July 27 – August 7, 2026
In-Person at the University of Washington, Seattle
The University of Washington Global Banking Program (GBP) is an immersive two-week executive development experience for mid- to senior-level banking and finance professionals. Designed to equip participants with a global perspective, the program explores leadership, innovation, risk, regulation, and digital transformation in today’s financial sector.
Participants engage with expert faculty, global peers, and thought leaders through applied coursework, rich discussion, and a capstone project. Over 2,700 alumni from 49 countries have advanced their leadership through the GBP — many becoming CEOs, senior executives, and policy leaders across the global banking community.
Program highlights
- Two-week, fully in-person experience on UW’s Seattle campus
- Designed for mid- to senior-level professionals in banking, central banking, and financial services
- Evidence-based curriculum delivered by Foster School faculty and global industry experts
- Focus on leadership, innovation, digital transformation, and risk strategy
- Global network of over 2,700 alumni in 49 countries
- Small cohort (20–30 participants) fosters collaboration and diverse perspectives
- Capstone project addressing a real global banking challenge, presented to GBP Advisory Board
Registration & Fees
Tuition & Registration
- 2026 Program Tuition: $8,995
- Tuition includes instruction, program materials, and most meals
- Lodging is not included; preferred hotel rates are available for admitted participants
Early Application Discounts
- Round 1: May 15 – 15% discount (payment due May 30)
- Round 2: June 15 – 10% discount (payment due June 30)
- Round 3: July 15 – full tuition applies
We encourage early application to secure your seat and maximize tuition savings.
Curriculum and Faculty
The program curriculum is carefully reviewed and modified each year to reflect market trends and to ensure that participants learn critical leadership and decision-making skills that are relevant to the changing global economy in the financial sector. The underlying learning objectives are to provide an evidence-based framework for strategic and critical thinking and round that out with sessions with industry experts who will provide context for how participants can apply what they have learned.
Research suggests that all employees thrive when their leaders emphasize multiculturalism and create inclusive workplace cultures. To facilitate a positive culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion, organizational leaders and supervisors can systematically employ decision-making tactics to build a culture that drives organizational success.
Elevate Your Power of Influence
Gain a better understanding of your personal communication style and the styles of others. Learn to adapt your approach to maximize effective communication with your customers and stakeholders, elevating your power of influence, especially in a global cross-cultural environment.
How Generative AI is Rewiring the Banking Industry
This session will be led by an AI strategy expert from SWIFT and will include topics related to:
- Generative AI practices and applications
- Use cases in financial institutions
- Opportunities for improved efficiency
- Enhanced decision-making capabilities
- Innovative product management
- Challenges with ethical concerns, security, and privacy
Global Supply Chain Landscape and Management
The current geopolitical situations around the world have significantly affected the global supply chain landscape. This session will explore the current state of the geopolitical environment and discuss the rising trends of de-globalization and regionalization in supply chains. It will examine how banks can play a crucial role in supporting and stabilizing disruptions through financial instruments and services to mitigate risk and enhance efficiency.
Making Critical Decisions
Drawing on cognitive psychology and behavioral economics, this course examines common biases that impede effective decision-making. We will:
- Analyze common decision errors leaders make
- Explore strategies to avoid these errors
- Identify crucial ingredients for good group decision-making
- Examine methods to aggregate individual opinions into high-quality decisions
Economic Outlook and Global Market Trends
Engage with a chief economist from a leading Chinese bank to gain invaluable perspectives on the intricacies of the Asian financial market. Additionally, explore the VC perspective from the United States, examining global trends and their implications for banking and finance worldwide.
Balance Sheet Management
This session will:
- Highlight the importance of balance sheet management and identify key focus areas
- Discuss asset liability management strategies
- Review key financial ratios
- Provide insights into regulatory and economic trends
- Explore strategies for diversifying funding to enhance stability
Fintech: What Do Banks Need to Know?
Hear from the Global Head of Fintech Technology and US Head of Technology Investment Banking at RBC Capital Markets. With deep expertise in payments, financial software, and market structure, the speaker will share insights into Fintech trends and the impact on the banking industry.
