As the summer comes to and end (well here in Scotland it certainly is) there have been a few things of note to report this week.
Cheques. Now some of you older bankers out there will, I am sure remember doing the debit clearing at the beginning of and end of the day. The daily balance was fun was it not? Checking each cheque to ensure that it was drawn properly. Yes, those were the days boys and girls. But not anymore!!!
A new APACS report into cheques shows:
- In 2006 cheque volumes declined at their fastest-ever rate
- Fewer than half of all adults received a personal cheque in the last year
- Cheques now represent just one in ten of all non-cash transactions
The number of cheques written by individuals has halved from 2.0 billion to 1.0 billion in the last ten years, according to a report launched on 30 August 2007 by APACS, the UK payments association.
Another interesting fact to emerge this week was that the Bank of England said yesterday that it had acted as lender of last resort for the second time this month, supplying almost £1.6 bn via it's standing facility. This is the 14th time this year that the facility has been used. I am sure that all students remember that lender of Last Resort is one of the functions of the Bank of England. It has been suggested that problems with the CREST settlement system may have been to blame this week.
Well what an overload of information that was and on a Friday too. No bank holiday this weekend in the UK I am afraid.Raymond is still on annual leave. I am sure that he is missing us all. I wonder if he is looking in at the blog while he is away. Hello there Raymond if you are.
Enough of this Friday morning madness. I wish you all a good weekend and whether you are Barbecuing in Balerno, Curling in Currie, Driving in Dalkeith or Singing in Sighthill
Have a good one.
Michael
Friday, 31 August 2007
Tuesday, 28 August 2007
Back to work
That's the bank holiday over then. Did you notice either on T.V. or Radio yesterday how many times bank holiday was mentioned? It must have really annoyed those folks who did not get the day off! I hope you all had a good one and are suitably refreshed and back in one piece. As someone once said any day you get home in one piece is a good day!
I have had a few communications regarding latest dates for assignments and examination enrolments. The big date is 1st September Yes, that is Friday of this week. Remember no excuses will be accepted after this date in respect of late assignments! There is a two week period of grace in respect of enrolments, however and there is a late fee of £ 50.00 payable after 1st September.
What assistance is the Institute providing in respect of these exams then ? If you click here
http://www.ciobs.org.uk/qualifications/downloads/Revision_Course_Timetable.pdf You will find details of the revision courses in respect of the Chartered Banker and Associateship examinations. These sessions are highly recommended are led by subject experts.
Revision Chat Rooms will also take place in the core subjects. Information on this can be found at http://www.ciobs.org.uk/qualifications/downloads/ChatRoom.pdf
I wish you well in your studies. Your subject tutors are there to assist you and please use them and remember that first exam is closer than you think! The hard work will pay off and by the end of the year you will be celebrating!
Speak to you later in the week.
Michael
Friday, 24 August 2007
Bank Holiday Weekend Reminders - Friday Frolics
It's Friday again and another bank holiday weekend. What are you doing this weekend? Here at CIOBS we are getting close to examination time for the Associateship and Chartered Banker examinations. This diet sees the end of the Associateship qualification and all students affected by this have been notified regarding their next move.
Examination enrolment in respect of the above closes on 1st September. Therefore 1 week to go till the closing date arrives.
Chartered Banker students. I am sure are aware that the 1st September is also the latest date for submission of your 1st assignment! If you wish to take advantage of the possibility of pass compensation then get those assignments to your tutor on time. No assignments received after this date will be accepted. Gosh! I am sounding so tough today! Let's have some Friday Frolics then.
Colin is still in the Bahamas, Raymond is getting ready to depart on his mystery tour. Will it be magical! I believe that Peter is in Dublin. Ah good old Dublin. If we have any bloggers over there in Ireland give us shout or even send a message. We would love to hear from you.
