Introduction:
Amidst the swift currents of technological progress and digital upheaval, the realm of financial services stands at the cusp of profound metamorphosis. The advent of mobile money, the ascent of FinTech enterprises, and the emergence of cutting-edge technologies have collectively reshaped the global financial landscape. This evolution, epitomized by the proliferation of Digital Financial Services (DFS), has heralded unprecedented financial inclusion for marginalized communities, catalyzing economic growth and fostering inclusive development, particularly within the West African region.

Undoubtedly, the paradigm shift brought about by digital transformation has redefined the contours of the financial ecosystem, ushering in an era replete with fresh opportunities and challenges. From blockchain and artificial intelligence to cloud computing and quantum computing, emerging technologies are revolutionizing the delivery of financial services, unlocking new efficiencies, and illuminating pathways to previously uncharted territories. Yet, amidst this sea of possibilities, lurk new vulnerabilities, underscoring the imperative for robust cybersecurity measures to fortify data integrity and safeguard transactions.

In this era of unprecedented change, the imperative for financial institutions to fortify their leadership echelons with strategic acumen and unwavering responsibility has never been more pronounced. At the helm of every bank, senior directors play a pivotal role in steering strategic direction, managing risk, and nurturing long-term value creation. Thus, it is incumbent upon both the directors and management of financial institutions to continually embrace, advocate for, and adeptly navigate the realms of emerging technologies, cybersecurity, and digital transformation.

Against this backdrop, FITC, in collaboration with the West African Bankers Association (WABA), is proud to present the 2024 edition of our flagship program tailored for Directors, Management, and Senior Leaders of Banks and Other Financial Institutions across the West African region. This edition delves into the multifaceted terrain of financial services, unraveling the catalysts propelling the adoption of emerging technologies, elucidating the pivotal role of cybersecurity in fortifying against threats, and charting out strategies for seamless digital transformation.

Through incisive analysis, real-world case studies, and expert insights, our program aims to furnish participants with a holistic understanding of the forces shaping the future of financial services. Armed with this knowledge, we endeavor to empower West African Banks to embark on this transformative journey with unwavering confidence and foresight, as they navigate the uncharted waters of the digital age.

Target participants:
• Directors and Board members of all the financial institutions who are responsible for governance, oversight, and strategic decision-making. This includes both executive and non-executive directors.
• Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), Chief Technology Officers (CTOs), Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), Chief Risk Officers (CROs), Business/Sales leaders and other senior executives responsible for technology, cybersecurity, and risk management within financial institutions.
• Representatives from regulatory bodies and supervisory authorities within the West African region like their all the Central Banks, Deposit Insurance organisations, Securities Exchange Commissions, Insurance bodies, etc.
• Government officials and policymakers involved in formulating regulations and policies related to technology, cybersecurity, and financial system stability.
• Industry Experts and Consultants

Learning objectives
• Gain comprehensive understanding of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, cloud computing, and their extraordinary impact on the financial industry.
• Evaluate risks posed by the emerging technologies, as well as identify potential cybersecurity threats, data breaches, and vulnerabilities that may arise from the adoption of new technologies.
• Gain deeper understanding of cybersecurity best practices and the importance of robust cybersecurity strategies, measures and structure, to safeguard sensitive data, and protect against cyberattacks.
• Examine the role of boards in overseeing technology and cybersecurity risks, establishing effective governance frameworks, and integrating risk management practices into decision-making processes.
• Explore options to effectively integrate emerging technologies into the overall business strategies, to enable the banks and OFIs leverage technology to improve operational efficiency, enhance customer experiences, and drive innovation.

Learning Outcomes
• Gain a heightened awareness and knowledge of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and cloud computing, and their continuous impact on the financial industry, and the associated risks and challenges.
• Develop the ability to assess and analyze cybersecurity threats, data breaches, and vulnerabilities that may arise from the adoption of new technologies and evaluate impact of these risks on the financial system.
• Equip Directors with more practical knowledge and skills to fulfill their oversight responsibilities effectively by incorporating technology into strategic decision-making processes and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.

Content Outline
• Emerging Technologies and Digital Innovations Driving the Global Financial System: Business Implications for West African Financial Services Sector.
• Evolving Responsibilities of the Board and its Committees on the Effective Oversight of Emerging Technologies, Cybersecurity, Digital Risk Management and the Implementation of a Cyber/Digital Risk Strategy.
• Providing Oversight of Cyber/Digital Risk for Optimal Business Value: The Emerging Role of the Directors.
• Imperatives for Designing an Appropriate Cybersecurity Digital Risk Management Framework for the Financial Services space.
• Repositioning the West African Financial Institutions through Digital Transformation: Perspectives and Imperatives for the Board, Management & leaders.
• Future Trends and Opportunities in Financial Services Technology
o Emerging trends in financial services technology: decentralized finance (DeFi), quantum computing applications, etc.
o Opportunities for innovation and disruption in financial services
o Strategies for staying ahead of the curve: continuous learning, collaboration, experimentation.
• Regulatory Perspectives on Effective Board Oversight and Management Drives of Emerging Technologies, Cybersecurity, and Digital Transformation in the Financial System Space.
• Capstone Project
o Collaborative project applying concepts learned throughout the course to develop a comprehensive strategy for leveraging emerging technologies, cybersecurity measures, and digital transformation initiatives in a financial service organization.

Duration: 5 Days Arrival (Check in at Hotel): Sunday, 13 October, 2024

Departure (Check out): Saturday, 19 October, 2024

Methodology Classroom-style lectures, syndicate sessions, role plays, relevant case studies and study tours.

COURSE FEE
$3,500.00 (Three Thousand, Five Hundred Dollars.) (This fee covers tuition and full course documentation, but EXCLUDES Accommodation, Air fare and other travel costs).

Refund of Fee: Fees paid for participants who do not turn up eventually would be refunded, subject to a deduction of 25% administrative cost.

Account Name: Financial Institutions Training Centre

Bank Name: GT Bank

Account Number: 0129551101

Sort Code: 058-152052

Swift Code: GTBINGLA

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