Negotiation Skills
Become a more effective communicator and decision-maker through:
- Techniques for building and maintaining professional relationships
- Learning to apply appropriate influence
- Structuring agreements
- Developing buy-in among stakeholders
Global Venture Capital Overview and Banking Industry Strategies
This session will explore:
- VC perspectives on investment strategies and decision-making
- Assessment of global trends in funding
- Emerging sectors
- Macroeconomic factors
- Impact on the banking industry
- Opportunities for collaboration
- Future developments in the VC banking landscape
Global Liquidity and Instant Payments
This session will bring together perspectives from Corporate Treasury, Regulatory, and Commercial Banking to address:
- Global liquidity management
- Regulations mandating instant payments
- Real-time payments and associated technologies
Effective Leadership
Effective Leadership sessions (with simulated exercises) will focus on critical leadership attributes, qualities, skills, and competencies needed to create and sustain organizational success. Participants will explore dynamic leadership issues facing today’s financial institutions, challenging students to build on established skills and exchange ideas to enhance leadership effectiveness. Objectives include helping participants to:
- Gain deeper understanding of the roles, requirements, and expectations of leaders in banking
- Understand leaders’ role as change agents in a global economy
- Develop managerial leadership skills to transform organizations
- Create a culture of shared responsibility
- Improve their understanding of effective decision-making as a method to foster an achievement-oriented culture
Managing Change
In today’s rapidly evolving financial landscape, managing change is not just a strategic necessity—it’s a core competency for survival and growth. The banking industry faces continuous disruption from technological innovation, regulatory shifts, changing customer expectations, and competitive pressures. Effective change management enables banks and service providers for banks to navigate these challenges with agility, resilience, and purpose.
Company Visits
In 2024, the group visited Boeing and Amazon, engaging with corporate executives to learn about leadership and challenges facing successful global companies.
“Gave practical views of Amazon’s approach, to Treasury especially on its value proposition in addressing internal fund requirements.” -Inigo Regaldo, GBP Class of 2024
“[The Boeing visit was] OUTSTANDING. Many practical examples with a good base of theory to set in stone.” -Bill Waters, GBP Class of 2024
Capstone Project
Participants will work in teams to evaluate the changing role of banks and financial institutions in the global economy, presenting their findings to the board after two weeks. Project Requirements:
- Project will focus on identifying, evaluating, and selecting current disruptions facing the financial industry.
- Consider disruption implications for customers and potential global economic ripple effects.
- Determine strategies to address disruptions and provide customer solutions.
- Prepare actionable, measurable recommendations for the Board, including:
- 3–5-year roadmap
- Detailed timeline
- Financial projections
An interactive and rich learning experience
What makes GBP unique is the balance and blend between academic content and industry perspectives. Faculty are carefully selected to reflect strong evidence-based research as well as relevant consulting and teaching experience. They are insightful, experienced, and dedicated to progressive thinking. Participants have called GBP faculty thought-provoking, stimulating, and inspirational.
A key deliverable is the capstone project. The objectives of this project are to:
1. Address real-world challenges outside of the classroom sessions.
2. Provide time to apply what you learn in class.
3. Receive valuable feedback from experienced board members on issues surrounding the financial institutions.
All sessions and program materials will be in English.
Board of Directors
Ashish Sharma
Board President
Managing Director, Technology & Venture Capital Banking Group, Axos Bank
San Francisco, CA, USA
Tushar Bharatia
Former Director of Treasury – Banking Infrastructure and Digital Transformation, Amazon
Seattle, WA, USA
Chris Burtch
Managing Director, Regional Head of FI Sales, Americas, Standard Chartered Bank
New York, NY, USA
Tod Burwell
President & CEO, Bankers Association for Finance and Trade (BAFT)
Washington, DC, USA
Mark Ipek
Managing Director, Global Transaction Banking, BMO Capital Markets
Toronto, ON, Canada
Liza Januzi
Regional Head for Americas, FI, TD Securities
New York, NY, USA
Mike Katergaris
Managing Director, Head, NA Financial Institutions, Client Coverage, JP Morgan
New York, NY, USA
John Lee
Global Managing Director, Accenture
Toronto, ON, Canada
Ryan Masters
Partner, Commercial Effectiveness, Banking & Financial Services, Korn Ferry Digital
London, UK
Curt Queyrouze
President & CEO, First Fed Bank and First Northwest Bancorp
Port Angeles, WA, USA
Sean Rowe
Head of Banks, Australia, FI Group, ANZ
Victoria, Australia
Emma Sacre
Deputy Head, Banking Department, Reserve Bank of Australia
Sydney, NSW, Australia
Amit Verma
Country Head – US Operations, State Bank of India
New York, NY, USA
Executive Advisors
Frank Hodge
Dean, Foster School of Business, University of Washington
Seattle, WA, USA
John Yung
Vice Chairman of the Board and Managing Director, Shanghai Commercial & Savings Bank
Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Can Van Luc
Chief Economist and Senior EVP, Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam (BIDV)
Ha Noi, Vietnam
Khan Prachuabmoh
Advisor, Bank of China (Thailand)
Bangkok, Thailand
Admissions
The UW Global Banking Program is designed for mid- to senior-level professionals from banks, central banks, and financial institutions around the world. Ideal candidates typically have 10–15 years of industry experience and are preparing for executive leadership roles.
