AnyTime News 
Anytime News Network The Indian Institute of Banking & Finance (IIBF), India’s premier institution for education, training and certification in the banking and financial services sector, today inaugurated its new Professional Development Centre (PDC) in Lucknow, marking a significant milestone in its national expansion strategy. The initiative is aimed at strengthening professional excellence and capacity building in the banking and finance ecosystem, particularly across Northern India.
The state-of-the-art centre, located at Vibhuti Khand, Gomti Nagar, was inaugurated by Dr. Debadatta Chand, Managing Director & CEO, Bank of Baroda, in the presence of Mr. Biswa Ketan Das, Chief Executive Officer, IIBF. The ceremony was attended by senior officials from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), NABARD, leading public and private sector banks, as well as eminent representatives from academia and industry.
The Lucknow PDC will serve as a hub for executive development programmes, professional certification courses, workshops, and seminars across banking, finance and allied domains. Equipped with modern infrastructure, advanced digital learning tools and experienced faculty, the centre is designed to deliver future-ready, industry-aligned learning experiences for banking and finance professionals.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Debadatta Chand underscored IIBF’s pivotal role in nurturing professionally competent bankers through structured training and certification. He emphasized the growing influence of technology-driven innovation, AI, Machine Learning and FinTech, alongside improved customer onboarding and experience in shaping the future of banking. He also highlighted the continued relevance of traditional banking principles, a strong understanding of Law & Practice of Banking, and the increasing importance of ESG considerations and sustainable finance.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Biswa Ketan Das, CEO, IIBF, stated that the Lucknow Centre aligns seamlessly with IIBF’s vision of promoting continuous professional development and expanding access to high-quality training and capacity building. He noted that the Lucknow Centre is the sixth in the series of new IIBF centres, with upcoming centres planned in Bengaluru and IFSC GIFT City, reinforcing IIBF’s global aspirations.
The IIBF Lucknow Centre is expected to play a transformative role in skilling and upskilling banking and finance professionals across Uttar Pradesh and neighboring regions, contributing significantly to inclusive growth and regional economic development.
The event was also graced by Shri Shailendra Kumar Singh (General Manager, Bank of Baroda & SLBC Convener), Shri Pankaj Kumar (Chief General Manager, NABARD), Dr. Nirupam Mehrotra (Director, BIRD), Shri Yadav S Thakur (Chairman, UP Grameen Bank), Ms. Shefali Agarwal (Chief General Manager, NABARD Staff College) and Shri Jay Kumar Gupta (General Manager, SIDBI).
