SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Diploma in Banking

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
118629	Diploma in Banking
ORIGINATOR
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Diploma (Min 360)	Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies		Finance, Economics and Accounting
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	360	Not Applicable	NQF Level 06	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered		EXCO 0333/25	2025-07-10	2028-07-10
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2029-07-10		2034-07-10

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification.

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:
The purpose of the Diploma in Banking qualification is to enable the learners to successfully pursue a career in banking and other financial services institutions. This qualification intends to offer cutting edge courses that meet the requirements of the banking industry today. The qualification will equip learners with strong foundations from key theories, concepts around banking and banking activities to practical skills in management, economics, accounting, risks, mathematics, finance, ethics, critical thinking/analysis/problem solving, research methodology and Work Integrated Learning. More importantly, the qualification includes digital banking, financial technology, change management, business information systems which are not offered by competitors. With all these skills, the learner is well profiled for entry or intermediate level positions within the financial services industry that now requires personnel with a strong ethical culture and high capacity to adapt to changes. Furthermore, the qualification intends to reduce the general skills gap in the banking industry. Given the fast-paced changes occurring in the sector, the qualification will be revisited every year to ensure that the actual skills needed are always provided.

The qualification is intended for:

Full-time learners who have just completed their matric willing to embrace a career in banking, with no or little work experience. Part-time learners will also be considered at a later stage.

Professions/occupations that may be pursued by graduates are credit manager or loan officer, risk manager, customer relationship manager, personal banker, assistant branch manager, finance administrators, accountant.

The qualification will provide the learner with the necessary skills to find employment at most of the entry-level banking and financial services jobs and fast-track learners towards personal growth and management positions which he or she would under normal circumstances be divorced from without such qualification. Skilled bankers are of critical shortage in the private and public sectors.

The qualifying learner will:

Evaluate and apply general banking concepts at an introductory and intermediate level.

Analyse and apply basic principles of law in a banking environment as well as financial legislative requirements.

Demonstrate knowledge and insight into ethics and risk management within the financial services industry.

Apply knowledge and skill to operate successfully and professionally in a selected field within the banking sector.

The learning pathway within which the qualification resides is the vocational/professional pathway and provides the possibility for learners to further their studies in higher degrees in banking, business administration, finance and accounting.

Rationale:
The already existing skills gap, the new demands created by the unethical management trend revealed by the latest global financial crisis, by a case such as the Steinhoff scandal, the fourth industrial revolution, and the expanding financial services market all exacerbate the need for well-qualified bankers with strong foundations. This Diploma in Banking has been developed to meet the quality requirements of the current banking industry and address the skills shortage. The qualification will assist learners to develop the requisite banking competency. This competency is an asset to companies in the financial services industry. The qualification will utilise a contact/blended learning mode and, in addition to basic management and accounting modules, will include digital banking, financial technology, change management, banking law, leadership, customer management, business strategy, organizational development, introduction to research in banking and work-integrated learning (WIL) labelled Banking Practice, in line with industry advisory recommendations and the findings from the BANK Sector for Education and Training Authority (BANKSETA) research.

The qualification curriculum was endorsed by the Bankers (branch managers, business analysts and consultants) from Standard Bank of South Africa, First National Bank, ABSA Bank, NEDBANK to align with the South African banking sector's skills needs. Further feedback was provided on the need for, and the content of this qualification during the second annual Alumni Advisory meeting. Further, the qualification structure was informed by different Banking Sector Education and Training Authority (BANKSETA) research reports. The BANKSETA conducted research for the year 2018/2019, on the drivers of change in the banking sector. They found that the key drivers of change are all triggered by the fourth industrial revolution, in other words 'innovation based on a combination of technologies. The drivers include:

Digitization and technology

Changing customer expectations

Cybercrime and risk (criminality and technology risk)

Disruptors for the banking sectors such as crypto-currency Bitcoin, Telecom companies and the internet's giants offering digital wallets.

The uncertainties from the economic and political environment.

The report acknowledges that the appropriate skills will be those that address these drivers and therefore indicated that the needs are respectively:

Computing technology, software development, artificial intelligence, robotics.

Effective communication

Cybercrime and financial crime risk

Agility skills and multidisciplinary employees

Management and leadership skills.

In addition. the reports identify the following as the five skills issues that are also part of national priorities:

Technology.

Digitisation and analytics.

Risk management and compliance.

Management and leadership development

Core banking products/services.

Customer relationship management.

