The inaugural FinTech Talent Program (FTP), supported by the Tamkeen ‘Labor Fund’, has been developed in partnership with global experts in finance and technology, including Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business- and international blockchain and artificial intelligence academies. The FTP addresses the future skill requirements of Bahrain’s financial services industry as well as that of FinTech startups. It uniquely positions the country as a center of excellence for FinTech talent and prepares Bahraini graduates for careers in FinTech innovation and strategy.

FTP is aimed at targeting 50 participants in two separate batches, who will have the opportunity to develop their professional skills and gain insightful experience in the latest FinTech trends and technologies on a global scale.

Khalid Saad, CEO of Bahrain FinTech Bay, said “We are pleased to announce today this important and forward-looking national initiative that will further strengthen Bahrain’s FinTech innovation and the quality of Bahraini talent available to startups and institutions. The FTP program, which we hope to significantly grow over the next few years, will equip fresh graduates with the necessary skills required to prepare for the future and take advantage of the opportunities arising from FinTech. We would like to thank Tamkeen for sharing in this vision for Bahrain and for their support in making the FTP possible”

The Chief Executive of Tamkeen Dr. Ebrahim Mohammed Janahi, said: ”The FinTech Talent Program is a strategic program that will help create a local and well qualified workforce that can meet the demands of the financial services industry, lead innovation, and preserve Bahrain’s leadership position in finance and FinTech. We commend Bahrain Fintech Bay for this initiative and are delighted to be a part of it”

HE Khalid Al Rumaihi, CE of Bahrain EDB said: “Developing local talent equipped with the skills that drive growth in an innovation-driven economy is vital to creating an ecosystem from which FinTech companies can thrive. Bahrain’s dynamic FinTech sector is growing rapidly with a number of companies establishing operations, providing opportunities for the local workforce to learn and develop their skills, as well as benefit from knowledge transfer alongside mentors from around the world. Tamkeen, Georgetown University and Bahrain FinTech Bay are examples where collaboration and foresight reap results.”

The FTP invites high potential Bahraini candidates to apply to the program at www.fintech-institute.com /fintech-talent-program. Following which, selected candidates will participate in an exclusive career fair with over 30 potential employers under one roof.

Successful candidates will begin a 6-month internship and receive mentorship from an assigned partner of Bahrain FinTech Bay. Whilst completing their internships, candidates will be enrolled in the Georgetown FinTech Course, a professional development course in FinTech, delivered and certified by Georgetown University. The course is a 3-month online, interactive program, comprising of seven modules and four case-studies designed by prominent industry thought leaders. Professor Jim Angel, a co-inventor of 12 FinTech patents, will be leading the course and will be delivering key classroom sessions to be held in Bahrain.

Top performing candidates will also have the opportunity to gain international experience in FinTech through internship placements in Singapore and the United States.