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Financial Sector & Payment Systems

FSPSP 01-R: Regional Course on Banking Supervision and Resolution Level I

Date: March 17 – 28, 2025
Duration: 10 days
Venue: Lagos, Nigeria.

Introduction

Bank failure could result in the loss of investments by depositors, thereby putting the much-needed confidence in banks at risk. There may also be a disruption of the payment system, with spill-over effects to other banks, financial institutions and markets as well as the entire economy. Thus, there is the risk of bank failure snowballing into contagion or a run on other banks if it goes unchecked. To avoid systemic risk and ensure a sound, stable, and healthy banking/financial system, it is important to equip banking supervisors not only with the tools but also update their knowledge to be in line with current developments/challenges in the banking/financial sector.

Given the complexities in the banking sector and the significant role it continues to play in the developmental process of our economies, it is important for bank supervisors to be continuously trained to possess the needed know-how to steady the growth of the banking system. Sound banking principles and supervisory techniques interfaced with legal framework to handle banking crisis and its resolution require continuous upscaling of knowledge of bank supervisors. Accordingly, there is an urgent need for a well guided risk management process in the banking system to ensure good corporate governance and best practices.

Objective

The objective of the course is to enhance participants knowledge in banking supervision to enable them to effectively and efficiently perform their duties as bank supervisors. Specifically, the course will provide the participants with indepth knowledge of the techniques of supervision, bank licensing and preventive measures needed to avoid bank failures.

Broad Themes
The following are the themes to be covered:

  • Bank licensing process
  • Bank failure: causes, prevention and resolution
  • Capital and capital verification
  • Consolidated supervision
  • Forex operations and forex examination process
  • Bank accounting
  • Financial statement analysis
  • Bank investment and liquidity management
  • On-site examination process
  • Off-site examination process
  • Fraud and forgeries
  • Corporate government principles
  • Money laundering, financial crime
  • Framework for prompt corrective action and
  • International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) principles.

Benefits to participants / Countries

It is expected that at the end of the course the participants would benefit in the following ways:

Benefits to Participants/Countries
It is expected that at the end of the course the participants would benefit in the following ways

  • Broaden their understanding of bank supervision methodology and techniques
  • Enable them to appreciate the causes of bank failure, its prevention and resolution and
  • Enable them acquire the necessary skills to conduct on-site examination and off-site surveillance of Financial institutions

Who May Attend

The course is targeted at junior/middle-level staff of central banks, policy-making ministries, deposit money banks, audit firms, and other supervisory agencies in the financial sector with basic experience in bank examination, as well as supervision of banks and non-bank financial institutions.

Delivery Modalities
A team of experienced experts and practitioners from the subregion will deliver the course through lectures, case studies, experience sharing, and syndicate sessions

FSPSP 02- R: Regional Course on Optimizing Reserves and Foreign Exchange Management for Income Generation.

Date: May 5 – 9, 2025
Duration: 5 Days
Venue: Freetown, Sierra Leone.

Introduction

The need for efficient management of foreign exchange and foreign reserves is imperative within the context of efforts to evolve greater prudence and efficiency in the management of public and corporate finances.

In addition to its traditional role of facilitating international trade finance and the exchange of goods and services among nations, effective and active management of reserves and foreign exchange is increasingly being used as a tool for sustainable revenue generation by central banks, commercial banks, and other players in the financial system. The realization of the revenue-generating potential and the consequent professionalization of the foreign exchange and reserves management functions have resulted in the development of special tools and techniques applicable to the trade. A firm grasp of these tools and techniques by foreign exchange dealers and reserve managers is essential to acquiring a competitive edge in this global environment.

Objectives of the Course

The course is designed to acquaint participants with critical skills required to effectively play their roles in treasury/foreign reserves management. Specifically, the course is meant to:

  • Improve understanding and enhance the skills of participants in analyzing foreign exchange market information;
  • Improve their ability to develop and review portfolio management strategy;
  • Sharpen their analytical skills and operating techniques in managing foreign exchange and reserves; and
  • Increase their ability to make decisions on which specific instruments to use, when and how.