Graduates will be work-ready and in a position to pursue a career/profession in banking and other financial services institutions. Professions/occupations that may be pursued by graduates are credit managers or loan officers, risk managers, customer relationship managers, personal bankers, assistant branch managers, finance administrators, accountants. The effectively and efficiently managed banks guided by ethical practices will result in increased confidence in these institutions, profits, reduced costs, enhanced productivity and improved service to stakeholders.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
This qualification may be achieved in part or completely through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), which includes formal, informal, and non-formal learning and work experience. The RPL assessment process involves the identification, mediation, assessment and acknowledgement of knowledge and skills obtained through informal and non-formal learning. RPL is applied in terms of the policy and criteria of the institution. The necessary documentary evidence will have to be provided and a formal RPL process will be followed. The institution will apply RPL in this qualification for both access and credits in line with the National Policy and Criteria for the Implementation of RPL (Amended in March 2019).

RPL for Access:
Learners who do not meet the minimum entry requirements of the required qualification may be considered for RPL. There are two options:

Advanced Standing, in which case the minimum entry requirements are waived by the admitting institution based on evidence of prior learning, work experience or any other relevant circumstances that may apply to an individual learner. No portfolio is required.

Applicants may provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that the applicant has acquired sufficient relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies to be able to reasonably meet the expectations for learning demanded by the qualification for which they are seeking access.

RPL for credits:
Learners who do meet the necessary entry requirements for admission to a qualification may be awarded some or all the credits towards the qualification. There are two possibilities:

Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from a module or some modules by providing sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that a level of competency, equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module or modules, has been achieved. Credits will be awarded for such modules.

Learners may apply for RPL to be awarded all the credits required for the qualification. Sufficient evidence must be provided that demonstrates a level of competency equivalent to all the learning outcomes of the qualification.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:

National Senior Certificate (NSC), NQF level 4 granting access to Diploma studies.
or

National Vocational Certificate (NCV), NQF level 4 granting access to Diploma studies.
or

Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 without endorsement.
Or

Higher Certificate in Banking Services, NQF Level 5.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 6 totalling 360 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5,120 Credits:

Modern Banking, 24 Credits.

Financial Market 1, 24 Credits.

Organizational Development, 12 Credits.

Bank Financial Management 1, 24 Credits.

Business Information Systems 12 Credits.

Economics 1, 24 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 240 Credits:

Banking Laws and Regulations, 18 Credits.

Economics II, 24 Credits.

Financial Market II, 24 Credits.

Banks Ethics and Corporate Governance, 18 Credits.

Bank Financial Management II, 24 Credits.

Business Strategy, 12 Credits.

Human Resource Management, 18 Credits.

Bank Financial Management III, 24 Credits.

Marketing principles,18 Credits.

Bank Risk Management, 24 Credits.

Introduction to research in Banking, 12 Credits.

Banking Practice: Work Integrated Learning (WIL), 24 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Apply the essential concepts, theories and principles underpinning traditional and digital banking with their various products and services at an introductory and intermediate level.
2. Provide a sound interpretation and application of the legal, governance and ethical principles underpinning good banking management practice.
3. Apply the principles of financial technology and business information systems that inform the critical shift in bank customer behaviour and rapid change in bank operations
4. Apply the theories and principles that constitute the foundations of organizations' development and strategies in the banking context.
5. Implement the essential concepts and principles guiding the core business management in a modern banking context, relating to finance, marketing, human resources, and risks.
6. Appraise the relevance of macroeconomic and financial market environments in the assessment and performance of banks operations
7. Apply the primary concepts of research methodology relevant to the study of banking.
8. Present and communicate information in written, visual, electronic and verbal forms, including the use of information technology and software packages appropriate to the banking industry.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Apply traditional and digital banking procedures, products and services with reference to short, medium and long-term understandings of risk and return in a simulated context.

Conduct an in-depth analysis of the impact of the information age on banking sectors and products in terms of positive and negative factors, and how the negative factors might be mitigated.

Conduct a comprehensive Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis on the retail financial services distribution within the context of contemporary banking practices.

Explain and illustrate how the seven primary mobile payment models are applied and may be improved within future banking scenarios.

Use financial market instruments effectively and perform appropriate calculations to solve markets participants problems within the legal and regulatory frameworks.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Correctly apply the relevant banking legislation and regulations within the context of financial services frameworks.

Appraise the role of financial technology in the effective implementation of regulatory compliance processes within banks.

