IIBF Certified Information System Banker study plan

Map the banking technology stack end to end: branch server, core banking solution (CBS), middleware, channels, and interfaces, and explain what each layer does.

Distinguish core banking modules (CASA, loans, trade finance, treasury, GL) and describe how a transaction posts across them.

Define IT governance frameworks (COBIT-style control objectives, board and IT strategy committee roles) and list the three lines of defence in a bank.

Outline the RBI-style regulatory expectations an IS auditor tests against: IT governance, IS audit frequency, and reporting lines.

Compare delivery channels (ATM, POS, internet banking, mobile banking, branch, call centre, API) by risk, availability need, and customer authentication model.

Explain straight-through processing, host-to-host integration, and reconciliation controls between channels and CBS.

Trace one end-to-end transaction (mobile transfer to another bank) through switch, CBS, and payment network, naming the control at each hop.

Identify common CBS implementation risks: data migration, parallel run, parameterisation, and user acceptance testing.

Classify threats and controls across the CIA triad for banking systems, with at least two bank-specific examples per element.

Explain authentication, authorisation, and access control models (RBAC, maker-checker, least privilege) and where each applies in CBS.

Describe cryptography in banking use: PKI, digital signatures, TLS, HSM key management, and card data protection.

Summarise network security layers (firewall, IDS/IPS, DMZ, segmentation, WAF) and how each protects a bank's perimeter and internal zones.

Explain cyber security programme elements: SOC, SIEM, vulnerability management, patch management, threat intelligence, and incident response lifecycle.

Describe social engineering, phishing, and insider threat scenarios in banking and the preventive and detective controls for each.

Outline IS audit process: planning, risk assessment, scoping, evidence, sampling, testing techniques (CAAT), and reporting.

Distinguish IS audit from statutory audit and explain the auditor's role in IT governance and regulatory reporting.

Define business continuity and disaster recovery terms: RTO, RPO, BIA, recovery strategy, and alternate site.

Design a BIA for a critical banking service and derive RTO and RPO from it.

Explain IT service management processes (incident, problem, change, configuration, capacity) and how they reduce operational risk.

Describe DR testing approaches and why evidence of tested recovery matters to regulators.

Assess outsourcing and vendor risk lifecycle: due diligence, contract clauses, service levels, monitoring, exit strategy, and concentration risk.

Explain materiality of outsourced services and the bank's responsibility for outsourced activities.

Identify third-party risks: cloud, data localisation, subcontracting, and access to bank systems.

Build a vendor risk scorecard covering security, resilience, financial strength, and compliance.

Explain payment system architecture: RTGS, NEFT-style batch, IMPS-style instant, UPI-style overlay, card networks, and settlement mechanics.

Describe digital banking channels and their risk controls: onboarding, KYC, e-signature, and transaction limits.

Explain emerging technologies in banking (cloud, AI/ML, blockchain, open banking APIs, tokenisation) with one control concern each.

Trace a card transaction through authorisation, clearing, and settlement, naming the parties.

Consolidate weak areas using a self-assessment against all five domains and rank topics by confidence.

Practice scenario-based questions that combine domains, such as a cyber incident that triggers BCP and regulatory reporting.

Recite key definitions, frameworks, and regulatory terms without notes.

Build a one-page cheat sheet of numbers, roles, and acronyms to review on exam day.