Regular bloggers might be expecting a bank holiday competition. Ah go on then as Mrs Doyle would say or is it Go on, Go on, Go on? ( I think she was talking about you Michael - Raymond)
Ha Ha good one Raymond. ( I think it is time you flew off)
The question is Name the banker played by Peter Barkworth in the1970's T.V. Drama Telford's Change. Clue it wasn't change! They don't make T.V. dramas about banking anymore!
Well then a good holiday to Raymond and a safe return for Colin and Peter.
Whether you are putting in Pitlochry, swimming at St.Andrews, golfing at Gullane or frollicking in Fife have a geat bank holiday weekend.
Michael ( not frollicking at the moment)
Examination enrolment in respect of the above closes on 1st September. Therefore 1 week to go till the closing date arrives.
Chartered Banker students. I am sure are aware that the 1st September is also the latest date for submission of your 1st assignment! If you wish to take advantage of the possibility of pass compensation then get those assignments to your tutor on time. No assignments received after this date will be accepted. Gosh! I am sounding so tough today! Let's have some Friday Frolics then.
Colin is still in the Bahamas, Raymond is getting ready to depart on his mystery tour. Will it be magical! I believe that Peter is in Dublin. Ah good old Dublin. If we have any bloggers over there in Ireland give us shout or even send a message. We would love to hear from you.
Regular bloggers might be expecting a bank holiday competition. Ah go on then as Mrs Doyle would say or is it Go on, Go on, Go on? ( I think she was talking about you Michael - Raymond)
Ha Ha good one Raymond. ( I think it is time you flew off)
The question is Name the banker played by Peter Barkworth in the1970's T.V. Drama Telford's Change. Clue it wasn't change! They don't make T.V. dramas about banking anymore!
Well then a good holiday to Raymond and a safe return for Colin and Peter.
Whether you are putting in Pitlochry, swimming at St.Andrews, golfing at Gullane or frollicking in Fife have a geat bank holiday weekend.
Michael ( not frollicking at the moment)
Tuesday, 21 August 2007
Summer Breeze or Autumn Wind
Hello folks I am back. What Raymond omitted to mention was some of those calls were from Elvis himself!
I am impressed that Colin is off to the Bahamas. His blog upon his return should be very interesting. He is a name dropper you know. He met Fiona Hyslop, the Education Minister at a function last weekend.
As Colin is getting brown in the Bahamas, Mr Brown departs on his annual leave at the end of the week. He will be turning pink in Pittenweem.
Seriously Raymond is not going to Pittenweem. He is going much further afield. Yes, Crail!No he is not. He is going to a secret location where his fans will not find him.
Tomorrow brings another Introductory day for Chartered Banker students.
Looking further ahead an Apex 1 revision session takes place on 10th and 11th September and Apex 5 on 24th and 25th September. There is an opportunity to sit the Apex 5/H2 exam on the afternoon of 25th September. This option is proving very popular and the success rate in the exam is very high!
As we move into Autumn time revision courses for the Associate and Chartered Banker exams are just around the corner as are chat room sessions . Details of all of these at http://www.ciobs.org.uk/qualifications/calendar.cfm#rcr
As always comments and suggestions regarding the blog are most welcome at mailto:support@ciobsacademy.org.uk Keep them coming folks we are always delighted to hear from you.
Michael (Not going Pink or Brown)
Friday, 17 August 2007
Please Don't Worry - Enjoy your Weekend
Hi folks,
I wasn't intending doing a blog today, but I've had 547 phone calls enquiring about Michael's mental health.
Can I just assure you that following his incoherent ramblings about Elvis, I have given Michael the day off!! He should be okay soon!
The latest audio-visual presentation has now gone on to the web - this is the 'Quick Tour' of the Chartered Banker. Have a look and see - it's exciting stuff (not joking by the way!).
http://cibsbreeze.ciobs.org.uk/cb/
Colin Morrison, our Deputy Chief Executive, is off to the Bahamas on business next week. He tells me he will be seeing the Governor General, a Mr Arthur Hanna, when he's there!
More importantly, the aforesaid Mr M is threatening to do a 'guest spot' on the blog. All, I can say, Colin, is BRING IT ON!! Can't wait.