Demonstrate how the philosophy, purpose and principles of the King Code of governance principles and the King report (King III) should be applied in the different cases of corporate governance policy within the banking sector.

Evaluate the costs and benefits of ethics values enforcement within banking organizations.

Demonstrate the understanding of the implications of unethical behaviour on banks decisions and actions, and formulate precautionary measures for successful application of ethical principles.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Analyse the role of financial technology as a disruptor of the financial service sector.

Examine the characteristics of cloud computing, machine learning, artificial intelligence and blockchain technologies and appraise their role in the development of financial technology.

Analyze the driving forces and legal challenges of Financial Technology in relation to crypto tokens, e-cash, money network, point-of-sale.

Demonstrate competency in the application of basic Business Information Systems relative to the internet, computers, software and databases.

Formulate the stages of basic information system implementation and critically analyse the related security and ethical issues.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Apply the theories and practices of organizational development in the analysis of its relation to behavioural and skills requirements for organizations such as banks.

Analyse the impact of the concepts of organisational culture, organizational climate and organizational strategies on how banks operate.

Differentiate the relationship between organizational development, business strategies and leadership styles in the banking context.

Apply the recommended steps to formulate effective strategies development, formulation, planning and implementation for small scope objectives in the banking context.

Use strategic instruments such as budgeting, management by objectives to evaluate and recommend solutions for sustainable business strategies.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Apply bank financial management concepts and principles to collate and conduct an in-depth analysis of banks and customers financial statements for control and informed decision making.

Apply the concept of the time value of money to appraise investments decisions in the banking context and act accordingly.

Use the principles of marketing to formulate strategies to engage internal and external banks customers in the digital age.

Select and use appropriate modern technological, technical and legal instruments to circumscribe, analyse and mitigate current banks risks.

Compare and contrast the types of leadership and apply leadership theories to evaluate the influence of each style on groups and employees' behaviour in various contexts.

Apply negotiation, conflict resolution and change management techniques in a simulated banking environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Analyse the impact of the changes in macroeconomic and microeconomic indicators on bank customer behaviour and operations.

Evaluate the role of the Reserve Bank monetary policy and government fiscal policy in shaping the South African economy.

Demonstrate the understanding of the types, functioning and role of the participants in financial markets, and analyse the influence of these markets on the banking system.

Select and use financial markets instruments effectively to solve markets participants problems within the legal and regulatory frameworks.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

Develop an appropriate research question and accompanying research objectives.

Compare and contrast quantitative, qualitative and mixed-method approaches.

Demonstrate the understanding of the ethical requirements, the ethical clearance process within the institution and assess the ethical challenges of research in the banking context.

Collect basic quantitative and qualitative data and conduct elementary data analysis using appropriate instruments.

Use appropriate language and business formats to present a research report/assignment according to the conventions of banking requirements.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

Prepare presentations and technical reports such as a portfolio of evidence using industry-relevant software packages, across a range of banking-based subjects for a variety of audiences.

Deliver oral communication fluently with the intended meaning being evident.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

An international comparison was conducted to determine the extent that the new qualification and subject structures compared with similar offerings at similar institutions. The international comparison exercise was conducted in terms of institutional requirements and guidelines which include the following: determining the scope of the benchmarking exercise; the selection of a variety of reputable Higher Education institutions internationally; the selection of comparable, reputable qualifications and aspects from these qualifications; analysis and evaluation of qualification design of the selected qualifications; conclusions and recommendations for curriculum renewal at the institution.

In terms of this qualification, the international comparison exercise was conducted with the purpose to find similar qualifications abroad with a duration of three years. However, the benchmarking revealed that International Universities also offer Diplomas in Banking, but for shorter periods. The international Institutions against which the qualification was compared are as follows:

Country: Malaysia
Institution: Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM)
Qualification Title: Diploma in Banking Studies
Purpose/Rationale:
The qualification prepares learners for the Bachelor qualification in the field of finance, banking and investment. This three-year qualification of six semesters covers a wide range of modules. It includes the study of banking management, finance, accounting, economics, marketing, management, mathematics and statistics, language and communication, information technology and legal foundations. This wide range of modules provides learners with the basis needed in addressing the challenges in the banking industry.

Qualification structure:
The qualification comprises of the following compulsory modules:
Compulsory Modules:
Year 1

Co-curriculum I.

Co-curriculum II.

Fundamentals of Islam.

Integrated Language Skills: Listening.

Introduction to Financial Accounting and Reporting.

