Alinma Bank Launches Future Bankers Program with Kaplan Professional MENA to Develop Saudi Banking Talent

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Alinma Bank Launches Future Bankers Program with Kaplan Professional MENA to Develop Saudi Banking Talent

Alinma Bank, in strategic partnership with Kaplan Professional Middle East and North Africa (MENA), has launched the Future Bankers Program, a 12-week talent development initiative aimed at preparing the next generation of banking professionals for the rapidly transforming financial services industry.

The programme has been designed to equip participants with future-ready skills in key areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data management, fraud prevention, corporate banking, and digital banking, reflecting the increasing technological sophistication of Saudi Arabia’s financial sector.

The launch comes as the Kingdom accelerates its digital transformation agenda under Saudi Vision 2030. With consumers increasingly adopting cashless and contactless payment solutions, Saudi Arabia’s banking app market is projected to exceed SAR 121 billion by 2030, highlighting the growing importance of digital financial services across the country.

Developed by Alinma Bank and delivered in collaboration with Kaplan Professional MENA, the Future Bankers Program seeks to bridge the gap between academic education and real-world banking requirements. The initiative offers participants a structured learning pathway that combines technical expertise, practical application, and industry-relevant knowledge.

Unlike conventional training programmes, the Future Bankers Program incorporates advanced learning modules aligned with current and emerging trends within the financial services sector. Participants will also have the opportunity to earn a Level 7 Diploma awarded by Kaplan Professional Awards, an OFQUAL-regulated UK awarding body, providing international recognition and academic credibility.

The inaugural programme brings together more than 50 participants, including Alinma Bank employees and recent graduates selected through a competitive recruitment process. The initiative reflects the bank’s commitment to identifying, developing, and empowering high-potential Saudi talent capable of contributing to the future growth of the Kingdom’s banking industry.

Kaplan Professional MENA will deliver specialised learning content covering banking fundamentals as well as advanced professional competencies, ensuring participants gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills aligned with modern banking operations.

Commenting on the initiative, Aljawharah Alghofaili, Executive Director of Talent Management at Alinma Bank, said the programme supports Saudi Vision 2030’s objective of empowering youth and strengthening the financial services sector.

“At Alinma Bank, we are proud to develop initiatives that support the direction of Saudi Vision 2030 in empowering youth and strengthening the financial sector, in line with the ongoing development of the banking industry,” she said.

“The Future Bankers Program is designed to equip young professionals with practical, future-focused skills through a structured learning experience that reflects current trends and evolving practices in the sector.”

Stuart Whent, Chief Operating Officer of Kaplan Professional MENA, highlighted the importance of building a highly skilled workforce capable of navigating the banking industry's digital transformation.

“The Future Bankers Program reflects our continued commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia’s vision of developing a highly skilled and future-ready financial services workforce,” Whent said.

“By working alongside Alinma Bank, we are combining industry expertise and professional education to equip emerging professionals with the capabilities required to thrive in a rapidly evolving banking landscape, particularly in areas such as digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.”

The initiative represents a shared commitment by Alinma Bank and Kaplan Professional MENA to develop job-ready talent through applied learning, graduate development pathways, and sector-specific training programmes that address the evolving needs of the financial services industry.

As Saudi Arabia continues to modernize its banking ecosystem and expand digital financial services, programmes such as Future Bankers are expected to play a crucial role in building a skilled workforce capable of supporting the Kingdom’s long-term economic and technological ambitions.