The Institute of Canadian Bankers (ICB) and LaSalle College, a bilingual technical college in Montreal, announced today that they have signed an agreement to offer LaSalle students a program of courses leading to an ICB designation.

“We are confident our partnership with LaSalle College will be a fruitful one that opens more doors for students who intend to pursue a career in the financial services industry. Our rich ICB courseware not only complements what LaSalle offers, but for the first time, also leads to a renowned ICB designation,” Marie Muldowney, ICB executive director, in a release.

“This collaboration will create a new synergy at LaSalle College, further expand the diversity of programs that we offer and enable our students to acquire specific knowledge to become a financial services professional and earn the much-recognized AICB accreditation,” said Jacques Marchand, LaSalle College’s director general.

The program is made up of seven ICB courses that will focus on organizational and consumer behaviour, financial products and services, accounting, business finance, economics and an integrative project.

While the courses will be delivered in LaSalle classrooms, ICB will administer all exams. Upon successful completion, students will earn the Associate, Institute of Canadian Bankers (AICB) designation.

Students can complete the program in just one academic semester.

Since it was established in 1967, ICB has awarded nearly 100,000 degrees, diplomas and designations. Thus far, 14,700 industry professional are AICB designation holders.