Business Mathematics.

Fundamentals of Management.

Third Language I.

Third Language II.

Islamic Thought and Civilization.

Integrated Language Skills: Reading.

Microeconomics.

Fundamentals of Marketing.

Risk and Insurance.

Business and Communication.

Year 2

Co-curriculum III.

Fundamentals of Islamic Economics.

Integrated Language Skills: Writing.

Introduction of Statistics.

Macroeconomics.

Fundamentals of Finance.

Banking Operations.

Information Technology in Business.

Fundamentals of Islamic Banking.

Business Law.

Human Resource Management.

Financial Analysis.

Finance of International Trade.

Year 3

Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship.

Operations Management.

Investment Management.

International Banking.

Credit Management.

Legal Aspects and Ethics in Banking.

Comparison:
This institution was selected because it offers a Diploma in Banking Studies comparable to the South African qualification in terms of duration and content. Although the duration of these courses is shorter (2,5 years), they inform the new qualification with the main subjects, which is accounting, economics, information technology, marketing, and bank management (human resource, risks, ethics, law, finance). The core component of these qualifications is similar to the new qualification with the exception that all include mathematics and/or Investment Management and Entrepreneurship accompanied by groups of elective courses. The South African qualification adds many others such as leadership, corporate governance, Financial Technology, Digital Banking, Business Information Systems, organizational development, introduction to research in banking and work-based learning that are much needed in the current African environment.

Country: Spain
Institution: The Institute of Banking and Finance of Trinidad and Tobago
Qualification title: Diploma in Banking (DIB)
Entry requirements:

Five CXC/GCE Ordinary Level passes, including English Language and Mathematics or a Mathematics-related
subject, Grades I or II (Grade III accepted from 1998).

Up-to-date IBF membership subscription

Graduates without CAPE/GCE Advanced Level passes are also eligible for admission to the UWI St. Augustine to pursue an undergraduate degree in the Faculty of Social Sciences, including the BSc Banking and Finance. >Graduates who maintained a B+ average throughout the qualification are eligible for exemptions and credits within selected degree qualifications.
Purpose/Rationale:
The Diploma in Banking aims to supplement and expand knowledge of the banking profession. It is ideal for banking professionals, and anyone interested in a career within the banking sector. The qualification's content exposes learners to the fundamentals of Banking Practice, as well as other topics that include Customer Service, Business Communication, Human Resource Management, Marketing and Information Technology. The qualification is ideal for anyone with an interest in the Banking profession. However, it can be especially helpful for:

Persons without CAPE/GCE Advanced Level qualifications who want to pursue a university degree at the UWI.

Support staff interested to advance knowledge of the Banking industry.

Supervisors, team leaders, aspiring managers.

Gain admission to the UWI without Advanced Level qualifications.

Obtain an industry-recognized professional qualification that can improve opportunities for career advancement.

Increased technical knowledge of the Banking system and profession.

Qualification structure:
The qualification comprises the following compulsory eight modules:

Financial Analysis.

Monetary and Financial Systems.

Principles of Management.

Banking Practice: Operations/Banking Practice Lending/Finance of International Trade.

Human Resource Management.

Marketing Management.

Financial Management.

Information Technology.

Assessment:
Summative assessments in the form of examinations are held twice per year for one week in April and September.

Comparison:
The qualification described above is also a three-year Diploma at the same educational level and has similar theoretical content.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
Horizontal Articulation:

Diploma in Entrepreneurship, NQF Level 6.

Diploma in Business and Information Administration, NQF Level 6.

Diploma in Human Resource Management, NQF Level 6.

Diploma in Management, NQF Level 6.

Diploma in Marketing, NQF Level 6.

Diploma in Operations Management, NQF Level 6.

Diploma in Retail Business Management, NQF Level 6.

Advanced Certificate in Banking Services, NQF Level 6.

Vertical Articulation:

Advanced Diploma in Accounting, NQF Level 7.

Advanced Diploma in Business Management, NQF Level 7.

Advanced Diploma in Economics, NQF Level 7.

Bachelor of Commerce in Banking, NQF Level 7.

Bachelor of Business Administration in Banking, NQF Level 7.

Bachelor of Commerce: Business Management, NQF Level 7.

Bachelor of Commerce: Financial Management, NQF Level 7.

Bachelor of Business Management, NQF Level 7.

MODERATION OPTIONS

N/A

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

N/A

NOTES

N/A

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

NONE

PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION:

This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.

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