Credit Suisse and Fitch Learning Create an Open Platform for Client Advisor Certification in Switzerland Mittwoch, 21. Juni 2017 - 09:30

Credit Suisse is collaborating with Fitch Learning on the state-recognized certification of its Wealth Management client advisors, making it the first bank in Switzerland to adopt this advanced training standard, locally and internationally. The collaboration enables Credit Suisse and its employees to take advantage of a technological, state-of-the-art learning platform. The platform also provides easy access to other Swiss banks for training This will help establish a Swiss-wide standard that will also meet the future MiFID II requirements. 

As financial markets increase in complexity so do clients’ expectations with regard to the skills of their advisors. Since 2010, Credit Suisse has therefore trained more than 3,500 Retail and Private Banking client advisors in Switzerland as well as a further 1,500 client advisors at its international locations, based on a state-accredited certification standard. Credit Suisse is now providing this training in conjunction with Fitch Learning as an external partner. Fitch Learning is contributing its many years of expertise in certification as well as its global presence. The cooperation enables internal know-how on the individual study topics to be combined with a technological state-of-the-art platform. In addition to certification, Credit Suisse continues to provide a comprehensive development offer focused on internal corporate requirements.

In the run-up to the launch of the new learning platform, Credit Suisse substantially upgraded the existing training content in cooperation with other banks and the certification body Swiss Association for Quality (SAQ). In the future too, the parties involved will continue to work on the ongoing development of this important training standard. This ensures that the study topics for client advisory services are based on the latest findings from research and practice, and that certifications are also compatible with the future regulatory requirements of MiFID II. Credit Suisse is the first bank in Switzerland to certify its client advisors in accordance with the latest SAQ standard Certified Wealth Management Advisor 1.8, both throughout Switzerland as well as internationally. Credit Suisse is also certifying its Corporate and Retail Banking client advisors in accordance with the SAQ standard. 

In the Interest of the Financial Center

Several banks and training providers within the Swiss financial center conduct certification courses for client advisors. With a common standard, the banks will not only meet regulatory developments but will make a significant contribution to securing the high quality of the financial center. Johannes Toetzke, Head People Processes & Analytics at Credit Suisse, says: "The fact that the certification process involves a great deal of time and effort, especially for smaller banks, has in the past discouraged various institutions from establishing this for their client advisors. The learning platform created by Credit Suisse and Fitch Learning now enables these banks to tap into this solution and thereby benefit from an efficient way of certifying their client advisors. This provides an opportunity to establish state-recognized quality standards even more firmly within the industry – and that's also in the interest of the financial center." 

About Fitch Learning

Part of the Fitch Group, Fitch Learning partners with clients to enhance knowledge, skills, and conduct. With centers in London, New York, Chicago, Singapore, Dubai, and Hong Kong, the company is committed to questioning and understanding client needs across the globe and on the ground locally. Fitch Learning advises and builds learning solutions to accelerate the achievements of the individual and the company across the entire employee lifecycle.