Anyway, that's it for today's blog. Have a great weekend.
Raymond
I wasn't intending doing a blog today, but I've had 547 phone calls enquiring about Michael's mental health.
Can I just assure you that following his incoherent ramblings about Elvis, I have given Michael the day off!! He should be okay soon!
The latest audio-visual presentation has now gone on to the web - this is the 'Quick Tour' of the Chartered Banker. Have a look and see - it's exciting stuff (not joking by the way!).
http://cibsbreeze.ciobs.org.uk/cb/
Colin Morrison, our Deputy Chief Executive, is off to the Bahamas on business next week. He tells me he will be seeing the Governor General, a Mr Arthur Hanna, when he's there!
More importantly, the aforesaid Mr M is threatening to do a 'guest spot' on the blog. All, I can say, Colin, is BRING IT ON!! Can't wait.
Anyway, that's it for today's blog. Have a great weekend.
Raymond
Thursday, 16 August 2007
Blog me tender
Sometimes blogging can be dangerous. You must be careful not to upset anyone or indeed libel any person living or dead! Today cannot pass without a mention of the King. Now I know most of you are thinking of Raymond Pressley Brown or Steven Elvis Pressley or even Elvis Costello. However it is 30 years today that Elvis Presley passed away. ( Oh at last Michael you have moved on from Bob Dylan!)
Did Elvis ever visit CIOBS or indeed was he a member at any stage ? The records have been checked and it appears he was not a member. There have been many sightings of him over the years of course. Did he ever attend a CIOBS event under an assumed name? If you think that you may have attended a course with Elvis please let us know? Jackie Hay of CIOBS is not allowed to enter this competition!
This week's courses were well attended and some students have been sitting exams here at CIOBS congratulations to all successful candidates.
A very happy birthday from all at CIOBS to Madonna 49 today. Her application is being processed. I think she fancies a change of career.
I am certain that there are some other snippets that we must know about and I am sure that that Raymond has a few exclusives up his sleeve ! Raymond over to you. Raymond are you there? Raymond.
Oh well Raymond is not responding!
Between you and I. Raymond did tell me that after his visit to the Police College last week he has received the following feedback"The presentation was excellent and your presentation skills are 1st class. However, the presentation could have been pitched at a slightly higher level"
Raymond tells me he will do his next presentation on stilts!!!! But will he charge a higher fee?
Up up and away
Michael
Did Elvis ever visit CIOBS or indeed was he a member at any stage ? The records have been checked and it appears he was not a member. There have been many sightings of him over the years of course. Did he ever attend a CIOBS event under an assumed name? If you think that you may have attended a course with Elvis please let us know? Jackie Hay of CIOBS is not allowed to enter this competition!
This week's courses were well attended and some students have been sitting exams here at CIOBS congratulations to all successful candidates.
A very happy birthday from all at CIOBS to Madonna 49 today. Her application is being processed. I think she fancies a change of career.
I am certain that there are some other snippets that we must know about and I am sure that that Raymond has a few exclusives up his sleeve ! Raymond over to you. Raymond are you there? Raymond.
Oh well Raymond is not responding!
Between you and I. Raymond did tell me that after his visit to the Police College last week he has received the following feedback"The presentation was excellent and your presentation skills are 1st class. However, the presentation could have been pitched at a slightly higher level"
Raymond tells me he will do his next presentation on stilts!!!! But will he charge a higher fee?
Up up and away
Michael
Friday, 10 August 2007
Blog, Blog and Thrice Blog
Hi all,
Welcome to the latest edition of our blog!
Hopefully you are all well and looking forward to a well-deserved weekend break. I certainly am - both well and looking forward to a break, I mean - well deserved or otherwise!
This week has been quite varied, with a number of internal meetings taking place. On Tuesday, though, I was helping HM Constabulary with their enquiries!! No, not for masquerading as a professional podcaster or journalist (given some of my recent activities!). I was actually giving a lecture at the Scottish Police College in Tulliallan as part of their Financial Investigator's Course. That was my fourth appearance, but fortunately I wasn't remanded in custody.
