Financial services is becoming an increasingly complex world - and not just for its customers. The Institute of Bankers has now joined forced with the Securities and Investment Institute (Ireland) to provide certificate courses for industry professionals.

The new certificates in investment management and in regulation are currently enrolling students. Registration closes on October 26th, and the course, which runs in a series of modules, will commence shortly after.

Students will take about a year to complete their studies by way of evening classes at the Institute of Bankers' North Wall Quay premises in the heart of the International Financial Services Centre. The course is aimed at individuals working at the coalface of the fund management and stockbroking businesses.

"There is a general sense that, with increasing complexity in the industry, people can benefit from structured learning alongside their day-to-day work," said Dr Diarmuid Bradley, head of the school of professional finance at the Institute of Bankers.

"Fund management and private client asset management have experienced significant growth in Ireland, and attractive career opportunities are available," said Brian Weber, president of the Securities and Investment Institute.

"This programme promotes continuous professional development of investment management professionals."

He said the course would equip students with the professional knowledge and skills necessary to develop successfully as leaders within what is a dynamic and exciting industry.

Dr Anthony Walsh, chief executive of the Institute of Bankers in Ireland, said: "We are delighted to have partnered with the Securities and Investment Institute (Ireland) in putting in place a course that is both relevant and rigorous, and that links the classroom and workplace by combining the best in industry practice with the highest educational standards."

The institute runs 36 courses across the range of financial services, including an MBA programme run in association with UCD.