Broad Themes
The following broad themes will be covered:

  • Overview of Reserves Management
  • Foreign Exchange Markets and Products
  • Reserves Pooling Mechanisms (Regional Perspective)
  • Investment Portfolio Management
  • Liquidity Analysis and Reserves Tranching
  • Technical and Fundamental Analysis in Reserves Management
  • Monitoring of Exchange Market Information and Market Movements
  • Reserves Investment Markets and Instruments (Derivatives: Swaps, Options, etc.)
  • Risk in Portfolio Management and Risk Management Framework
  • International Reserves Management Accounting
  • Approved Currencies as Stock of Reserves
  • Control of Expenditure as a Reserve Management Tool
  • Reserve Placements and Corresponding Banking Relationships

Expected Benefits to the Participant/Countries

  • Improved understanding and enhanced skills in analyzing foreign exchange market information;
  • Improved ability to review and develop portfolio management strategy; and
  • Improved efficiency and effectiveness in foreign exchange reserves management.

Who Should Attend?

Middle/executive level officials of central banks, financial regulatory agencies, deposit money banks, core economic ministries, and other financial institutions involved in treasury or reserves management functions or regulation from the constituent countries of the West African Institute for Financial and Economic Management (WAIFEM).

Delivery Modalities
The course will be delivered by a team of experts and practitioners from the sub-region. The mode of presentation will include plenary sessions and hands-on exercises.

FSPSP 03-R: Regional Course on Combating Money Laundering and Cyber Crimes in the Financial Service Industry.

Date: May 19 – 23, 2025
Duration: 5 days
Venue: Accra, Ghana.

Introduction

The integrity of the banking and financial services sector partly depends on the perception that it functions within a framework of high legal, professional, and ethical standards. Within the West African sub-region, there has been growing concern about the dangers associated with money laundering and other financial crimes to the stability, growth, and integrity of the financial system. Generally, money laundering is the processing of criminal proceeds to disguise their illegal origin. It is a derivative crime from predicate offences like illicit trafficking in narcotics and human beings, corruption, kidnapping, prostitution, illegal mining, and other nefarious activities as well as financial crimes such as foreign exchange malpractices, bank and tax frauds, etc. All these impact negatively on the health and stability of the financial system.

Money laundering and financial crimes are global in nature and because of the interconnectedness of such crimes, individual national measures often achieve limited success. Thus, concerted efforts are needed through global, regional and national linkages as well as inter-agency collaboration within these various layers to combatmoney laundering and other financial crimes. Apart from intelligence gathering, there is an urgent need to strengthen and sustain the capacity building of the various agencies involved in tackling this organized crime.

Objectives

The course intends to develop critical skills in tracking money laundering and financial crimes perpetrated through the financial system in the sub-region.

The specific objectives include the following:

  • To enable participants understand the concept and techniques of money laundering;
  • To enhance the knowledge of participants in AML/CFT supervision and Regulation (compliance); and
  • To expose participants to current developments and trends in global initiatives to combat money laundering and other financial crimes.

Broad Themes
The following broad themes, among others, will be covered at the course:

  • Update on money laundering, CFT, economic and other financial crimes (Definitions, Stages, Types, etc.);
  • Effects of money laundering on the financial system;
  • Enhancing the role of FIUs and other structures for effective AML/CFT Regimes;
  • Procedures, monitoring tools, and investigative techniques for combating money laundering;
  • Combating Advance Fee Fraud (aka 419): Lessons from Nigeria;
  • International/Regional Initiatives: The Revised FATF Standards-Implication for robust AML/CFT Regime in West Africa;
  • Financial Crimes and the production of fraudulent documents (Identity theft, Credit Cards, Visa and Passports, Counterfeit crimes, etc)
  • Risk Based Approach in Implementing AML/CFT programs;
  • New challenges in AML/CFT Supervision;
  • Designing AML/CFT Compliance Systems for enforcement in Financial Institutions; and
  • Customer Due Diligence: The Link to Robust AML/CFT Framework.