Michael mentioned my little article in Scottish Banker - I hope you've read it! Well, as always the article wasn't printed as it was written - editorial licence is a powerful thing and they didn't half cut it back and totally edited any fragment of light-heartedness. Not a happy chappy on that one!!
Anyway, apart from that, I've been working on Revision Notes for the new edition of our UK Financial Services, Regulations & Ethics module (due to go to the printers next week), so that keeps me out of mischief - not!
Next week we have the ApEx 5 course and an Introductory Course on Wednesday, so they should be fun (for Michael and I at least!!). Talking about the the lovely and talented Mr Downey, he's having a day off today, so hopefully he and you will enjoy the weekend.
Speak to you soon!
Raymond
Welcome to the latest edition of our blog!
Hopefully you are all well and looking forward to a well-deserved weekend break. I certainly am - both well and looking forward to a break, I mean - well deserved or otherwise!
This week has been quite varied, with a number of internal meetings taking place. On Tuesday, though, I was helping HM Constabulary with their enquiries!! No, not for masquerading as a professional podcaster or journalist (given some of my recent activities!). I was actually giving a lecture at the Scottish Police College in Tulliallan as part of their Financial Investigator's Course. That was my fourth appearance, but fortunately I wasn't remanded in custody.
Michael mentioned my little article in Scottish Banker - I hope you've read it! Well, as always the article wasn't printed as it was written - editorial licence is a powerful thing and they didn't half cut it back and totally edited any fragment of light-heartedness. Not a happy chappy on that one!!
Anyway, apart from that, I've been working on Revision Notes for the new edition of our UK Financial Services, Regulations & Ethics module (due to go to the printers next week), so that keeps me out of mischief - not!
Next week we have the ApEx 5 course and an Introductory Course on Wednesday, so they should be fun (for Michael and I at least!!). Talking about the the lovely and talented Mr Downey, he's having a day off today, so hopefully he and you will enjoy the weekend.
Speak to you soon!
Raymond
Wednesday, 8 August 2007
Festival Fun Time
As the city of Edinburgh enjoys fine weather today the festival is in full swing. However here at CIOBS our very own event the Apex 1 revision days on Monday and Tuesday was attended by 12 students. Some fringe shows will have a smaller attendance!
Next week sees the Apex 5 Revision session on Monday and Tuesday. I am advised that there are still a couple of tickets. Oops I mean places available on this one. Please contact Gillian Muir at this office on 0131 473 7796 to book your place. Booking closes on Friday and there will be no Matinee performances.
The Apex 2 show, I mean revision session is scheduled for August 20th and 21st. Ticket sales on this are rather slow at the moment with a risk of cancellation. There is only a short time left to book your place on this one. Once again please contact Gillian.
It's Scottish Banker magazine time again and the latest edition will be with you shortly. Some nice pictures as always and it has a newness about it with our new Chief Executive and new President both featured on the cover.
Inside there is one article that I must mention. Written by our very own Raymond Brown. You can find this article entitled "CIOBS Academy Update" on pages 31 and 32. This wonderful article follows on from Raymond's other recent success as a podcaster. What will he do next?
I was looking at our website earlier and in particular the chat room/forum section this is always worth a look, particularly for students. Please have a look at the online support section of our website. http://www.ciobs.org.uk/ You will of course be required to sign in.
Well it's time to tread the boards once again. Ah the roar of the greasepaint and the smell of the crowd and not forgetting the banter.
Break a leg
Michael
Next week sees the Apex 5 Revision session on Monday and Tuesday. I am advised that there are still a couple of tickets. Oops I mean places available on this one. Please contact Gillian Muir at this office on 0131 473 7796 to book your place. Booking closes on Friday and there will be no Matinee performances.
The Apex 2 show, I mean revision session is scheduled for August 20th and 21st. Ticket sales on this are rather slow at the moment with a risk of cancellation. There is only a short time left to book your place on this one. Once again please contact Gillian.
