Senior Investment/Commercial Banking Professional Apprenticeship Level 7

Standards to be met

The Apprenticeship standard details the essential Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours that somebody would need to demonstrate to be successful in this job role, this includes, Strategy and Planning, Change Management and Decision Making. Apprentices will need to show they are competent in all the areas detailed in the standard when they take End Point Assessment (see below).

The Knowledge areas of the standard will typically be covered through completion of their qualification. Skills and Behaviours are developed through workshops, e-learning, workplace training and practical experience provided ‘on-the-job’.

Knowledge

• Strategic insight keyboard_arrow_up keyboard_arrow_down

  The apprentice demonstrates excellent knowledge of key business objectives and measurements of success.

  They can build their understanding of different organisations and the environments in which they operate.

  They understand the impact of business decisions.

  They understand the implications of business risk, and can undertake risk management in the context of business decisions.

• Industry and organisation understanding keyboard_arrow_up keyboard_arrow_down

  The apprentice has excellent understanding of the Financial Services industry, and the role they, and their organisation, plays. They understand the purpose of the function in which they work, and how it relates to the wider business.

  They have a deep understanding of the impact the external environment has on Financial Services and their role, together with relevant best practice.

  They have an excellent understanding of the organisation’s values and professional standards, and how these are evidenced through their role.

  They clearly understand the purpose of the different areas of the organisation they need to work with in their role and how they support them.

  They have an excellent understanding of industry issues and impact on organisational strategy, including awareness of new and arising industry developments.

• Financial Services legal/regulatory/risk/compliance framework keyboard_arrow_up keyboard_arrow_down

  The apprentice has an advanced understanding of the Financial Services legal and regulatory framework and ethics, and the purpose behind them.

  They have in-depth knowledge of the risk and governance frameworks of the organisation and industry.

  They have a deep understanding of the relevant rules and principles for their own role and team. They can clearly articulate the implications of non-compliance for their organisation, and their own responsibility within this, as well as being able to keep up to date with changes.

• Products and services keyboard_arrow_up keyboard_arrow_down

  The apprentice has an in-depth understanding of the purpose, technical content and features, and benefits of the financial service products and services that they support and deliver to clients/customers.

  They are aware of any potential risks that might need to be managed.

  They can demonstrate understanding of competitor and wider market products and services

• Clients/customer segments keyboard_arrow_up keyboard_arrow_down

  The apprentice has an in-depth understanding of the client/customer segments that the organisation delivers to, the channels that they use, and the approach to delivering fair client and customer outcomes across the business.

  They have an excellent understanding of client’s/customer’s relevant financial service requirements relevant to their role.

• Systems and processes keyboard_arrow_up keyboard_arrow_down

  The apprentice has excellent understanding of the organisation’s technical policies and procedures.

  They have a full understanding of the systems, tools and processes used in the role, together with the standards to be met.

  They are confident and proficient in relevant IT skills, whether it’s generic software or organisational and Financial Services programmes. They will have a deep understanding of how these support and fit within the corresponding markets and counterparty organisations.

Skills

• Strategy and planning keyboard_arrow_up keyboard_arrow_down

  The apprentice leads the development of strategic and operational plans for their area, effectively planning service delivery for their team as appropriate.

  They manage and report on progress in their area of responsibility.

  They can analyse future financial and other market changes, client and organisational needs, and articulate what opportunities they might present.

  They can identify and articulate opportunities for individuals, clients and their organisation.

  They proactively plan and organise their work and time, identifying priorities, deadlines, and KPIs.

  They contribute to the development and delivery of business KPIs, and team performance measures in line with company policy, values, standards and regulatory requirements.

• Client and customer relationships keyboard_arrow_up keyboard_arrow_down

  The apprentice develops and grows ethically sound and trusted relationships with clients and customers to form the basis of long-term partnerships.

  They work at a strategic level with clients and customers to identify their ongoing business and financial service requirements.

  They provide flexible and innovative solutions, combining products with excellent service, helping them meet client and customer needs, now and in the future.

  They can network and introduce colleagues and other departments to provide rounded solutions that add value.

• Change management and continuous improvement keyboard_arrow_up keyboard_arrow_down

  The apprentice takes ownership of the of strategic business changes from development through to implementation.

  They are able to communicate the vision for change and then make it happen – this may include projects wider than their role, and where appropriate creating that vision.

  They can identify and implement opportunities to drive higher performance and improve service delivery.

