Master's in Global Central Banking gains Chartered Banker accreditation

Warwick Business School’s specialist Master’s degree in central banking and financial regulation has secured accreditation from the Chartered Banker Institute, allowing graduates to achieve Chartered Banker status alongside their academic qualification.

The agreement marks a significant endorsement for Warwick Business School’s MSc in Global Central Banking and Financial Regulation – an online, part-time programme delivered in collaboration with the Bank of England. Under the arrangement, students who successfully complete the full MSc will be eligible to obtain Chartered Banker status.

John Thanassoulis, Professor of Financial Economics and Course Director, described the accreditation as an important validation.

“This is fantastic news,” he said. “To be accredited by the Chartered Banker Institute is a huge stamp of quality and is further confirmation to our students that they are studying at one of the best business schools in the world.

“It gives our students a globally recognised professional designation, enhanced career prospects and access to an international network of banking professionals.”

The accreditation initially applies only to students completing the full MSc rather than those taking shorter postgraduate qualifications within the programme. Students will be able to opt in to the accreditation route, with membership and accreditation fees paid directly to the Institute.

Professionalism in banking

Founded in 1875, the Chartered Banker Institute is the UK’s leading professional body for bankers and banking professionals.

Established by Royal Charter, and with more than 25,000 members in more than 100 countries across six continents, the Institute works to strengthen professionalism, ethics and trust in banking through education, professional standards, thought leadership and lifelong professional development.

Tanya Retter, Chief Executive of the Chartered Banker Institute, said: “We’re delighted that graduates of the MSc Global Central Banking and Financial Regulation at Warwick Business School can now achieve Chartered Banker status, a designation that reflects the highest standards of knowledge, judgement and professionalism expected of those working in positions of responsibility across banking and financial services.

“We are pleased to support a programme run by one of the UK’s most highly regarded business schools, combining academic rigour with practical understanding and helping graduates build their expertise and professional standing as they develop their careers.”

Launched in partnership with the Bank of England, the Global Central Banking and Financial Regulation qualifications are aimed at professionals working in banking, central banks and regulatory institutions.

The flexible programme combines academic teaching from the WBS faculty with contributions from policymakers and industry practitioners, focusing on evidence-based approaches to monetary policy and financial regulation. The use of digital SmartStage technology means that WBS can also ‘beam in’ guest speakers to the virtual classroom from anywhere in the world.

The first Master’s cohort graduated in January 2023, and since then the programme has continued to expand. In a financial sector grappling with rapid change, the School has introduced new modules covering financial innovation, data science, artificial intelligence and machine learning.

For WBS, the Chartered Banker accreditation adds a professional credential to a programme designed to bridge academic research with policymaking practice.

For the MSc graduates, chartered status connects them to ongoing professional development resources and helps them stay up-to-date with industry trends throughout their careers.

As it is internationally recognised, it can also be valuable for professionals working across jurisdictions.

“The accreditation means Warwick Business School students can leave with more than a Master’s degree,” said Professor Thanassoulis. 

Discover the MSc Global Central Banking and Financial Regulation.