DHAKA, Jan 23, 2024 (BSS) - Standard Chartered Bangladesh and BRAC University
have launched the "FCC Certification Program," which aims to build knowledge,
enhance professional development, and raise awareness on various aspects of
Financial Crime and Compliance (FCC).

The six-week course will be open to both graduate students and working
professionals, said a press release.

Jointly developed by BRAC Business School (BBS) and Standard Chartered
Bangladesh, the carefully curated course will provide participants with a
competitive edge -for both their current and future career endeavours.

Students will develop a strong understanding of the fundamentals along with
becoming adept at grasping the complex nexus of fraudulent financial
activities. Course participants will be equipped with the essential skills
and abilities to identify said activities; deal with the risks faced by
financial institutions and other organisations; and ensure due compliance in
a variety of scenarios.

Naser Ezaz Bijoy, Chief Executive Officer, Standard Chartered Bangladesh,
said, "I am proud to inaugurate the Financial Crime and Compliance
Certification Program in partnership with BRAC University. This strategic
partnership addresses a critical skill gap and aims to equip future talents
with the expertise needed to succeed in the financial sector. This is a
critical milestone, where, for the first time in Bangladesh, a programme has
been launched that brings banking and academia together. Standard Chartered
is thrilled to be able to co-create with BRAC University - a future where
young graduates enter the corporate sector with an ethical mindset and a
readiness to embrace the idea that compliance is integral to building a
sustainable corporate culture, to build a better Bangladesh for generations
to come."

Md Masud Biswas, Head of Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU), said,
"This initiative is designed to fortify participants with the necessary
knowledge and skills to attain AML/CFT compliance. The certification
programme aims to empower individuals by equipping them with comprehensive
knowledge and practical skills, enabling them to identify, investigate, and
prevent illicit financial activities. This effort is crucial in safeguarding
the financial system of the institution and the nation as a whole. In an
ever-evolving world, where financial crime is dynamic, we need the right
skills to be future ready in the ongoing fight against financial crime."

Professor Mahboob Rahman, Treasurer, BRAC University, said, "I am extremely
pleased to know about the partnership between BRAC Business School and
Standard Chartered Bangladesh to address the need of Financial Crime and
Compliance related knowledge in Bangladesh that is increasingly becoming
vital for the financial industry. The FCC Certificate Program will surely
provide a competitive edge to those who are willing to pursue a career in
banking and finance. This industry-academia collaboration forms a strong
foundation of many more such endeavours to develop talent needed in critical
areas of the country in future."

The launching ceremony for the certification programme took place at the BRAC
University Campus. Md Masud Biswas, Head, Bangladesh Financial Intelligence
Unit (BFIU); Naser Ezaz Bijoy, Chief Executive Officer, Standard Chartered
Bangladesh; Professor Mahboob Rahman, Treasurer, BRAC University; and other
representatives were present at the event.

As the nation's long-term partner in progress, Standard Chartered has
consistently been linked to Bangladesh's inspiring story of resilience. For
more than 119 years, the Bank has been dedicated to driving commerce and
growth without leaving people behind, negatively impacting the planet, or
creating divisions that diminish our sense of community. As an engine of
development, the Bank is committed to building and maintaining defences
against financial crime.

Established in 2001, BRAC University follows a liberal arts approach to
education. As an educational institution, BRAC University is dedicated to
ensuring a high quality of education for students while aiming to meet the
demands of contemporary times.