• Problem solving and decision making keyboard_arrow_up keyboard_arrow_down

  The apprentice can evaluate complex information quickly and draw accurate conclusions.

  They can assess problems from multiple angles to make sure that all issues are covered and focused on business strategy.

  They can gather appropriate facts and figures in order to make effective decisions, using a structured approach.

  They can plan for and respond appropriately to any unexpected events.

  They proactively manage and take action to avoid corporate and operational risk.

• Communicating, influencing and networking keyboard_arrow_up keyboard_arrow_down

  The apprentice has a high level of interpersonal skills, including communication and negotiation. They can use a range of media, use appropriate language, and adapt their communications for different levels of client/stakeholder.

  They can communicate complex ideas and concepts clearly, adapting their language where appropriate.

  They can challenge and influence at a senior level to ensure the desired course of action to deliver business requirements.

  They network at senior levels within their organisation and in the wider market to deliver business outcomes.

  They understand formal and informal networks within and outside the organisation and how to use them effectively.

• Teamwork and collaboration keyboard_arrow_up keyboard_arrow_down

  The apprentice demonstrates effective leadership, acting as a role model and providing leadership, guidance and challenge where necessary to their business area.

  They bring people and functions together, internally and externally, to collaborate and deliver for clients and customers.

  They build and maintain strong, healthy working relationships.

  They consistently support their colleagues and collaborate to achieve results.

  They provide clarity and direction to their team on how they fit in the business and how the team’s decisions impact others.

• Developing self and others keyboard_arrow_up keyboard_arrow_down

  The apprentice keeps up to date with relevant legal and regulatory changes and alerts others to any implications.

  They build their capability by being responsible for their own professional development. They seek out opportunities to progress and learn.

  They take responsibility for developing other, working with juniors to build their expertise and progression.

  They seek feedback and act on it to improve their performance, shares best practice and acts as a role model.

Behaviours

• Honesty and integrity keyboard_arrow_up keyboard_arrow_down

  The apprentice is truthful, sincere and trustworthy in their actions.

  They use an empathetic approach and actis in the best interests of customers and clients.

  They always show integrity by doing the right thing, and maintains confidentiality at all times.

  They are a visible role model that leads by example.

  They can identify ethical dilemmas, understand the implications and acts appropriately.

• Adaptability and resilience keyboard_arrow_up keyboard_arrow_down

  The apprentice responds and adapts positively to change and is flexible to the organisation’s needs.

  They demonstrate a willingness to adapt their approach to assist the organisation and individuals to manage their priorities during change.

• Professionalism keyboard_arrow_up keyboard_arrow_down

  The apprentice displays enthusiasm and energy and has a results based approach to their role.

  They deal positively when setbacks occur and act with determination to resolve them.

  They always stay positive under pressure, encouraging others to do the same.

• Innovation and creativity keyboard_arrow_up keyboard_arrow_down

  The apprentice demonstrates a curious and questioning approach in their work.

  They are creative, enterprising and innovative when looking at solutions for business needs. They understand, and stick to, relevant boundaries.

  They are always seeking out new ways of working.

• Attention to detail keyboard_arrow_up keyboard_arrow_down

  The apprentice handles tasks with thoroughness and accuracy.

  They take ownership for the quality of work, and that of their team, recognising and resolving errors.

Options - Apprentices will undertake one of the specialist occupational options depending on their job role.

Commercial/business banking

• Knowledge keyboard_arrow_up keyboard_arrow_down

  The apprentice has substantial understanding of business dynamics.

  They understand the range of financial service products available including pricing and margins.

  They have an in-depth understanding of local and regional markets in which their organisation operates.

  They understand sectors in which their business clients operate, together with the tools of excellent customer service and relationship management.

• Skills keyboard_arrow_up keyboard_arrow_down

  The apprentice can effectively influence pricing and provides challenge based on risk and competitor knowledge.

  They can identify and develop new business sectors and opportunities, looking for long term strategic opportunities.

  They plan and deliver client account planning and growth activities.

  They actively develop and influence regional credit strategy.

  They expertly apply financial analysis techniques relevant to the area of the bank.

Investment banking

• Knowledge keyboard_arrow_up keyboard_arrow_down

  The apprentice has in-depth knowledge and understanding of the markets they operate in and their area of responsibility

  They have excellent knowledge of quantitative methods, accountancy, financial maths, statistics and economics.

  They have excellent knowledge of Investment and Operational risk and minimising strategies.

  They have in-depth knowledge of public company structures, business management and corporate financing methods.

