Human capital key to banking sector resilience – Robert Dzato

As Ghana’s banking and financial services sector navigates tighter regulation, rapid technological change and growing environmental, social and governance (ESG) pressures, the Chartered Institute of Bankers (CIB) Ghana says human capital development has become just as critical as financial and regulatory capital in safeguarding the industry.

Speaking at the 2025 induction and graduation ceremony, Chief Executive Officer of CIB Ghana, Robert Dzato, said banks can no longer rely solely on balance sheet strength and compliance frameworks without investing deliberately in skilled and ethical professionals.

“The banking industry is a highly regulated space. Banks need capital in different forms — economic capital, regulatory capital — but also human capital. That is where the Chartered Institute of Bankers Ghana comes in,” he said.

According to him, CIB Ghana’s role extends beyond training bankers for traditional banking halls to developing trusted professionals capable of managing risk across the broader financial services ecosystem and the wider economy.

“We have chartered bankers working not only in banks, but also in organisations like MTN, VRA and other sectors of the economy. These professionals are actively contributing to national development, he added.

Robert Dzato acknowledged that the financial services landscape is undergoing significant disruption, driven by digital transformation, economic uncertainties and rising ESG expectations. In response, he said the Institute is expanding its training focus beyond conventional banking qualifications.

“Beyond our flagship Chartered Banker programme, we have launched a Digital Academy, ESG certification and other leadership-focused programmes,” he explained. “These are designed to ensure bankers are equipped not just technically, but also in leadership, environmental issues and compliance.”

He said the ESG certification, in particular, is aimed at helping banks and financial institutions address environmental risks, including the impact of illegal mining (galamsey), while strengthening governance and accountability frameworks within the sector.

The CIB Ghana CEO stressed that collaboration among key actors remains essential to building a resilient financial system. He described the banking sector as resting on three pillars: the regulator, operators and educators.

At the ceremony, close to 200 chartered bankers were inducted, with ages ranging from 23 to nearly 60 years — a diversity Robert Dzato said highlights the relevance of professional banking qualifications across different stages of career development.

He also called for a broader deployment of chartered bankers beyond the financial sector, including in public policy and governance institutions.

Youngest chartered banker shares journey of determination

23-year-old Rosemary Quansah, the youngest graduate, shared an inspiring story of persistence and determination for aspiring bankers.

Rosemary Quansah, who works with Access Bank, said the journey to becoming a chartered banker was not without challenges.

“It’s been awesome, and it’s nice being the youngest. But sometimes, when the older people are going, you can’t go with them. It’s stressful,” she said.

She further encouraged students and recent National Service personnel to start their chartered banker journey early, rather than waiting until later in their careers.

“Even if there’s one paper you can’t write now, start. When you begin work, or for ladies when you start giving birth, it will be tiring. You can decide to start now, and I hope you do,” she urged.

First National Bank’s Eyram Amenyo Klutse Emerges Best Overall Inductee at 2025 CIB Graduation

Eyram Amenyo Klutse, a relationship manager with First National Bank, was named the overall best inductee at the 2025 Chartered Institute of Bankers (CIB) Ghana graduation and induction ceremony, highlighting her dedication, perseverance, and commitment to excellence.

She described the recognition as “surreal but very fulfilling,” noting that her success reflects the culmination of hard work, long nights, and careful prioritization of her studies alongside professional and family responsibilities.

“It hasn’t been easy combining work, study, and family, but perseverance and prioritizing what is important helped me succeed,” she said.

She also encouraged young bankers to enroll in the Chartered Banker program, emphasizing its value in broadening professional knowledge across the banking sector.