Banking organizations are required by law to follow a specific set of compliancy standards. A banking organization will need their employees to be well versed in banking procedures as well as how to stay abreast of the changing financial climate.

Banking organizations education and training will involve the need for perquisite training as well as professional development instruction. It will involve classroom learning, on the job training and networking with professional associations for banking.

1. Go through banking organization training. Take courses to train for your specific role in the professional banking organization.

2. Consider newer training methods for professional banking organizations. Distance and e-learning can allow you to customize your learning experience.

3. Become a member of a banking professional organization. A professional banking organization provides members with industry resources and training opportunities.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Attend courses by professional banking organizations

You will find a slew of courses open to your banking organization. Banking associations offer classes that can train entry level employees through upper level management teams. Topics may include compliancy, organizational techniques, credit risk management, savings and loans and much more.

I recommend: Banker’s Academy is a comprehensive resource for those in the field of banking. The organization offers both classroom learning and blended courses that involves learning inside and outside of the classroom. If you're part of an investment banking organization, you can take the courses offered by the Investment Banking Training Group.

Consider e-learning options from banking associations

Not everyone wants to cut into working hours in order to hold on-site training sessions. Bringing in professional associations for banking consultant or instructor can prove expensive as well. Online learning can prove much more conducive to your organization's needs.

I recommend: BAI Learning and Development has many distance learning offerings for financial institutions. You can choose to complete the courses by reviewing materials in print, video or online formats. The New York Institute of Finance has an online course available to commercial banking organizations and includes nine CPE credits.

Join banking professional organizations

Banking associations give professionals a chance to access training and resources exclusive to their field. International banking organizations give you the chance to learn about the current financial trends on a worldwide level.

I recommend: A banking organization knows how important the American Bankers Association is to the industry. Browse their training courses to see if their offerings can be of use to your organization. Independent Community Bankers of America is another national banking association that has a rotating training schedule each month.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Councils for banking are more frequently seen on an international level. New Zealand, South Africa and Pakistan are examples of countries that utilize a council for banking. You can contact these banking organizations regarding training on their policies.

Banking professional organizations are a collaboration of passionate professionals who want to share their experiences and knowledge. They are a source of support, networking and solutions in the banking industry. Financial associations enhance the role of banking institutions by lobbying for federal legislation, consumer education, research, communication and products and services that support and educate members.

International banking organizations link you to workshops and seminars, which study emerging trends and challenges in the industry. You exchange ideas and expertise with your peers. As a result, your job performance and professional development are fine-tuned. Consider:

1. Using banking organizations to grow as a professional in the industry.

2. Taking advantage of educational and networking opportunities offered by banking professional organizations.

3. Different council for banking membership levels.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Join international banking organizations to grow as a professional

Councils for banking range from international groups to state wide or local organizations. They are a collaborative of professionals just like you, with one goal in mind: to advance the banking industry. They provide profitable solutions to help banks compete in the marketplace.

I recommend: Use BankersOnline.com to find a list of professional associations for banking. The American Bankers Association (ABA) allows you to register for online courses and seminars. Banks of all sizes belong to the organization. ABA's goal is to enhance the competitiveness of the banking industry. American Association of Bank Directors (AABD) is a banking professional organization devoted to serving the education, information and advocacy needs of banking directors. Download membership forms online.

Pay annual dues to belong to banking organizations

Councils for banking vary their dues depending on the membership level. Once you find an association you want to join, decide what type of commitment your company is willing to give.

I recommend: Conference of State Bank Supervisors (CSBS) is a professional banking organization that brings bankers and regulators together for a common goal: to coordinate, educate, communicate and advocate to advance the state banking system. To join CSBS, contact the office via phone or email. Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) has 5,000 members from all over the country. ICMA provides a voice, advocacy, professional develop and profitable solutions to community banks. Register online to become a member.

Benefit individually and professionally from joining banking professional organizations

When you join banking associations, you get access to marketing resources, publications, meetings, consumer educations and resources, groups and forums.

I recommend: Credit Union National Association (CUNA) is a different kind of council for banking. Ninety percent of the country's credit unions belong to the CUNA. As a benefit, members get seminar kits that cover a wide range of topics. Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) represents the real estate finance industry. MBA's goal is to promote the strength of the nation's real estate markets, extend access to affordable housing and expand home ownership. There are three categories of MBA members--regular, associate and international. The Member Advantage Program gives you discounts at numerous companies including Avis, Office Depot and UPS.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Attend as many banking associations' events as you can to advance your career and learn from the expertise of others.

When it comes to banking organizations, there are two different categories. The first category involves banking organizations designed to act as resources for people in the finance industry. Most consumers work with the second category, which consists of banks, lending institutions and other financial organizations like credit unions. Each category has specific key terms that help you understand the role of the organizations in it. Whether you want to learn the difference between a financial association and an international banking organization or you want to know more about intermediaries of credit, key terms can help you out.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Financial associations

Financial associations bring members of the finance industry together and offer a variety of resources to those members. Aside from offering educational tools and resources for banking professionals, financial associations may also work as industry advocates in terms of government policies and issues.

I recommend: The Association of Finance Professionals is a global resource for individuals involved with the finance industry. It offers news, publications, discussions, forums, a membership directory and more.

International banking organizations

International banking organizations take an active role in global finance. The role they play may depend upon the members of the organization and their goals.

I recommend: The World Bank Group is a collection of 185 member countries. It has information on its role in global finance and also provides links with information for two of the main international banking organizations in its membership.

Intermediaries of credit

Banking organizations are sometimes known as intermediaries of credit because they issue loans to consumers. Only the banking organizations that fund loans and other types of credit opportunities fit the description for intermediaries of credit.

I recommend: The Federal Reserve maintains rules and regulations for intermediaries of credit. It releases the latest information pertaining to these organization at its website.

Banking councils

Banking councils, also known as councils for banking, oversee the business of specific banks. The job of the council is to act as an oversight committee for the bank to ensure the bank follows the policies, standards and regulations of the Federal Reserve. On an international level, banking councils play different roles depending on the country.

I recommend: The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia explains the role of banking councils in U.S. banking organizations.

Bank relationship management tools

Bank relationship management tools help banks and financial institutions access services, analyze risk, control costs and quality and work with consumers.

I recommend: Chesapeake System Solutions is a provider of bank relationship management tools. It explains how its software can help banks improve efficiency.

Key rate services

The key rate is an international term used to define the standard off of which banks and other financial institutions set the interest when extending credit. In the U.S., banks use the prime rate as the key rate. Key rate services are ways to monitor the key rate and calculate the interest based on it.

I recommend: MarketWatch keeps tabs on the key rate for the U.S. and updates individuals in the finance industry on global key rate news.