  They have in-depth knowledge of exchange and clearing market structures.

  They have extensive knowledge of manual and automated trading and execution strategies.

• Skills keyboard_arrow_up keyboard_arrow_down

  The apprentice has complex problem solving and analytical skills.

  They have combined knowledge of the intricacies/issues for a client’s or customer’s business and insights to develop and recommend solutions

  They can apply in-depth technical and sector knowledge to add value to clients and customers.

  They can effectively deliver execution services on cash and derivatives markets

  They have the ability to trade and execute within parameters but without permanent supervision.

Investment management

• Knowledge keyboard_arrow_up keyboard_arrow_down

  The apprentice has in-depth knowledge and understanding of the markets they operate in and their area of responsibility.

  They have excellent knowledge and understanding of the markets they operate in and their area of responsibility.

  They have excellent knowledge of Investment/Operational risk and minimising strategies.

• Skills keyboard_arrow_up keyboard_arrow_down

  The apprentice has complex problem solving and analytical skills.

  They can effectively deliver investment portfolio development and management for clients and customers, and/or provide effective advice around this.

  They can effectively combine knowledge of the intricacies/issues for a client/customer, and application of the analysis and insights.

  They apply in-depth technical and sector knowledge to add value to clients and customers.

Investment operations

• Knowledge keyboard_arrow_up keyboard_arrow_down

  The apprentice has in-depth knowledge of the business being supported to include market practices and their impact on the area under ownership.

  They have an excellent understanding of internal processes and project management principles.

  They have extensive knowledge of the regulatory environment and internal control frameworks.

  They can show excellent knowledge of Investment/Operational Risk and how to control it.

  They have knowledge of the linkages between processes and the end-to-end flow of information within their areas.

• Skills keyboard_arrow_up keyboard_arrow_down

  The apprentice can demonstrate advanced people management skills, including being able to influence people outside their sphere of control.

  They can deliver strategic leadership to teams and junior managers in order to deliver excellent customer service in a regulated environment.

  They demonstrate excellent project leadership skills and execution of framework.

  They demonstrate an understanding of the “bigger picture” as it relates to products and services.

  They demonstrate strong analytical skills, and uses them to refine and develop processes and controls.

Length of Apprenticeship

The length of this apprenticeship is typically expected to be 34-36 months. The length may vary depending on prior experience.

Key milestones:

Qualification

There are a range of different qualifications that can be studied through this Apprenticeship and employers do have choice over entry and finish points.

The most typical routes studied would be:

• Chartered Banker
• London Institute of Banking and Finance (LIBF)
• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

For all study pathways chosen, apprentices will have access to fully flexible e-learning materials with additional support where required. For the CFA route, classroom or live tuition is available together with access to comprehensive Schweser study materials including SchweserNotes™ (print and ebook), Quicksheet, SchweserPro Qbank, Practice Exams (4 exams from vol1 and vol2) and Schweser Video (online).

Entry requirements

Anybody can complete this Apprenticeship so long as they have not completed an equivalent Level 7 (Masters) qualification in a related subject. Practically speaking this means that most graduates can complete this Apprenticeship as an undergraduate degree is at Level 6.

Please note that although there are no minimum entry requirements to enrol on the Apprenticeship, different qualifications may have their own entry criteria, so for example to complete CFA, a degree or minimum 3 years’ work experience is required.

Progression

On completion, the apprentice will be able to apply for the appropriate level of professional membership aligned with this apprenticeship.

Professional body memberships that are relevant to the options for this apprenticeship are:

Commercial/Business Banking: The London Institute of Banking & Finance; Chartered Banker Institute (CBI)

Investment Banking: CFA Institute/CFA UK; The London Institute of Banking & Finance

Investment Management: CFA Institute/CFA UK; Chartered Institute of Securities & Investment (CISI); Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) /Personal Finance Society; The London Institute of Banking & Finance

Investment Operations: Chartered Institute of Securities & Investment (CISI); The London Institute of Banking & Finance; Chartered Banker Institute (CBI

Funding

This Level 7 Apprenticeship has been placed in the £18,000 funding cap. If you are a Levy payer this means that the maximum that can be withdrawn from your Levy fund for somebody on this Apprenticeship is £18,000.

For non or marginal Levy payers (where you have overspent your Levy fund), 90% of the cost of the Apprenticeship will be funded by the government meaning you will only have to pay 10% of the agreed price.

Please note that exam fees and registration fees are not included in the above and must be funded separately.