Benefits to Participants/Countries Participants would benefit in a number of ways including:

  • Enhanced capacity for combating money laundering and other financial crimes; and
  • Equipping the course participants with the necessary tools to provide a holistic view of the financial system for better-informed decision-making by the regulatory and supervisory authorities.

Who May Attend

The course is targeted at senior/middle-level officials of central banks, deposit money banks, parliaments, core economic ministries, mass media, security agencies, and other institutions responsible for ensuring compliance with anti-money laundering and counter-financing of terrorism (AML/CFT).

Delivery Modalities

Experienced consultants and practitioners drawn from the sub-region and WAIFEM faculty will facilitate at the course. They will also make use of lecture materials, case studies, syndicate sessions, and hands-on exercises.

FSPSP 04-R: Regional Course on Microfinance, Financial Inclusion and Poverty Reduction.

Date: June 16 – 20, 2025
Duration: 5 Days
Venue: Banjul, The Gambia.

Introduction

Microfinance has become a poverty alleviation strategy within the dominant development paradigm. It is being promoted as a mechanism for triggering and sustaining social and economic development in support of informal sector entrepreneurial activities. Within the purview of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the microfinance approach provides an overarching framework for the diverse constituency of aid organizations and community-motivated private actions for the poor to pay their way out of poverty. In other words, microfinance has emerged as a major development tool for financial inclusion, especially in developing countries. The importance of financial inclusion derives from the promise it holds as a tool for economic development, particularly in the areas of poverty reduction, employment generation, wealth creation, and improving welfare and general standard of living. Thus, there is a need to build capacity in the development, regulation, and operations of micro-finance institutions for effective and efficient management of micro-finance programmes within the countries of WAIFEM member central banks.

Objectives

The course aims to enable participants to learn innovative strategies in the leadership and management of microfinance institutions; upscale their skills in microfinance programming and the role of financial inclusion in poverty reduction; develop a critical analysis of the broader issues and environment in which microfinance initiatives are based; and analyze and adapt current best practices from varied experiences to their own situations.

Broad Themes
The broad themes to be covered at the course include:
  • Development and management of micro enterprises: prospects and challenges
  • An overview of financial inclusion vehicles
  • Accounting and financial analysis for MFIs
  • Governance issues (ethics, staff development, etc)
  • Product development and client analysis
  • Regulatory frameworks for microfinance operations
  • Strategic planning for MFIs
  • Improving operating efficiencies
  • Management information system for MFIs
  • Opportunities and challenges of financial inclusion
  • Issues relating to consumer protection
  • Risk management and
  • Delinquency management and interest rate setting
Benefits to Participants/Countries
The course is expected to deliver the following benefits:
  • Enhanced service delivery by microfinance institutions to micro and small enterprises;
  • Increased accessibility to financial services by micro-enterprises in the countries of member central banks; and
  • Appreciate the impact of financial inclusion on individuals, organizations, and the economy.
Who May Attend

The course is designed for senior/middle-level staff of central banks, national microfinance agencies, microfinance institutions and practitioners, rural/community banks, economic and financial policy-making ministries, and NGOs involved in the supervision, management, and operations of microfinance institutions.

Delivery Modalities

The course will be delivered by experienced professionals drawn from within and outside the sub-region using plenary sessions, case studies, experience-sharing and syndicate sessions.

 

FSPSP 05-R: Regional Course on Insurance Supervision.

Date: July 14 – 18, 2025
Duration: 5 days
Venue: Virtual

Introduction

There are varied approaches to Insurance supervision across the globe. In some countries, the Supervisory Authority is part of the Ministry of Finance, some are within the purview of the Central Bank, while others are independent authorities under the leadership of the Commissioner of Insurance. The structural arrangements should not really matter, for what is critical is the role played by the supervisory authority.

