RIYADH — The Saudi British Bank (SABB) has joined forces with Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales (ICAEW) to become the first bank in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to be an ICAEW Authorized Training Employer. The partnership, which supports the Saudi Vision 2030, will help SABB attract and retain talented individuals by offering ICAEW’s prestigious ACA qualification.

As one of the leading financial services organizations in Saudi Arabia, the new partnership is part of the SABB’s strategy to become a best-in-class international finance organization, but most importantly by supporting the Saudi Vision 2030. By providing Saudi nationals access to internationally recognized qualifications and training, supporting the development of their skills and abilities, SABB can help them achieve a better future that matches their qualifications and ambitions.

Matthew Pearce, Chief Financial Officer at SABB, said: “By partnering with a world leading accountancy and finance organization that maintains the highest professional standards, SABB is very proud to become the first bank in the kingdom to be an Authorized Training Employer with ICAEW. This partnership aligns with SABB’s vision and strategy to be internationally connected while developing Saudi nationals and supporting Vision 2030.”

Completing the ACA qualification enables professionals to use the title ‘ICAEW Chartered Accountant’. Valued by businesses worldwide, more than 5,000 employers are currently training ACA students. The qualification provides students with the combination of finance knowledge, accountancy skills and real-world business experience they need to succeed.

Michael Armstrong FCA, ICAEW Regional Director, Middle East, Africa and South Asia, said: “ICAEW works with employers to support the professional development of their teams. In Saudi Arabia, ICAEW works alongside the national profession to complement the important national accountancy qualification and equip finance talent with the broad range of technical knowledge and professional skills they need to make a great contribution to their organizations.

“As an Authorized Training Employer, SABB will be able to prepare employees for the internationally recognized ACA qualification. Throughout the world, our training partners benefit from being able to attract the best talent and develop the next generation of business leaders. Our partnership with SABB underscores its commitment to remain at the forefront of the fast-paced banking industry and contribute to the growth of Saudi Arabia’s financial services industry.”

The knowledge and skills provided by the ACA means that ICAEW Chartered Accountants are highly sought after professionals - the qualification is held by board members in 78 of FTSE 100 companies. — SG