It's Scottish Banker magazine time again and the latest edition will be with you shortly. Some nice pictures as always and it has a newness about it with our new Chief Executive and new President both featured on the cover.
Inside there is one article that I must mention. Written by our very own Raymond Brown. You can find this article entitled "CIOBS Academy Update" on pages 31 and 32. This wonderful article follows on from Raymond's other recent success as a podcaster. What will he do next?
I was looking at our website earlier and in particular the chat room/forum section this is always worth a look, particularly for students. Please have a look at the online support section of our website. http://www.ciobs.org.uk/ You will of course be required to sign in.
Well it's time to tread the boards once again. Ah the roar of the greasepaint and the smell of the crowd and not forgetting the banter.
Break a leg
Michael
Friday, 3 August 2007
Pure Quality by the way
Ah come on now. We all think that Raymond is being rather modest. Have you listened to the Podcast? If not I would highly recommend it. Well done to both Raymond and Simon. As a Glaswegian I would say Pure Quality by the way! and I am told that it was digitally recorded - pure class or what?
I was asked if it was me playing the guitar in the intro. The answer is no, however in future Podcasts I might sing. ( No you won't ...... Raymond) Or maybe Bob Dylan might make an appearance. ( No he won't .......Bob Dylan)
Best wishes to Simon our Chief Executive and to Aneta who are due to be married in Poland tomorrow.
As it Friday some students are passing this way at Drumsheugh doing the online examinations. Good Luck one and all or "ane an a" as we say at New Year.
Those of you who are studying the subject " Financial Crime" will be delighted to know that the assignment is now available. At present it is not available on the website, but this will happen during the week commencing 10th August 2007. If you wish a copy of this then please contact: Gillian Muir, Senior Customer Support Officer here at CIOBS on 0131 473 7796 or email her at: Gillian@ciobs.org.uk
Monday and Tuesday of next week sees an Apex 1 revision course taking please here with 12 attendees from 6 different organisations coming along.
The following week brings the Apex 5 Revision course on the Monday and Tuesday. There are still a couple of spaces on this one. Please contact Gillian for more information.
Another week comes to an end and I hope it has been kind to you.
Enjoy the weekend and as an old boss of mine used to say " I will see you all next week suitably refreshed"
Have a good one.
Michael
I was asked if it was me playing the guitar in the intro. The answer is no, however in future Podcasts I might sing. ( No you won't ...... Raymond) Or maybe Bob Dylan might make an appearance. ( No he won't .......Bob Dylan)
Best wishes to Simon our Chief Executive and to Aneta who are due to be married in Poland tomorrow.
As it Friday some students are passing this way at Drumsheugh doing the online examinations. Good Luck one and all or "ane an a" as we say at New Year.
Those of you who are studying the subject " Financial Crime" will be delighted to know that the assignment is now available. At present it is not available on the website, but this will happen during the week commencing 10th August 2007. If you wish a copy of this then please contact: Gillian Muir, Senior Customer Support Officer here at CIOBS on 0131 473 7796 or email her at: Gillian@ciobs.org.uk
Monday and Tuesday of next week sees an Apex 1 revision course taking please here with 12 attendees from 6 different organisations coming along.
The following week brings the Apex 5 Revision course on the Monday and Tuesday. There are still a couple of spaces on this one. Please contact Gillian for more information.
Another week comes to an end and I hope it has been kind to you.
Enjoy the weekend and as an old boss of mine used to say " I will see you all next week suitably refreshed"
Have a good one.
Michael
Thursday, 2 August 2007
***Exclusive*** The BIG Interview ***Exclusive***
Hi everyone,
SPECIAL EDITION
As Michael alluded to recently, I've been working on a little podcast project.
The mission, which I chose to accept , was to produce a podcast interview with our new Chief Executive, Simon Thompson (no pressure there, then!).