The need for smooth operation of the insurance sector cannot be overemphasized. Aside from the opportunity for compensation in the event of loss of lives and property, insurance products and services are risk management tools. They facilitate risk transfer, through which policyholders pay premiums as consideration for the insurance cover against specified risks. Although the terms and conditions of insurance contracts are unequivocally stated, there is room for non-compliance by counterparties. Consequently, insurance contracts specify the obligations of respective counterparties (Insurers and Policyholders), hence necessitating enforcement action by Supervisory Authorities. Non-compliance may manifest when Insurers fail to compensate legitimate claimants, whilst for their part, policyholders may falsely seek indemnification for losses not incurred. Effectively, insurance supervision exists to forestall non-compliance by counterparties. For instance, due to the risks to road users, insurance supervisors require mandatory execution of insurance coverage for all motorists. Insurance regulation therefore ensures the smooth operation of the financial system, devoid of excessive non-compliance by insurers and policyholders. This is achieved through the issuance of appropriate policies, guidelines, and regulations, accompanied by enforcement action.

Objective

The purpose of this course is to acquaint participants with the role of insurance supervision, the nature of products and services, licensing, and other key requirements such as liquidity and solvency.

Broad Themes

The broad themes to be covered at the course include:

  • Overview of insurance- role, and extent of penetration
  • Licensing process – a case study of one of the member states.
  • Liquidity and solvency requirements – issues and challenges
  • Re-insurance – issues and challenges
  • Types of insurance – general and life insurance policies
  • Other insurance products and services
  • On-site examination and off-site analysis of insurance firms
  • Risk-based approach to Insurance Supervision
  • Origins and implementation of the ECOWAS brown card – issues and challenges
  • Characteristics of comprehensive and third-party insurance schemes.

 

Benefits to Participants/Countries
The course is expected to deliver the following benefits:

  • To enhance participants’ capacity as supervisors, equipping them with the tools, knowledge, and insights needed to effectively oversee and regulate insurance companies in their respective jurisdictions.

Who May Attend

The course is targeted at junior/middle-level staff of central banks, Insurance supervisory agencies, policy-making ministries, audit firms, and other supervisory agencies in the financial sector, with basic experience in examination and supervision of insurance companies.

Delivery Modalities

The course will be delivered by experienced professionals drawn from within and outside the sub-region using plenary sessions, case studies, experience-sharing, and syndicate sessions.

FSMP 06-R: Regional Course on Financial Market Infrastructure and Payment Systems.

Date: August 18 – 22, 2025
Duration: 5 days
Venue: Monrovia, Liberia

Introduction

The financial system comprises financial institutions, markets, and infrastructure. Financial Market Infrastructure (FMI) refers to the critically important channels for providing clearing, settlement and recording of monetary and other financial transactions. The financial infrastructure is the core component of the financial system, and its effective functioning is a precondition for the system’s viability. The financial infrastructure is therefore made up of technical systems through which payments are made and transactions settled.

Payment systems are widely recognised as an important part of the financial infrastructure of the modern economy. They facilitate trade, promote the efficient functioning and integration of markets as well as support the effective implementation of monetary policy.

Payment systems have undergone tremendous reforms and restructuring over the years, either in terms of the services provided or the payment infrastructure through financial innovations. The focus on payment systems is because of their wide recognition as an important segment of the financial infrastructure of modern economies. Countries have introduced mechanisms such as the Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) system, which is suited for high-volume, high-value transactions. It lowers settlement risk, besides giving an accurate picture of an institution’s account at any point in time. The RTGS system is increasingly one of the most reliable systems of settling transactions at the end of a determined period or day, also known as the Net Settlement System. In addition to the RTGS Systems, most financial institutions have also moved into the Cards Business with the aim of streamlining and enhancing the payment systems. This caters for the processing and settlement of retail transactions. However, the West African sub-region is faced with the challenges of linking up national payment platforms, both at the wholesale and retail levels. This and related payment and settlement issues will be explored during the course.

