The aim of the HBI professional education and training activities identifies with the statutory goal of the HBA to support the modernization and competitiveness of banks through the continuous development of their human resources. For this reason, in addition to providing training courses, the Institute also engages in publications, studies and partnerships with related agencies in Greece and abroad.

The HBA launched its training activity in 1986 by creating a Training Division, which was soon upgraded to the "HBA Training Centre" and, since 1999, to the "Hellenic Banking Institute".

Milestones
 

Since its establishment, the Training Division was accredited by the National Accreditation Authority (EKEPIS) as a Center of Vocational Training. Currently it has evolved into a Center of Lifelong Learning Level One accredited by the National Organisation for the Certification of Qualifications and Vocational Guidance (EOPPEP).

In 1991 it became a founding member of the European Bank Training Network (EBTN - today European Banking & Financial Services Training Association), which currently represents 45 banking institutes from Europe and all over the world.

Since 2005 the HBI has been actively involved in the decision-making bodies of EBTN, thus contributing to the formulation of European positions on issues related to professional qualifications, accreditation and certification in vocational education and training for the banking and financial services sector.

 
 
In 1999 the HBA Board of Education was created as the top policy-making body for interbank professional education and training. Its members are the Directors of Training and/or HR Divisions of HBA member banks.
 
 

Since 2005 the HBI training services are being provided in an integrated and systematic way, according to a Training System that includes all the levels and fields corresponding to the individual activities of universal banking.

In 2006 the HBI introduced in Greece the European Foundation Certificate in Banking (EFCB), the first paneuropean certificate of studies for the banking sector, co-signed by EBTN. The especially designed training programme and the three-volume textbook "Foundation Banking Studies" - which support the examination procedure - constitute a valid, integrated training proposition for bank employees (existing and prospective).
In 2006 the HBI also launched a series of textbooks, aiming at improving the effectiveness of its training courses, supporting examination procedures, and diffusing knowledge in sector-specific issues.
 
 
In 2005 the HBI was accredited by the competent Committee of the Greek Ministry of Development as a provider of training on issues of insurance intermediation. In 2008 the same Committee accredited the HBI also as an examination centre for bank employees seeking to acquire the mandatory certification for the provision of bancassurance services. The HBI successfully managed this activity until May 2011, when the supervision of private insurance (along with the related certification procedure) was transferred to the Bank of Greece. Between 2008 and 2011 the HBI examination centre hosted 5,126 candidates.
In 2006, by joint Decision of the Bank of Greece and the Hellenic Capital Market Commission regarding the certification of bank employees providing investment services, the HBI was accredited as a provider of certification seminars for “reception and transmission of orders”. By the same Decision, the HBI was also accredited as the examination centre for bank employees seeking to acquire all the mandatory certificates provided for in the Decision and corresponding all individual functions in the provision of investment services.
 
 
Among various co-operations between the HBI and Greek universities it is worth noting the one with the University of the Aegean, launched in 1986, that established the institution of students' summer practice in bank branches.
The Institute has participated in the elaboration of a programme of postgraduate studies in banking for the Hellenic Open University, launched in 1998.
Having already elaborated and implemented the first integrated Train the Trainers course in Greece with the blended learning method, the HBI made a decisive contribution in the elaboration of the national training course for the certification of all VET trainers in the country (2003).
 
 
The Institute was the principal provider of training on the introduction of the euro to a large number of bank employees during the three years of Greece's preparation (5,542 trainees from all over the country). At the same time it organized, on its own initiative, awareness-raising seminars in many Greek cities.
With its special know-how on distance learning, the HBI became, in 1996, the first training provider to offer courses with this method, thus giving valuable learning opportunities to bank employees working in branches throughout Greece.
In 2014 the HBI turned a new leaf by providing e-learning services. More specifically, asynchronous seminars through the internet – webinars – are offered, which include videotaped lecture with synchronized PowerPoint presentation, interactive tests, supporting material and useful links for those who wish to learn more on the subject at hand. Webinars offer trainees the ability to choose their own time and place for learning, while being a modern and effective solution for training large numbers of participants irrespective of their location.
 
 
Since 1998 the HBI has participated in numerous international, EU and national projects and initiatives for the provision of training know-how, programmes and publications to countries abroad, such as FYROM, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, Cyprus and Georgia.
In 2004 the HBI organized the 57th International Banking Summer School with remarkable success. Its most topical subject (Credit risk management and regulation), a team of distinguished guest speakers from all over the world, and an administration matching international standards attracted a large number of middle and senior bank executives from 30 countries, that gained highly specialized knowledge and made the best out of a valuable networking opportunity.
The provision of training services to countries of the Balkan and Black Sea region is one of the main HBI aims. In 2006 the member countries of the Interbalkan Forum of Banking Associations, founded by the HBA, signed a memorandum for regular cooperation on issues related to professional education and training for the banking sector.
In 2013 a Memorandum of Co-operation was signed between the HBI and the Egyptian Banking Institute (EBI) for the joint provision of training in Cairo, addressed to the Egyptian financial services sector personnel. The co-operation is successfully continuing to this day.
In 2014 a Memorandum of Co-operation was signed between the HBI and the Association of Banks in Lebanon for the joint provision of training in Beirut, addressed to the Lebanese financial services sector personnel. The co-operation is successfully continuing to this day.