Insights

If you are thinking of going to university, you might be wondering what degree to do and where to do it. University is an exciting time but making these decisions can seem challenging. If you are struggling to decide, it might be a good idea to check out your local UCAS events to help you research your options.

Every year sees thousands of divorces and endings of civil partnerships. These can often result in significant financial issues for the separating parties and problems can be exacerbated when there are children involved. Not only has the ongoing ownership of assets to be determined, or split, but maintenance might have to be paid. Assets such as pensions will also need to be considered.

Huan Zhang, who was recently promoted to senior officer at the Head Office of Agricultural Bank of China, talks about the challenges of taking exams alongside a professional role and what LIBF’s trade finance qualifications have meant for her day-to-day career.

Are you thinking about qualifying as a financial adviser? No matter your career background, if you have good communication and organisational skills, and can write up reports, a rewarding career as a financial adviser could be for you. We put together some advice on how you can become a financial adviser, what the job involves, and what sort of education you need.

Deciding what to study at university is an important choice that can be difficult to make. Alfie Taylor is one of our BSc (Hons) Finance, Investment, and Risk graduates. We spoke to him about his role as a risk analyst at JM Finn, what led him to pursue a career in banking and finance, and what advice he would give to those thinking of entering the industry.

Introducing a CBDC for the UK would undoubtedly bring about widespread changes. But if digital currencies become mainstream, what challenges and opportunities would they present for banks?

The Young Persons’ Money Index (YPMI) is an annual survey that tracks financial education in UK schools and young people’s attitudes towards money. It has been carried out by us since 2014, when financial education was first introduced to the school curriculum. Every year, the results tell us that young people want more access to financial education. This year, 82% said they want to learn more about money, a 10% increase from 2021. The index also highlighted ongoing age and gender differences in attitudes towards financial education and money.

Sonny Kurmi tells us about his journey from a Saturday job in a local bank to setting up his own financial advisory firm and achieving chartered status.

Jie Yin is a Product Manager at the Export-Import Bank of China who decided to take all six of our trade finance courses within three years. He explains how he managed the pressure of studying alongside his professional career, and what passing the trade finance qualifications has meant for his work in the bank.