GCU London offers gold standard qualification

GCU London has achieved a world-first after joining forces with the Chartered Banker Institute.

The innovative partnership means that GCU’s MSc Financial Services suite of programmes is the first in the world to have the backing of three of the most influential banking and finance professional bodies in the world – the Chartered Banker Institute, the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment and the Institute of Operational Risk.

The Chartered Banker Institute (a trading name of the Chartered Institute of Bankers Scotland) is the only remaining banking institute in the UK and the oldest in the world. It is committed to raising the standards of professionalism at all levels in banking and financial services, and to rebuilding public confidence and trust in banks and bankers. 

The Chartered Banker Institute is also taking its relationship with Glasgow School for Business and Society one step further by opening staffed offices on the GCU London campus, right in the heart of the UK’s financial district in London.

The Chartered Banker Institute has accredited the MSc Financial Services suite of programmes offered at GCU’s London and Glasgow campuses, which means that all future students on MSc Financial Services programmes at GCU and GCU London will be eligible to have Chartered Banker status. 

This is the gold standard professional qualification in the sector and is recognised globally as a measure of enhanced standards of excellence and professionalism.

The agreement also means that current Chartered Bankers who meet entry criteria can obtain an MSc Financial Services by completing a Dissertation module as part of their continuing professional development.

Professor John Wilson, Executive Dean of Glasgow School for Business and Society, said: “I am absolutely delighted that the Institute has not only accredited the MSc programmes, giving our students the fantastic opportunity to gain Chartered Banker status alongside their MSc, and their own members the opportunity to obtain an MSc, but will also be making use of the University’s excellent campus in the heart of the city of London. 

“This groundbreaking collaboration provides huge opportunities for our students and reflects the significance the School attaches to professional body accreditation, and the reputation the School and its programmes enjoy among key professional bodies.”

Giles Cuthbert, Managing Director, Chartered Banker Institute, said: “The global banking industry needs talented individuals with cutting-edge knowledge and skills supported by a solid foundation of ethical professionalism.  

“The award of Chartered Banker status to GCU Banking, Finance and Risk Management MSc students recognises the excellence of the MSc programmes offered in both respects.  The dual award will equip GCU graduates with the academic and professional credentials needed to pursue successful careers in financial services.” 

GCU has already developed strong partnership links with a number of global financial players including Santander, Chase Cooper, JP Morgan, and Morgan Stanley, thanks to its cutting-edge business-focused approach to learning designed to help students feed into the workplace.