Transforming Talent for a Leading Saudi Bank

KPME Transforming Talent for a Leading Saudi Bank

The Background

Saudi Arabia’s banking sector is undergoing significant improvements driven by higher customer expectations, digital advancements, and the emergence of digital banks and fintech companies.

Our client, a well-established leader in the Saudi banking landscape with decades of experience, sought to continue driving success in this competitive environment. With an expansive network across the Kingdom, the bank identified the need to enhance the skills of its employees to meet new industry demands and maintain trust with clients and stakeholders.

The Challenge

To take a step towards innovation and advancement, they aimed to empower their employees to excel in their roles, driving organisational success while maintaining trust and credibility with clients and stakeholders.

The focus was on enhancing both leadership capabilities and technical expertise in key areas like finance, corporate banking, and wealth management. By improving these core competencies, the bank aimed to ensure that its employees could better serve clients, make informed decisions, and contribute to the bank’s long-term success.

Recognizing these needs, the bank partnered with Kaplan Professional to design a comprehensive training program that would develop essential skills such as communication, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and problem-solving. The ultimate goal was to prepare employees to navigate the complexities of the modern financial landscape while improving internal leadership and client relationships.

The Solution

Emotional intelligence, effective communication, and critical thinking are vital components that shape customer relationships and enhance leadership capabilities. Additionally, a strong foundation in finance and business skills empowers banking professionals to build trust and confidence among clients, positioning them as indispensable advisors who deliver substantial value to their organizations.

The customized program, developed by Kaplan in collaboration with the bank, focused on seamlessly integrating Finance and Business Skills with Leadership and Behavioral Development modules, creating a comprehensive learning experience.

The initiative targeted key areas such as interpersonal communication, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence. Participants then delved into critical thinking skills, emphasizing the importance of data-driven decision-making in today’s fast-paced financial landscape.

The program included practical activities that enabled attendees to identify suitable banking and investment solutions for diverse client needs in corporate and wealth management sectors, fostering informed decision-making. The program also tackled the complexities of capital markets, the risk-return profiles of various asset classes, and fundamental credit analysis topics. By the end, participants gained a comprehensive understanding of financial management practices and were prepared to apply their knowledge in their roles.

The Impact

With an impressive overall satisfaction rate of 91%, participants found the program to be remarkably positive. The trainer’s expertise was particularly highlighted with an outstanding rating of 96%.

Participants gained valuable insights into effective communication and client interaction, becoming more adaptable and confident in navigating diverse scenarios. They also honed their leadership skills and financial expertise, better positioning themselves to contribute to their organisation’s success.

By equipping employees with a comprehensive skill set, the bank ensured that its workforce is better prepared to meet evolving industry demands and continue building strong, trust-based relationships with clients. The program’s success underscores the importance of ongoing professional development in maintaining a competitive edge in the fast-changing financial sector.