IIBF Ethics in Banking study plan

Define the core ethical values of banking (integrity, objectivity, confidentiality, competence, fairness, transparency) and distinguish each from a related but different concept.

Explain how ethical values are applied in three concrete banking scenarios (e.g., handling a customer complaint, approving a loan, protecting data).

Identify the main ethical theories (utilitarianism, deontology, virtue ethics) and map each to a banking decision example.

List the key stakeholders in banking and describe their ethical expectations of a bank.

Self-assess your current understanding by writing a one-page summary of the ethical foundations without notes.

Analyze how ethical values influence governance structures (board responsibilities, ethical committees, tone at the top).

Compare ethical leadership vs. compliance-only leadership using two case examples.

Describe the role of an ethics officer and the process for developing a code of ethics.

Explain the concept of ethical culture and list three indicators of a weak ethical culture.

Create a checklist of ethical governance best practices for a bank.

Summarize the key commitments in a bank's code of conduct (e.g., conflicts of interest, gifts and hospitality, confidentiality, fair treatment).

Apply the code of conduct to resolve three ethical dilemmas involving customers, colleagues, and supervisors.

Explain customer service ethics principles: fairness, transparency, accessibility, and complaint handling.

Draft a response to a customer complaint that demonstrates ethical customer service.

Identify red flags of unethical sales practices and describe how to escalate them.

Explain ethical considerations in marketing and advertising of financial products (misleading claims, target audience, disclosure).

Analyze the ethical issues in credit assessment (fair lending, credit scoring, responsible lending, over-indebtedness).

Evaluate the ethics of product bundling and cross-selling practices.

Describe how to balance business development targets with ethical customer treatment.

Develop a set of ethical guidelines for a new loan product launch.

Identify unethical business practices in banking (e.g., mis-selling, hidden fees, discriminatory lending) and their consequences.

Explain the role of fair treatment of customers in business practices and its link to long-term profitability.

Apply a stakeholder analysis to a case of aggressive debt collection.

Describe how to conduct an ethical impact assessment for a new business initiative.

Propose three measures to embed ethics into performance incentives.

Outline the elements of an effective compliance program (risk assessment, policies, training, monitoring, enforcement).

Explain the difference between compliance and ethics and why both are necessary.

Describe the whistle-blowing process: channels, protections, and investigation procedures.

Analyze a whistle-blowing scenario and determine the appropriate steps for the reporter and the organization.

List common types of banking fraud and the ethical responsibilities of employees in fraud prevention.

Integrate ethical decision-making frameworks into fraud prevention and investigation processes.

Evaluate the ethical challenges in investigating suspected fraud (confidentiality, presumption of innocence, conflicts of interest).

Describe how to foster an ethical culture that encourages reporting without fear.

Review the connection between ethical foundations and effective governance.

Create a training module outline on ethics and fraud prevention for bank staff.

Synthesize all domains by completing a full-length practice exam under timed conditions.

Review incorrect answers and map each to the relevant domain and ethical concept.

Revisit weak areas using targeted summaries and flashcards.

Explain how the four domains interconnect in a real-world banking scenario.

Finalize a personal ethics reference sheet for quick recall.