Anyway, here it is. Overall, I'm quite pleased with it - there are a few imperfections which can be eradicated for the future (it's not exactly Abbey Music Recording Studios, you know!!), but in this trial run, there is sufficient hope for the future!!
The main thing in any case is the content and you have one of the first chances to hear the thoughts of the new Chief Executive. So listen up or I'll be sending the heavy mob round (sorry, I can't be more specific than that!).
Seriously, I hope you find it of great interest. Let us know!
Raymond
http://www.ciobs.org.uk/qualifications/podcasts/Simon%20Thompson%20-%20Chief%20Executive%20Interview.mp3
SPECIAL EDITION
As Michael alluded to recently, I've been working on a little podcast project.
The mission, which I chose to accept , was to produce a podcast interview with our new Chief Executive, Simon Thompson (no pressure there, then!).
Anyway, here it is. Overall, I'm quite pleased with it - there are a few imperfections which can be eradicated for the future (it's not exactly Abbey Music Recording Studios, you know!!), but in this trial run, there is sufficient hope for the future!!
The main thing in any case is the content and you have one of the first chances to hear the thoughts of the new Chief Executive. So listen up or I'll be sending the heavy mob round (sorry, I can't be more specific than that!).
Seriously, I hope you find it of great interest. Let us know!
Raymond
http://www.ciobs.org.uk/qualifications/podcasts/Simon%20Thompson%20-%20Chief%20Executive%20Interview.mp3
Wednesday, 1 August 2007
Welcome, Welcome and Welcome
Well it is Wednesday again and the theme today is welcome. Welcome to the new month of August. May I be the first to point out that there are only 145 shopping days till Christmas. Let's get things moving early this year!!! I am sure it will not be long until someone spots the first Christmas tree or decorations.
To those of you who are sitting Chartered Banker examinations or indeed the final Associateship examinations this Autumn, there is a more important date. Yes, 1st September 2007, the closing date for examination entry. Late entries will be accepted until 15th September 2007, however a late fee of £ 50.00 is payable after 1st September.
Here at CIOBS, we welcome Leanne Hogg our new member of staff. Leanne joined the Customer Support Team on Monday as a Customer Support Officer. I am sure that many of you will have dealings with Leanne in the future.
Also in the Customer Support Team Congratulations to Gillian Muir who has been promoted to Senior Customer Support Officer. I am sure that Gillian will not mind me saying that she has been here for a wee while! Many of you have dealt with Gillian during her "wee while" at CIOBS.
There are still a few places available on the Apex 5 Revision days on 13th and 14th August and the Apex 2 days on 20th and 21st August 2007. Please contact Gillian Muir, Senior Customer Support Officer on 0131 473 7796 for further details on these.
As the theme today is welcome I must say that we always welcome your comments, suggestions, compliments etc! Please keep these coming. Myself and Raymond are always delighted to hear from you.
A warm Welcome to all new bloggers.
Michael
To those of you who are sitting Chartered Banker examinations or indeed the final Associateship examinations this Autumn, there is a more important date. Yes, 1st September 2007, the closing date for examination entry. Late entries will be accepted until 15th September 2007, however a late fee of £ 50.00 is payable after 1st September.
Here at CIOBS, we welcome Leanne Hogg our new member of staff. Leanne joined the Customer Support Team on Monday as a Customer Support Officer. I am sure that many of you will have dealings with Leanne in the future.
Also in the Customer Support Team Congratulations to Gillian Muir who has been promoted to Senior Customer Support Officer. I am sure that Gillian will not mind me saying that she has been here for a wee while! Many of you have dealt with Gillian during her "wee while" at CIOBS.
There are still a few places available on the Apex 5 Revision days on 13th and 14th August and the Apex 2 days on 20th and 21st August 2007. Please contact Gillian Muir, Senior Customer Support Officer on 0131 473 7796 for further details on these.
As the theme today is welcome I must say that we always welcome your comments, suggestions, compliments etc! Please keep these coming. Myself and Raymond are always delighted to hear from you.
A warm Welcome to all new bloggers.
Michael
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