The 2025 Foundation was established in 2016 to support social mobility goals, talent pipelines and community engagement. Through supporting the next generation to recognise and fulfil their potential, the Foundation aligns with the original aims of the Chartered Banker Institute: the promotion of education and development of young bankers entering the profession. We currently support two key initiatives, Smart Futures and the Robertson Trust.
The Chartered Banker Institute and EY Foundation Smart Futures programme supports young people by helping them to pursue a career within banking and finance.
Smart Futures is a two-week employability programme for young people from low-income backgrounds which runs during the Easter and Summer school holidays. Participants take part in workshops to build their skills and confidence, complete a module in responsible banking and undertake a three-day business experience placement, providing an opportunity to put new skills into action, solve real business challenges and bring fresh perspectives to participating employers.
Following the success of a pilot programme in 2021, the Chartered Banker Institute has funded places for young people on programmes for both Easter and Summer 2022/2023.
We also support the Robertson Trust, under a matched-funding agreement. We are currently supporting university undergraduate students who are at various stages of their studies.
The students are studying finance related degrees at universities in Scotland. Each student receives annual funding from the Foundation, together with mentoring support and access to Institute resources. This support is in place for the four years of their degree.