Emirates Institute of Finance signs deals with Accenture, EY and Microsoft

The Emirates Institute of Finance, a UAE-based centre for skills development in the financial services sector, has signed strategic agreements with Accenture, EY and Microsoft.

Established in 1983, the Emirates Institute of Finance (EIF) offers world-class education programs, training sessions, and educational services from its campuses in Shariah, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai. The institute serves the financial series sector, including banks, insurers, fintech, asset managers, and regulatory bodies.

Accenture

At a ceremony, the Emirates Institute of Finance inked new deals with several companies, with Accenture named a key partner for a major upskilling initiative in the areas of data analytics, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. As part of the agreement, the Emirates Institute of Finance will be able to use Accenture’s LearnVantage digital learning platform to help talent from across the sector build their capabilities in emerging technology domains.

The initiative has set the goal to upskill 5,000 learners. “Over the course of the program, employees in the UAE will develop competencies in ten future-focused areas, including generative AI, data science, and robotic process automation. By leveraging Accenture’s LearnVantage platform and learning content, we aim to broaden the impact of the Emirates Institute of Finance across all financial institutions in the UAE,” said Omar Boulos, CEO of Accenture in the Middle East.

EY

EY meanwhile has been tapped as a partner for the development of sustainable digital solutions in the financial services sector. The Big Four firm will also play a role in the provision of training programmes in data analysis, cybersecurity, and digital transformation.

Khurram Mian, MENA Assurance Leader at EY, said: “EY will facilitate the Emirates Institute of Finance in building their capabilities and amplify efforts to realise the goals of the Emiratisation agenda. The agreement includes long-term plans to offer certification programmes to establish industry-leading regional and international benchmarks.”

Microsoft

Microsoft in turn has been signed on as technology partner, focused on developing technological solutions and training courses around AI within financial services. Through this collaboration, training courses in AI will be made available to 10,000 professionals.

“AI is changing industries and driving global innovation. The UAE aims to become a leading AI nation, and skilling is essential to this goal. By training over 10,000 professionals in the financial sector to use AI, we are fostering local talent and ensuring expertise. Our collaboration with the Emirates Institute of Finance supports the UAE’s AI journey, building a talent pool that will drive excellence and innovation in the AI era,” said Naim Yazbeck, UAE General Manager at Microsoft.

Innovation Hub

The ceremony took place hot on the heels of the Emirates Institute of Finance unveiling its new Innovation Hub, a world-class centre for research, innovation, and development in the financial services sector. This Innovation Hub is a key component of the so-called ‘Financial Infrastructure Transformation Programme’, which comprises nine initiatives to accelerate digital transformation across the financial landscape.

The ceremony was attended by top figures in the landscape, including Khaled Mohammed Balama (Chairman of the Board of Directors of EIF) and CEOs of banks and financial institutions.