Certified International Retail Banker Programme
The Certified International Retail Banker is RBI's most advanced international retail banking certification, designed for executives who lead, or aspire to lead, major retail banking functions. This programme delivers strategic insight shaped by global industry expertise, equipping leaders to guide their banks through transformation, innovation, and sustained growth.
Course Overview
8 modules
3 – 4 hours reading per week
Continuous assessment
Interactive online tutorials
Dedicated support service
Experienced, expert faculty
Cost: €1299
A Programme for Senior Retail Banking Leaders
This programme is designed for senior professionals responsible for leading critical functions within retail banks, including those progressing towards executive and chief executive roles. This prepares executives to act strategically over the coming years.
The programme draws on RBI’s research, global retail banking councils, and the experience of senior industry leaders. It provides a clear understanding of how to lead a modern retail bank at the highest level.
All online modules are delivered by our experienced, engaging, expert faculty including Carlos Wanderley, Dr Essam El Mallakh, Stuart Harle and Prof Paul Griffiths.
Designed for Busy Executives
The programme is structured to fit around demanding professional schedules.
It can be completed over two months, with three to four hours of reading and study each week.
Participants benefit from a weekly live interactive tutorial led by our expert tutors, with opportunities to engage with senior banking professionals from around the world and share insights and challenges.
Is This Retail Banking Qualification for You?
This international retail banking certification is designed for professionals who are already operating at a senior level or preparing to move into executive leadership roles. If you are looking to lead a modern, customer-centric retail bank, you will find this qualification immensely helpful.
You will gain the knowledge and perspective required to address board level challenges, including governance and ESG principles. You'll learn about building long term customer trust, understanding both the digital core and the emotional core of the bank, building a risk culture across the entire business. You'll develop a deeper understanding of leadership in risk management, and the role of AI in both causing and mitigating risk. We'll help you understand and activate the role of brand in shaping customer and organisational outcomes, and how brand management can help you grow the business.
We also have a unique Asset and Liability Management module to help retail executives create powerful value from their franchises.
THE CURRICULUM
Corporate Governance in Banking
This programme explores how the knowledge economy is reshaping corporate oversight and leadership. It examines the hidden costs of weak governance and the risks of corruption in international banking. Participants will learn how banks can drive a greener economy, strengthen board leadership, and support CEOs and CFOs through effective composition and forward-looking governance practices.
Artificial Intelligence
Discover how artificial intelligence and data analytics are transforming financial services. This module explains the evolution of AI from neural networks to large and small language models and how these technologies power smarter decision-making. Learners explore key AI concepts, business applications, and the innovations shaping the future of banking. This module helps you separate the hype from the realities of AI in banking, and teaches where AI can be useful and where it should be avoided.
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Principles
This ESG module explores how environmental, social, and governance principles are transforming retail banking. It covers consumer expectations, key strategic drivers, and global frameworks shaping the industry. Participants will learn about compliance risks and opportunities, leadership in ESG reporting, and how ESG influences products, services, and customer relationships as regulators raise the bar.
Leading a Risk Management Culture
This risk leadership module equips participants to understand and manage risks through a strong framework, risk matrix, and the three lines of defence model. It highlights key roles in risk management and how to embed a proactive risk culture across daily operations. The module also emphasizes ethical conduct, encouraging open communication, and effective crisis management to strengthen organisational resilience.
Building a Modern Customer-Centric Digital Retail Bank
This module explores how to build a modern, customer-centric digital retail bank that meets evolving customer expectations. It examines why transformation is essential, how incumbent banks are responding, and the purpose behind true customer-centricity. Participants will learn practical steps to design and deliver a digital bank that drives engagement, efficiency, and long-term growth.
Retail Banking Leadership
This Retail Banking Leadership module explores what distinguishes a true leader from a boss in today's fast-changing industry. It examines leadership styles, key qualities, and principles essential for effective management. Participants will learn how digital transformation and multigenerational teams are reshaping leadership approaches and how strong people management drives performance and innovation.
Leadership in Brand Management
This module focuses on how strong leadership drives successful brand management. It explores why consistency is essential, outlining key steps to create and build a brand that resonates with customers. Executives will also learn how digital marketing shapes brand perception and relationships, and how their leadership plays a pivotal role in sustaining brand strength.
Asset and Liability Management
ALM plays a vital role in balancing a bank's financial stability and profitability. It monitors and manages key risks such as liquidity, funding, interest rate, and foreign currency risk. ALM also oversees transfer pricing and makes strategic decisions to optimise balance sheet performance. ALM is crucial for retail leaders to know how to properly fund retail operations and drive profitability.
What Will You Learn
Through the Certified International Retail Banker programme, you will:
Develop the ability to lead and inspire senior teams and colleagues Understand how to drive transformation at scale within a retail bank Build a digital, customer centred banking model to compete with fintech and technology firms Use data, analytics, and technology to strengthen customer value and differentiation Understand the strategic importance of brand and its impact on performance Gain insight into asset and liability management within a retail banking context
Learn how to position the retail bank effectively within overall bank profitability and sustainability
Why Choose the Retail Banking Institute
Retail Banking Institute is part of Lafferty Group, a global leader in retail banking knowledge since 1981. We focus exclusively on retail banking. Our programmes are built on real world case studies from leading global banks and informed by insights from international retail banking councils. Participants gain practical knowledge that reflects how the most successful retail banks operate today, including digital transformation, fintech partnerships, and customer centred strategies.
The Programme
- The Certified International Retail Banker covers the following key areas:
- Bank governance
- ESG principles
- Risk leadership
- Building a modern customer centred digital retail bank
- Leadership in retail banking
- Brand management for retail executives
- Asset and liability management
Apply Today
Take the next step towards achieving a recognised international retail banking certification.
Apply now to join the Certified International Retail Banker programme and strengthen your leadership impact in retail banking.
Get certified. Get ahead. Begin your application now:
Caroline Hastings
Chief Executive
caroline.hastings@lafferty.com
+353871736297
+353 (0)87 173 6297
retailbankinginstitute.com
Lafferty Group
Contact Us
enquiries@lafferty.com
caroline.hastings@lafferty.com
The Leeson Enterprise Centre
Altamont Street
Westport, Co. Mayo
Ireland
F28 ET85