CISI signs MoU with SLASSCOM

The Chartered Institute for Securities & Investments (CISI) and The Sri Lankan Association of Software and Service Companies (SLASSCOM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding which aims to support capacity building for the financial services sector in Sri Lanka.

The CISI is the leading examining, training and membership body for those working in the securities and investment industry, with over 40,000 members who benefit from its programme of professional and social events globally. SLASSCOM is Sri Lanka’s trade body representing IT and business process outsourcing (BPO) companies.

The agreement focuses on the promotion of CISI’s qualifications to SLASSCOM member firms working in the Sri Lankan financial services industry.

The qualifications to be promoted include the:

nInternational Introduction to Investment – specifically designed to meet the needs of new market entrants, with particular focus on international markets.

nIT in Investment Operations (ITIO) – a practical and relevant exam for IT practitioners working in financial services.

nInternational Investment Administration (IIAQ) – a practitioner-led qualification for administration and operations staff working in financial services.

Joint initiatives supported by both the CISI and SLASSCOM in Sri Lanka will include promoting Sri Lanka as an outsourcing destination for Finance Business Process Outsourcing and promoting Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programmes on current themes relevant to the industry.

Simon Culhane Chartered FCSI, CISI CEO said: “We are very pleased to enter into this partnership with SLASSCOM. This initiative will bring our qualifications and CPD programmes to the heart of the Sri Lankan financial services community, contributing further to local skill levels and thereby helping the industry to build a world class reputation for excellence.”

CISI Country Head-Sri Lanka and India, Arwa Tapia, said: “Our globally recognised qualifications have experienced a high uptake amongst BPO and IT companies in India and other key outsourcing areas. We are confident these qualifications as endorsed by SLASSCOM will contribute to the development of an adequately trained talent pool to meet the future challenges the industry holds.”

Chairman of SLASSCOM, Dinesh Saparamadu said: “We see great potential for Sri Lankan IT-BPO companies in the Financial services sector. We expect this partnership with CISI will help increase the number of qualified professionals available for the industry, to take advantage of global opportunities in securities and investment domains. SLASSCOM is on a mission to help IT-BPO industry become the largest export revenue earner for Sri Lanka and views capacity building as a key enabler in achieving this goal.”