The US bank and Hong Kong university are launching the 12th banking course since starting the programme in 2004.

US-banking giant Citigroup is launching the latest of its annual banking courses in partnership with the University of Hong Kong. The 12th Citibank University Banking Course will run from January to April 2016. 

This year, almost 200 applications were received with 48 applicants admitted following the interview process. Participants comprise students from the Faculty of Business and Economics, and non-FBE students pursuing a major or minor offered by the FBE.

Such a course is an example of how banks in Asia and other regions are battling to develop a pipeline of talent to keep pace with demand. (To view a list of courses aimed specifically at wealth management and private banking professionals, or those seeking to enter the business, click here.)

Established in 2004, the course introduces students to key elements of banking through classroom lectures taught by senior bankers from Citi. The programme is updated each year. Since launch, more than 500 university students in Hong Kong have attended the course.

This year's modules include an introduction to consumer, commercial, corporate and investment banking; marketing and branding; wealth management products and advisory services; fund administration and servicing; digital banking; risk management; secured and unsecured lending, and treasury and trade solutions. 

The Faculty of Business and Economics (FBE) at the University of Hong Kong operates a full-time MBA programme, offered in partnerships with Columbia Business School and London Business School. It also offers an EMBA Global Asia programme, jointly with CBS and LBS, for globally-focused senior executives and professionals.