Financial Services Institute celebrates 15 new diploma graduates

The Cayman Islands Financial Services Institute (FSI) celebrated the achievements of 15 graduates at its third annual graduation ceremony, held on 3 November at the George Town Yacht Club.

The graduates completed either the International Financial Services Diploma or Cayman Compliance Diploma, two programmes designed to develop practical knowledge and professional skills relevant to the Cayman Islands financial services industry.

The ceremony was attended by the Honourable Rolston Anglin, Minister of Education and Training, who delivered keynote remarks, and Donnette Goddard, vice president of Institutional Advancement, Enrolment and Engagement at the International College of the Cayman Islands (ICCI), FSI’s educational partner. Premier Andre Ebanks was also in attendance to support.

The event marked another milestone for FSI, which has now recorded 52 diploma completions across its first three graduation cohorts, including 42 by Caymanians, representing approximately 81% of the total.

FSI founder and director Paul Byles highlighted the importance of creating accessible educational pathways into the financial services industry.

“When we established FSI, we recognised that not everyone follows the same educational or career path. We wanted to create another pathway that was practical, accessible and directly relevant to our largest industry,” Byles said.

“Three years later, we are seeing graduates use these qualifications to enter financial services, pursue promotions and take on greater responsibilities. Ultimately, our success should be measured not simply by the diplomas awarded, but by the opportunities we help create.”

The Ministry of Education and Training has supported Caymanian students through scholarships over the past three years, helping make the programmes more accessible.

Minister Anglin emphasised the importance of continuous professional development and congratulated graduates on their achievements.

“Upskilling our people is essential to ensuring Caymanians can take advantage of the opportunities available in our financial services industry,” Anglin said. “These graduates have demonstrated a commitment to investing in their futures, and I congratulate each of them. I also want to recognise the parents, families and others whose encouragement and support have helped them reach this important milestone.”

Goddard also congratulated the graduates and reaffirmed ICCI’s support for the Institute.

“We are immensely proud to be a partner of the Financial Services Institute, as they celebrate another remarkable year of graduation success,” she said. “As you enter the workforce backed by these esteemed credentials, remember to always lead with integrity, remain lifelong learners, and hold your heads high with pride.”

The ceremony also recognised outstanding academic performance. Valeska Alexander received the top student award for the International Financial Services Diploma and Aiza Rosal and D’Andra Jackson were joint top students in the Cayman Compliance Diploma programme.

Byles thanked the ministry, ICCI, participating employers and FSI’s lecturers for their continued support, while encouraging graduates to view their diplomas as another step in their professional development.

For more information visit the FSI website at www.caymanfsi.ky .