Educatı̇on Polı̇cı̇es And Human Resources İn Partı̇cı̇patı̇on Banks

In the globalising world, especially in the last quarter- century, it is observed that there is an incredible diversity in financial markets, as in many sectors. We are in a process where, on the one hand, the acceleration brought by digitalization and, on the other hand, the conditions of access to finance are becoming increasingly valuable in a world where competition conditions are increasing day by day. Undoubtedly, in a process where the conventional banking system was dominant for many years, and academic equations were built on this system, an alternative financial model was put forward with the initiatives and endeavours of a few people in the early 1960s. The name of this financial model is called Islamic banking and/or interest-free banking, as it is generally known in the world. In 1985, the system that would first be called special finance houses and then participation banking came to life in our country.

It is evident that the appeal of the interest-free banking system has been increasing rapidly worldwide, especially in recent years, and the growth trend is rising steadily. Building on a philosophy that has existed beyond the ages during its establishment and development journey, integration activities into the financial system, which is a part of the ecosystem based on the principles and standards of the Banking Law, constitute the main dynamics of the rapid

increase. Of course, the human values advocated by the system, the belief-based philosophical approach, the culture of sharing on the axis of justice and the human-oriented approach methodology that puts all these into practice contain the most basic motto of success. From this point of view, "human resource", who is aware of this responsibility in professional banking and has qualified education, equipment, corporate culture and sense of belonging, is one of the most critical factors. Naturally, some institutions adopt the rising values of our age in the financial system, are open to innovative development, and make qualified investments in digitalisation at the right time. The growth of these institutions, which show their growth performance with solid steps in the light of the principles determined by the system with the sector and academic cooperation, makes it inevitable to grow.

EDUCATION

The Participation Banks Association of Turkey (TKBB) has organised training topics such as participation banking, legislation, risk management, crisis management, digitalisation, marketing, tax, law, auditing, IT, personal development, etc. for its 6 member participation banks' employees. In 20 years, it has organised intensive training programs containing theoretical and practical information for 25,853 employees with 1,268 topics in 2,506 days.

In addition, various specialisation certification programs are organized to reach the level of competence and knowledge that will meet the needs of the employees of the participation banking sector, which has gained momentum in recent years. In other words, within the scope of the Communiqué on Compliance with Interest-Free Banking Principles and Standards prepared by the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BRSA), the Certification Program for Compliance with Interest-Free Banking Principles and Standards was organised in cooperation with TKBB and Marmara University Institute of Islamic Economics and Finance (MUİSEF). In addition to TKBB member participation banks employees, employees of many institutions such as the Finance Office of the Presidency of Türkiye, the Ministry of Treasury and Finance of the Republic of Turkey, the BRSA, 

Eximbank, Development and Investment Banks, participated in these certification programs.

On the other hand, Basic Level Interest-Free Banking Certification Training has been held in five modules for four days for employees who have just started working in participation banks and are still in the orientation process. The program is renewed every month on determined periodic dates.

PHD SCHOLARSHIP

Doctoral students studying in Islamic Economics, Islamic Law, Islamic Economics and Finance etc. are provided with scholarships for eight months in each academic term. In addition, the participation of scholars in the training programs organised by the TKBB was encouraged, thus enabling close dialogue with the sector during their academic studies.

INDUSTRY-ACADEMIC COOPERATION

In order to strengthen sectoral and academic cooperation, collaborations are made with various universities and protocols are drawn up. In collaboration with Istanbul University Islamic Economics and Finance Application and Research Center (ISIFAM), Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University International Research Center of Islamic Economics and Finance (İSEFAM) and Research Center for Islamic Economics (IKAM), the TKBB organised a workshop on University-Sector Cooperation in the Field of Islamic Economics in Turkey. The second workshop, hosted by Istanbul University, is planned to be held in July.

International Events

• Contribution has been made in terms of organisation and content to the "Impact Investing For the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): A New Chapter for Participation Finance" organised in cooperation with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and TKBB for the representatives of the TKBB, BRSA, Eximbank and Participation Banks, especially the Finance Office of the Presidency of Türkiye.

• A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between TKBB and Amanie Academy Sdn Bhd (AASB) to develop professional human capacity building programs in Islamic finance.

• A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by the TKBB and Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF) to organise various training programs in participation banking.

• A "Microfinance Training Program" was carried out for universities, public institutions and organisations, and Azerbaijan's finance sector in cooperation with the Azerbaijan SER (Economic Union for the Study of Economic Resources).

• For Eximbank and Ernst&Young employees, a three-day and six-module training program titled "Certification on the Interest-Free Banking Ecosystem and Participation Banking Practices in Turkey" was held.

TKBB LMS PLATFORM – E-LEARNING CONTENTS

Within the scope of the strategic plan aimed to prepare online and video-based e-training programs in the field of participation banking and with the TKBB coordination to share them, especially with participation banks, the academic world, and all individuals and institutions interested in participation banking: E-training contents such as Basic Level Interest-Free Banking E-Certification Training, Advanced Level Interest-Free Banking E-Certification Training and Financial Literacy started to operate. On the other hand, very comprehensive e-learning content such as Digital Literacy, Fintech, and Basic Level Banking is being prepared and will be completed in the new training period and will continue to provide services with rich content.

Manager of TKBB Support Services Department Halis Çelenk