Mastercard has partnered with the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF) to drive financial inclusion in the kingdom and the wider GCC region.
Under the agreement, the BIBF will work with Mastercard Academy to design and deliver customised and scalable digital and physical learning courses.
The duo will explore opportunities to support relevant industry events by providing subject matter expert speakers and panellists to showcase their thought leadership.
Similarly, Mastercard will leverage its resources, assets and partners to assist the BIBF in engaging Bahrain’s community with a focus on several target segments, such as students and entrepreneurs.
“In line with its dedication to excellence, the BIBF is keen to build synergies with leading organisations around the world to expand its learning offerings across all major business disciplines and strengthen its capabilities to develop human capital,” said Dr. Ahmed AlShaikh, CEO of BIBF.
“Our latest collaboration with Mastercard will go a long way in helping us achieve our ambition of becoming the global partner of choice for professional education in the payments industry. We look forward to benefiting from the company’s rich know-how in this field.”
Founded in 1981, the BIBF has grown from training 450 applicants a year, primarily within the banking industry, to 20,000 participants from all sectors of the economy. The institute has qualified over 360,000 learners in the last four decades.
“At Mastercard, we are committed to contributing to the growth of Bahrain’s digital economy. With its decades-long legacy and a strong footprint across the local landscape and beyond, BIBF is our ideal partner in boosting financial inclusion in the country and the wider region,” said Driss Belemlih, Executive Vice President & Customer Delivery Lead, EEMEA at Mastercard.
“Through our collaboration, we seek to leverage our expertise and market knowledge to provide comprehensive financial education that will enhance financial inclusion and unlock greater prosperity for individuals and businesses.”
With access to over 200 experts from across Mastercard’s global network, Mastercard Academy provides the company’s customers and partners with professional insights, skills and knowledge. Its faculty possesses unparalleled knowledge of the latest trends in the payments industry.
