StanChart, BRAC University train next-gen financial crime experts

Standard Chartered Bangladesh and BRAC University celebrated the success of their Financial Crime and Compliance (FCC) certification programme, an initiative aimed at strengthening the country's defences against financial crime and enhancing compliance standards across the banking sector.

The event, titled "Celebrating Success: Training to Combat Financial Crime and Ensure Compliance", brought together senior representatives from Bangladesh Bank, BRAC University and Standard Chartered Bangladesh.

A total of 177 participants have successfully completed the programme so far. The enrolment of 55 participants in the fifth cohort signals the programme's evolution into a long-term capacity-building platform for Bangladesh's financial sector.

Md Zakir Hossain Chowdhury, deputy governor of Bangladesh Bank, attended the event as chief guest, according to a press release.

Md Mofizur Rahman Khan Chowdhury, executive director and head (current charge) of the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU), was present as special guest.

Speaking at the certificate distribution ceremony, Naser Ezaz Bijoy, chief executive officer of Standard Chartered Bangladesh, said: "Together with BRAC University, we have trained four cohorts, with the fifth underway, to build the talent required to combat financial crime and develop a resilient financial ecosystem."

"My heartfelt thanks to BRAC University, BFIU and all participants for making this initiative a success," he added.

Prof Mohammad Mujibul Haque, dean of BRAC Business School, highlighted the severity of financial crime in Bangladesh and expressed his gratitude to those from Standard Chartered Bangladesh, BFIU and BRAC Business School who contributed to the success of the programme.

Since its launch in early 2024, the programme has expanded significantly, growing into a sustained initiative that has now trained four full cohorts.

Prof Arshad Chowdhury, pro-vice chancellor of BRAC University, and Ariful Islam, treasurer, were also present, along with representatives from participating organisations.