Swiss banking industry’s continuing education looks to the future: Industry survey results

The continuing education landscape in banking and finance has undergone further changes in recent years. Key aspects include the variety of available pathways, increasing digitalisation and shifting requirements for specialists and managers. To complement the opinions given by members of the various education bodies, Swiss Banking conducted a survey of 25 banks across all categories as well as in-depth interviews with representatives from a further eight institutions. The results shed light on how the banks currently perceive the continuing education landscape and how the industry is undergoing a reorientation. The survey will be repeated at regular intervals to maintain an up-to-date view of the banks’ continuing education needs.

High level of satisfaction with existing courses in continuing education

Around 80% of the banks surveyed are satisfied or very satisfied with the existing courses in Swiss continuing education. The most popular are the Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) and Master of Advanced Studies (MAS), followed by those offered by universities of applied sciences and professional exam courses. Public universities are favoured over private providers.

Wide variety of interchangeable pathways

The feedback received paints a clear picture: the ease of switching between courses – both horizontally between different pathways and vertically between different qualification levels – is highly prized. The range of pathways bank staff choose is as diverse as their backgrounds. Many client advisors, for example, start with a banking apprenticeship and then qualify as a financial advisor or financial planner, whereas others follow a more generalist approach and study for an Advanced Federal Diploma of Higher Education in Business Administration or a degree in business economics from a university of applied sciences.

Rapidly evolving market

The continuing education market responds flexibly to new topics, creating courses that address them. CAS courses in particular are in demand among banks because they offer opportunities to specialise and only take a moderate amount of time. In addition, many banks offer their own bespoke courses, often in conjunction with external providers.

The qualification Banker, Advanced Federal Diploma of Higher Education (HFBF), originally launched by the industry in 2006 and supported by it ever since, is to be discontinued at the end of 2026 due to a sharp fall in demand in recent years. The banks’ feedback shows that this will have no significant impact on most institutions. The diploma’s share of overall continuing education has been relatively small over the past few years, partly due to a considerable increase in the importance of courses offered by universities of applied sciences. This trend could stem from the steady rise over the last two decades in the proportion of bank staff who have a professionally oriented school leaver’s certificate, the vast majority of whom opt to continue their education at a university of applied sciences.

Swiss Banking Academy offering highly popular

The webinars and seminars offered by the Swiss Banking Academy are well received in the industry as a concise and practically oriented way to learn about the latest developments and changes in regulation. The Academy’s formats, which quickly incorporate the hottest topics and make them easy to understand, are especially appreciated. They are ideal for specialists and managers alike who want an efficient way to keep learning.

Innovative approaches for the future

One topic the survey respondents showed a keen interest in is artificial intelligence (AI). They want to know which skills will be needed in future and how staff can be prepared. The survey responses point to growing pressure to take action and provide staff with specialist AI training. At the same time, however, there is a great deal of uncertainty with regard to suitable learning pathways. Legal restrictions and data protection concerns are additional causes of reticence.

The survey also highlights some innovative approaches that could have a lasting effect on the continuing education landscape in banking, examples being high flexibility and combinations of different educational formats. Short, focused learning modules known as “micro-credentials” are additionally being used to teach specific skills. Existing programmes in digital ethics and data literacy target the shifting demands placed on bank staff. As the digital transformation and the spread of AI gather pace, new job profiles such as “digital banking specialist” may also emerge.

In summary, the results of the survey make it clear that the Swiss banking industry is well positioned with regard to continuing education, boasting high levels of satisfaction and a broad spectrum of pathways. At the same time, however, there is a certain degree of hesitancy when it comes to skills that will be needed in the future. It will therefore be important to place a stronger focus on these in the coming years. Interchangeability remains vital for ease of access to education and professional development. Innovation and flexibility will clearly be decisive factors in meeting the challenges of a changing financial world. The industry is prepared to break new ground, be it through modular learning pathways, strengthening digital skills or creative promotion of young staff. The future of continuing education in banking lies in a combination of practical orientation, customisation and technological openness. Swiss Banking will act not so much as a joint provider of education but rather as a facilitator and supporter.