Institute for Banking and Finance
Established in 1997, the Institute for Banking and Finance has long served as a platform for advancing collaboration between academia and the banking and financial sectors. Following a period of limited activity, the Institute was officially reactivated in fall 2025 as part of the Adnan Kassar School of Business’s (AKSOB) strategic commitment to strengthening industry engagement, experiential learning and academic excellence.
The Institute has been relaunched with a renewed vision, mission and strategic priorities that align with AKSOB’s broader objectives of preparing future-ready graduates and fostering meaningful partnerships with the financial community. It serves as a bridge between students, faculty and industry, creating opportunities for knowledge exchange, professional development and collaboration while contributing to the advancement of Lebanon’s banking and finance sectors.
Advisory Board
To strengthen the Institute’s connection with the financial services industry, AKSOB established an Advisory Board comprising distinguished leaders from Lebanon’s banking, finance and regulatory sectors. The board provides strategic guidance, supports industry engagement and helps ensure the Institute’s activities remain aligned with current and emerging developments in the financial sector.
The inaugural Advisory Board members are:
- Dr. Fadi Osseiran, CEO, BLOMInvest Bank
- Dr. Marwan Barakat, Member of the Group Executive Committee and Group Chief Economist, Bank Audi
- Mr. Nassib Ghobril, Chief Economist and Head of Economic Research & Analysis, Byblos Bank
- Mr. Rabih Nehme, Executive Board Member, Banking Control Commission of Lebanon
- Mr. Mohamad Ali Hassan, Executive Director and Head of the Accounting Department, Banque du Liban
- Mr. Hadi Hammoud, Chief Commercial Officer and Deputy General Manager, Al-Mawarid Bank
The Advisory Board held its inaugural meeting on November 21, 2025, during which members established the Institute’s strategic priorities and approved its activities roadmap for the 2025–2026 academic year.
Vision
To strengthen the connection between the Department of Accounting and Finance and the financial services industry by fostering strategic partnerships, advancing professional collaboration and enriching student learning through real-world engagement.
Mission
The Institute for Banking and Finance enriches student learning through industry engagement, practitioner-led events, finance competitions and experiential learning opportunities. It also supports the banking and financial community by offering specialized training programs, seminars and workshops that address emerging industry needs.
Strategic Objectives
The Institute’s activities are organized around five strategic pillars.
Student Competitions, Skills Development and Industry Exposure
The Institute prepares students for successful careers in banking and finance through experiential learning opportunities that complement classroom education. Activities include finance competitions, case challenges, workshops, certifications and direct engagement with industry professionals.
Industry Engagement, Partnerships and Practitioner-Led Events
The Institute builds strong relationships with banks, financial institutions, regulators and industry leaders to ensure students gain practical exposure to contemporary financial practices. Through conferences, executive talks, panel discussions and strategic partnerships, students engage directly with professionals shaping the future of the industry.
Alumni Engagement
The Institute strengthens connections with AKSOB alumni working across banking, investment and financial services. Alumni contribute through mentoring, networking events, guest lectures and career development initiatives that enrich the student experience.
Thought Leadership and Publications
The Institute contributes to informed dialogue on banking, finance and economic policy by producing publications, market insights, reports and opinion pieces that address emerging trends and challenges affecting Lebanon and the region.
Professional Training and Executive Education
The Institute offers specialized training programs, executive seminars and professional development opportunities that respond to the evolving needs of banking professionals and financial institutions while promoting lifelong learning.