Based on the type of settlement adopted, payment systems can be classified into two types: Net Periodic Settlement System and Real Time Gross Settlement System (RTGS). The latter system has been acclaimed internationally as being efficient. It is necessary for WAIFEM member countries to adopt best practices particularly as the monetary integration initiative of WAMZ countries requires the harmonnisation of payments and settlement systems of member countries. Notable strides have been made by some member countries in implementing the Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) System. However, some other member countries are at different levels in the preparatory stages to implement RTGS.

Objectives

The course is designed to give participants an appreciable understanding of payments systems in general including policy and risk issues. It will also provide participants with an understanding of Real Time Gross Settlement. The course would also provide a platform for a review of developments in member countries of WAIFEM regarding the introduction of RTGS systems and to share experiences.

The specific objectives are to assist participants to:

  • Improve their understanding of the payment, clearing, and settlement system;
  • Deepen understanding of the operational workings of the RTGS system;
  • Upgrade their skills in dealing with the operation of accounts, maintenance of liquidity and use of collaterals on the business day of the RTGS system;
  • Strengthen their analytical capacity to evaluate and manage risks inherent in the system;
  • Improve skills for efficient performance of over-sight functions of the RTGS system;
  • Review developments and trends in the RTGS systems and how they are being addressed by central banks and other payment systems institutions around the world; and
  • Improve understanding of the retail payments systems operated by businesses around the world.

Broad Themes
The course will cover the following thematic areas:

  • Payment, clearing, and settlement systems: The role of the Central Bank;
  • The process of clearing and settlement in the payment system;
  • Credit risk, liquidity risk, general business risk, and operational risk in Payments Systems;
  • Payment system as an effective tool for financial inclusion;
  • Mobile Money Platforms/Models and interoperability
  • Technology Infrastructure Requirements and trends in retail payments including e-money, e-commerce; etc.
  • Understanding the Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS)/Automated Cheque Processing (ACP)/Automated Clearing House (ACH)
  • Implementation process of RTGS systems in the West African sub-region;
  • The role of participating member banks: Operation of accounts; maintenance of liquidity and the use of collaterals on the business day of the RTGS system;
  • Types of organizations participating in RTGS; types of payments and limits in use; payment processing options and flows available to members;
  • Cyber resiliency, fraud, and how to combat criminality; and
  • Prudential Supervision and oversight of the payment systems.

Who May Attend

The course is designed for senior/executive level officials involved in payment, clearing, and settlement systems functions in central banks, payment systems oversight, and finance and technology (fintech) departments of central banks, deposit money banks, and other relevant institutions with similar responsibilities. Also, staff with experience in the operations and oversight of financial market infrastructure (FMI), and national switches, such as payment systems, securities settlement systems, and central securities depositories are eligible to attend the course.

Delivery Modalities

The course will be delivered by a team of experts drawn from the sub-region using lectures, case studies, and experience-sharing.

FSPSP 07-R: Regional Course on Banking Supervision and Resolution (Level 2).

Date: September 15 – 26, 2025
Duration: 10 days
Venue: Lagos, Nigeria

Introduction

In light of the recent global financial crisis, discussions have been in different fora globally about the subsisting regulatory practices and the future of financial regulation and supervision. Many have called for a fundamental rethinking of macroeconomic, monetary and financial sector policies to meet the new challenges and realities. A greater chunk of these ideas entails a structural shift in the international financial architecture and a potentially enhanced degree of coordination among monetary authorities and regulators.

The banking industry within the context of the international financial system is witnessing tremendous changes which have accentuated the need to evolve legislation systems, procedures, and appropriate financial health assessment mechanisms to contain the complexity of risk inherent in the system. This dynamism in the financial sector requires enhancing the executive capacity of regulators and supervisors to enable them to keep abreast of current developments in the global banking industry and be able to manage the process, and also ensure a stable, effective and efficient financial system that is anchored on sound and strong regulatory structure.

