The Center for Financial Training Southeastern (CFT) at Miami Dade College has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Florida International Bankers Association (FIBA) to offer a credit program to financial services professionals in the South Florida community.

“There has always been a demand for credit training programs but none have been offered with an international twist,” said Connie Laguna, president and CEO of CFT Southeastern. “Both organizations agreed that it was time to collaborate and provide this service to our banking community.”

The open MOU formalizes the ongoing relationship the two organizations have shared for many years. The International Credit Training program, which will be launched in February, is offered to professionals across the financial services industry, such as international, commercial, wealth, audit, BSA, compliance and relationship bankers.

“An important part of FIBA’s mission is to educate and benefit the financial services industry in the area of international banking and finance,” said David Schwartz, president & CEO at FIBA, a non-profit trade association whose membership includes some of the largest financial institutions worldwide. “The Center for Financial Training is the perfect organization to partner with for this endeavor.”

The three-class series will provide participants with the skills needed to assess and manage credit risk, identify critical financial information and understand key business drivers for credit. All classes are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and provide breakfast and lunch. Sessions include:

Introduction to Analyzing Financial Statements

C&I Lending

International Lending and Cash Flow

Instructors for the series include Fernando Capablanca, director at City National Bank and experienced international banker; Abel Iglesias, president & CEO at Professional Bank and experienced lender; and Roberto Pelaez, chairman of Miami-Dade County Industrial Development Authority and past president of Bank of Florida Miami Dade County.

The program cost is $999, and once completed, the certificate can be applied toward CFT’s Credit Analysis Certification.

About The Center for Financial Training (CFT) at MDC

The Center for Financial Training provides financial services education, training and technology to financial services professionals throughout the United States and around the world. CFT is a national organization and the largest industry-sponsored adult education program in the world. CFT training and education programs provide job specific skills and knowledge to the financial services industry. CFT is the educational arm of the American Bankers Association and courses are part of a national continuing education curriculum. Completion of prescribed programs can lead to industry-recognized ABA diplomas and certificates, assist in professional licensing requirements and meet college credit and degree requirements. For more information, visit www.cftse.org.

About Florida International Bankers Association (FIBA)

Florida International Bankers Association is a non-profit trade association that provides comprehensive support to the global financial services industry through education, conferences and advocacy. Its membership includes some of the largest financial institutions worldwide. FIBA is recognized by the financial services industry, regulators and law enforcement as a Center for Excellence for its knowledge and expertise. For more information, visit https://fiba.net