants, who appreciated the balance between policy orientation and hands-on operational guidance.
In light of the increased complexity and globalization of foreign exchange markets, such initiatives play a crucial role in preparing banking professionals to manage both routine operations and critical issues involving currency volatility, trade finance, and monetary policy impacts.
The program concluded with positive feedback from participants, many of whom acknowledged that the certification added tangible value to their professional skill set. The initiative also served as a platform for networking, experience-sharing, and fostering a deeper understanding of Pakistan’s financial market infrastructure.
With the successful completion of this FX Professional Certification, NIBAF continues to reinforce its mission of capacity development in partnership with the State Bank of Pakistan and its subsidiaries. Such targeted training programs contribute to building a robust and resilient banking system, capable of meeting both local and international financial demands with confidence and competence.