My Journey with Digital Frontiers Institute: A Student Perspective

My experience with the Digital Frontiers Institute (DFI) has been truly transformative. It all began in 2020 when the General Manager of Yemen Kuwait Bank (YKB) recommended that I investigate international institutes offering practical courses on the fintech industry and financial inclusion. He provided me with a brochure for DFI, highlighting how their programmes could help us develop a strategic plan for the bank. 

I remember my first conversation with Mr. Walter Murandu, DFI’s Sales Manager. His warm valuable insights into the programmes and courses offered by DFI set the stage for our journey. The Certificate in Digital Money (CIDM) and Leading Digital Money Markets (LDDM) courses were the first step of our learning experience, providing us with the knowledge and motivation needed to lead YKB towards digital transformation and strategic planning. 

Throughout my time with DFI, I have gained invaluable lessons that I am eager to share with fellow students and the wider audience. Firstly, setting personal goals before embarking on a course with DFI is crucial. This self-motivation and dedication to learning are essential for maximizing the benefits of the courses. Secondly, reflecting on and applying the knowledge gained from the courses to your organization and community is key. Sharing insights through articles, blogs, and social media platforms can further enrich your learning experience and benefit others. 

Lastly, the focus should not solely be on obtaining a certificate but on actively engaging with the course content and sharing your knowledge with others. As a student at DFI, maintaining a serious and motivated attitude is essential for personal growth and professional development.  

 

The Impact of DFI’s Courses on Bank Strategy  

Over the past three years, my involvement with YKB’s General Management and participation in DFI’s courses have significantly shaped our bank’s strategy towards digital transformation. This strategic shift has been pivotal in launching new products and services tailored to our customers’ needs. Launching ANA: A Milestone in Digital Banking and one of the standout innovations inspired by DFI’s courses is the creation of the self-registration platform.  

ANA is a groundbreaking platform in Yemen, enabling customers to effortlessly open bank accounts online. This platform not only simplifies the banking process for our customers but also sets a new standard in the digital banking landscape in Yemen. 

 

 ANA’s Role with PSPs 

The success of ANA has also paved the way for new business models, particularly in collaborating with Payment Services Providers (PSPs) in Yemen. By integrating ANA with PSPs, we are expanding our reach and enhancing the banking experience for our customers. 

I advise all my readers and the wider community to embrace the lessons from DFI and other digital learning platforms. There is immense potential to transform these learnings into innovative digital products and services that can revolutionise our community and beyond.  

 

By Ma’een Ahmed Alarasi
Mobile Money Dep. Manager at Yemen Kuwait Bank
DFI Brand Ambassador and Community Member 

Established in 2015, Digital Frontiers Institute is a proud brand of Digital Frontiers. Learn more about the Certified Digital Finance Practitioner (CDFP) programme and find out how to enrol: https://cdfp.digitalfrontiersinstitute.org/