Trust, ethical leadership and the future of Botswana’s financial services sector took centre stage at the 2026 Botswana Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF) Compliance and Governance Conference, sponsored by Stanbic Bank Botswana. The gathering also marked a significant moment for Stanbic Bank Botswana Chief Executive, Chose Modise, as he reflected on the progress made during his tenure as BIBF Council Chairperson, a role he concludes this year.
Held from 15 to 16 October 2026 under the theme, “Building Trust, Enhancing Security & Advancing Accountability in Botswana’s Financial and Digital Economy”, the conference brought together financial institutions, regulators and industry professionals to examine emerging risks, strengthen governance practices and explore opportunities for greater industry collaboration. The gathering also provided an opportunity to reflect on BIBF’s progress in strengthening professional standards and developing the skills required to support Botswana’s evolving financial services sector.
Guided by the BIBF 2023–2028 Strategic Plan, the Institute has expanded its academic offerings, strengthened institutional capacity and established partnerships to support professional development. Among the key achievements has been the introduction and expansion of qualifications in international finance and banking, chartered accountancy, forensic accounting, banking and financial services, and management development. These programmes have broadened opportunities for local professionals to acquire specialised skills while responding to the changing demands of the banking and finance industry.
BIBF has also recorded improvements in its financial and governance performance, achieving three consecutive clean audit opinions and revenue growth of approximately 20% over two years. The Institute has strengthened its leadership structure through the appointment of a Director of Academics, Head of Business Development and HR Business Partner, enhancing its capacity to deliver on strategic priorities and support the continued growth of its programmes and services.
Reflecting on the Institute’s progress, Stanbic Bank Botswana Chief Executive and BIBF Council Chairperson, Chose Modise, acknowledged the collective contribution of the Council, management, staff and member institutions in advancing BIBF’s mandate.
“None of this is the work of one person. It belongs to the full collective of Council members, to the BIBF Chief Executive and a dedicated team, and to every member institution that sends its people to learn and to lead,” said Modise
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Another area of progress has been the expansion of BIBF’s strategic partnerships with institutions including the Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority (BOCRA), Botswana Institute of Chartered Accountants (BICA), Chartered Management Institute and Chartered Banker Institute. These collaborations have supported the development of specialised training, professional certifications and knowledge-sharing opportunities in areas such as cybersecurity, data protection, financial governance and professional leadership.
The Institute has also strengthened its position as a platform for industry dialogue and thought leadership. Through initiatives such as the Data Protection Conferences of 2024 and 2025, executive masterclasses on artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, and the 2026 Compliance and Governance Conference, BIBF has created opportunities for financial services professionals to engage on emerging challenges and strengthen industry standards. Its work has also extended to public financial education through partnerships with BA ISAGO University and the Bank of Botswana, broadening public engagement on monetary policy and financial literacy.
These achievements provided an important backdrop to this year’s conference, which focused on the growing relationship between trust, security and accountability in an increasingly digital financial environment. As financial transactions become faster and more interconnected, institutions face growing pressure to address sophisticated financial crime, protect customer information and manage the risks associated with emerging technologies. The discussions highlighted the importance of strong governance, ethical decision-making and continuous professional development in maintaining confidence in Botswana’s financial system.
“Banking is, before anything else, a business of trust. Compliance and governance are how we keep that promise. They are not back-office functions. They are the foundation on which every client relationship, every product and every growth ambition is built,” said Modise.
As he approaches the conclusion of his tenure as Council Chairperson, Modise shared his vision for a banking profession defined by continuous learning, strong ethical standards and greater collaboration across institutions. Central to this vision is the development of local expertise in areas such as forensic accounting, cybersecurity, data protection and artificial intelligence, ensuring Botswana’s financial services sector has the capabilities required to respond to emerging risks and support future economic opportunities.
“I see an industry that competes hard on service, but stands together on integrity, on skills and on the financial wellbeing of every Motswana,” he added.
The Institute’s progress comes at a significant time for Botswana as the country marks 60 years of Independence and advances its economic diversification agenda through the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme. The successful delivery of national development priorities will depend, in part, on a financial services sector equipped with the professional expertise to assess risks, structure financing, manage capital responsibly and support investment across emerging industries.
For Stanbic Bank Botswana, the continued development of strong financial institutions and skilled professionals is closely linked to the Bank’s ability to serve its clients, support businesses and contribute to sustainable economic growth. Modise’s leadership of the BIBF Council has provided an opportunity to contribute to these wider industry priorities, while supporting the Institute’s efforts to strengthen professional standards and develop local expertise. As BIBF prepares for its next chapter of leadership, the progress achieved during Modise’s tenure provides a foundation for continued investment in professional development, institutional excellence and industry collaboration. These efforts will be important in strengthening Botswana’s financial services sector and ensuring the industry is well equipped to support the country’s changing economic needs.