Objectives

The course is designed to assist participants to appreciate the need for financial stability and enhance their ability to limit the risk of systemic failure through various reform measures. In addition, the course will assist participants to understand and effectively implement the resolution process.

Broad Themes

The themes to be covered include:

  • Core Principles in Banking Supervision – Self Assessment Process and Procedures: The Ghanaian Experience;
  • Risk-based Supervisory Approach: Cost; Benefits; and Implementation Challenges;
  • Basel II and Basel III: Issues and Challenges;
  • Cross-border Supervision;
  • Internal Controls Measures;
  • Electronic Banking/IT Based Examination;
  • Fundamentals of Bank Operations;
  • Credit Risk and Credit Examination Procedure;
  • Contingency Planning: Framework for Managing Systemic Banking Crisis;
  • Safety Nets: The Case of Deposit Insurance Schemes; Asset Management Companies; etc.;
  • Report Writing Techniques; and
  • Banking Crisis and Supervisory Responses

Benefits to Participants/Countries:
The course is expected to deliver the following benefits:

  • Enhanced capacity to implement risk-focused banking supervision and risk management systems;
  • Expose participants to bank resolution process; and
  • Reduced incidence of financial sector vulnerability.

Who may Attend:

The course is targeted at senior/middle-level staff of central banks, deposit money banks, audit firms, and other supervisory agencies in the financial sector with considerate experience in the examination and supervision of banks and non-bank financial institutions.

Delivery Modalities:

The course will be delivered by a team of experienced experts and practitioners from the sub-region through lectures, case studies, experience-sharing, and syndicate sessions.

FSPSP 08-R: Regional Course on Cyber Security, Crypto/Digital Currencies.

Date: October 13 – 17, 2025
Duration: 5 days
Venue: Accra, Ghana

Introduction

Cyber threats in the financial services industry can have wide-ranging consequences, not just to organizations under attack, but to the economic health of entire nations. The next evolution in cybersecurity requires cutting-edge technology, vigilant people, and innovative processes, to articulate cybersecurity baselines, identify gaps, develop strategic road maps, and support program execution to promote a proactive posture. Financial services organizations possess a gamut of critical data and information supporting the financial health of a host of customers of various types.

On a daily basis, the average financial services company handles thousands of complex and critical transactions processed through mammoth data centres and numerous third-party vendors, such as cloud platforms and servers. Banking institutions have also deployed payments system channels, such as RTGS, ATMs, Point of Sale Terminals, internet banking, use of Credit and Debit cards, etc. Thus, the financial services industry is a prime target for cyber criminals.

Therefore, financial services firms must be able to demonstrate to their customers and other stakeholders that they have adequate cyber defenses and associated controls and governance while remaining competitive and able to conduct business efficiently.

Objective

The overall aim of this course is to expose participants to the threats posed by cyber-crimes to organizations and measures to mitigate these threats.

Specifically, the objectives are as follows:

  • Discuss cybersecurity concepts, themes, etc., and explain the typical objectives cybersecurity programs seek to achieve.
  • Identify typical goals and success criteria of cybersecurity policy frameworks/Strategy, and the accountability and responsibility of national/corporate leadership therein.
  • Evaluate different approaches for securing complex computer networks, and discuss the risks and threat prevention measures, in the different layers of services in the financial service industry.
  • Define cybersecurity assurance and monitoring measures, and discuss the approaches to promote compliance, using performance metrics.
  • Equip participants with knowledge of the key concepts and procedures required for the detection and prevention of such crimes.

Broad Themes

  • Overview of cyber-security concepts and drivers in the financial services industry;
  • Risk exposure and the rapidly developing scope and nature of the threats to cyber security;
  • Understanding cryptocurrencies/blockchain and its impact on the financial industry;
  • Regulatory implications of cryptocurrency;
  • The role of the regulator in relation to cyber-security in the financial industry;
  • Existing and upcoming regulatory and legislative requirements for the financial industry;
  • Data protection within the financial industry;
  • Best practice in cyber-security frameworks and optimization of disaster recovery strategies to ensure business continuity;
  • Establishing effective mechanisms for sharing intelligence for cybercrimes prevention and learning lessons on cyber incidents across the financial services industry;
  • Developing reliance for critical information infrastructure in the financial services industry;
  • Cyber security issues in the provision of New Generation Banking (Bank 3.0);
  • New ways for combating emerging cyber threats and cybercrime activities;
  • Introduction to cyber investigation; and
  • Panel discussion.

Who May Attend

The course is targeted at senior/middle-level officials of central banks, financial regulatory/supervisory staff and agencies, deposit money banks, core economic and finance ministries, and other financial institutions.

Delivery Modalities

Programme delivery will be in the form of presentations, group discussions, and hands-on exercises with resource persons drawn from regional experts in the field.

FSPSP 09-R: Regional Course on Microprudetial and Macroprudetial Regulation and Supervision.

Date: November 10 – 14, 2025
Duration: 5 days
Venue: Abuja, Nigeria

Introduction

The recent financial crisis has underscored the necessity to move beyond a purely micro technique to financial regulation and supervision to a macro approach. Macroprudential analysis assesses the collective behaviour of financial institutions and the way in which it may pose risks to the overall system. This contrasts with microprudential analysis which looks at institutions in isolation and produces assessments at the individual firm level. There is a growing consensus among policymakers that a macroprudential approach to regulation and supervision should be adopted to enable monetary authorities have a direct influence on the supply of credit. These macroprudential tools are needed because credit/asset price cycles can be key drivers of macroeconomic volatility and potential financial instability.

Macroprudential analysis underpinned by microprudential helps to guide monetary policy which involves measures designed to regulate and control the volume, cost, and availability of money and credit in an economy to achieve some specified macroeconomic goals. The major objective of monetary policy is to maintain relative stability in domestic prices. Since the policy interest rate is used to achieve the objective of price stability, macroprudential policy is required to achieve the additional objective of financial stability. However, effective macroprudential policy instruments are an important missing ingredient from the current policymaking toolkit.

Objectives

The main objective of the course is to upgrade the knowledge and skills of participants to effectively analyze microprudential and macroprudential policies for price and financial stability. Specifically, the course is aimed at enhancing participants’ competence in:

  • Formulating appropriate supervisory & regulatory policies and taking timely actions to promote safe, smooth, and sound operations of the financial system.
  • Analyzing the different microprudential and macroprudential policy options that would limit the risk of contagion with the resultant possible systemic crises.

Broad Themes
The following broad themes, among others, will be covered at the course:

    • Banking System:
      • Banking behaviour and vulnerabilities (crises)
    • Financial soundness indicators (FSI);
    • Analytical Methods:
      • Stress testing financial systems
    • Value-at-risk techniques
    • Sectorial balance sheet analysis;
    • Qualitative Aspects:
      • Incentives      Observance of standards and codes;
  • Macroprudential indicators of the health and stability of financial systems;
  • Microprudential versus macroprudential approaches to financial regulation and supervision;

Benefits to Participants/Countries Participants would benefit in a number of ways including:

  • Enhanced capacity for microprudential and macroprudential policy analysis;
  • Equipping the course participants with the necessary tools to provide a holistic view of the financial system for better-informed decision-making by the regulatory and supervisory authorities.

Who May Attend

Attendance is for senior/middle-level officials in central banks, (research, monetary policy, legal, financial supervision & regulation departments, etc.); core economic and finance ministries; central statistical offices, research-oriented institutions, and otherpublic/private organizations whose staff are involved in monetary, financial and economic management.

Delivery Modalities

Experienced consultants and practitioners drawn from the sub-region and WAIFEM faculty will facilitate at the course. They will also make use of lecture materials, case studies, syndicate sessions, and hands-on exercises.