Admissions Criteria
- Proficiency in English (all sessions are taught in English)
- Strong leadership potential and interest in global collaboration
- Sponsor endorsement is encouraged but not required
Participants come from diverse functional backgrounds—risk, operations, strategy, lending, treasury—and represent organizations of all sizes, from local institutions to global banks.
2026 Deadlines and Tuition Information
| Round 1 (15% discount) | Round 2 (10% discount) | Final Round | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application deadline | May 15, 2026 | June 15, 2026 | July 15, 2026 |
| Full tuition due | $7,645 due May 30 | $8095 due June 30 | $8,995 due July 15 |
| Group discount for organizations sending 2+ | $6,880 per participant | $7,285 per participant | $8,095 per participant |
Group discount available for organizations sending 2+ participants. To take advantage of this discount, please contact us.
BAFT members: First time participating banks to the Global Banking Program are eligible for an additional 15% discount. Discount is not combinable with the group discount, but it can be applied to early application pricing. To take advantage of this discount, please contact us.
Details
- Tuition includes instruction, digital materials, all copyrighted content, and the program certificate.
- Any potential travel expenses are not included.
Refund Policy
If an accepted registrant withdraws, a replacement may be made, subject to the approval of program administrators. If a suitable replacement is not available or the company chooses not to participate, a $500 USD cancellation fee will be charged.
After July 15, 2026, there will be no refunds.
Financial Support for the Program
Support the Global Banking Program by donating to the Kermit O. Hanson Endowed Scholarship Fund. The scholarship fund will help provide financial assistance for banks that want to develop their leadership bench-strength. For more information, contact Executive Education office at [email protected] or 206-543-8560.
- Type and number of years of experience
Participants should have experience that has prepared them to derive full benefit from the lectures and study materials on international financial markets and strategic management. At the same time, they must bring with them experience that enables them to contribute to the learning of the other participants. On average, the participants have about 10-15 years of banking experience across different functions. - Current position and future prospects
Participants should have strong potential for both continued professional growth and contribution to the overall mission of their company through knowledge-based development. - English language ability
All classes and written materials will be presented in English. Participants are expected to participate actively in classroom discussions, study group sessions, and present oral reports in English. - Advance preparation
GBP is an intensive program that requires advance preparation. There are readings and assignments that must be completed prior to the start of the program. PLEASE NOTE: To ensure that participants receive full value, program administrators reserve the right to decline registration if the registrant does not meet the criteria stated above. If registration is declined, any program fees paid will be promptly refunded.
Inside the Foster School of Business Global Bankers Program
GBP Board Members Talk Program ROI
Gain inspiration and fresh perspectives from banking leaders worldwide
Frequently Asked Questions
- Taught by Foster School faculty and global industry experts using an evidence-based curriculum
- Includes global subject matter experts and real-world case discussions
- Backed by a 48-year legacy and guided by a distinguished global advisory board
- Access to a global alumni network of 2,700+ professionals from 49 countries
The program is designed for mid- to senior-level professionals in banking and financial services, including:
- Commercial and retail bankers
- Central bank representatives
- Financial advisors and non-bank financial leaders
Participants typically have 10–15 years of experience and are preparing for executive roles.
- Enhanced leadership and strategic thinking skills
- Deeper understanding of global banking trends and digital innovation
- Broadened global perspective through cross-cultural collaboration
- Practical tools for negotiation, influence, and decision-making
- A global network of peers and industry connections
- Supports leadership pipeline and succession planning
- Develops high-performing employees through targeted, relevant education
- Brings back new insights, frameworks, and strategic thinking
- Strengthens organizational visibility in a global banking network
- Two-week, in-person program held on the University of Washington campus in Seattle
- 2026 dates: July 27 – August 7
- Classes include lectures, group work, networking sessions, and a team capstone project
- 2026 Tuition: $8,995
- Includes instruction, course materials, and most meals
- Lodging is separate; discounted hotel rates provided to admitted participants
- Early application discounts:
- May 15: 15% off (payment due May 30)
- June 15: 10% off (payment due June 30)
Participants work in small teams to analyze a real-world global banking challenge and present their solution to the UW‑GBP Advisory Board. The project integrates content from across the program and promotes applied problem-solving, teamwork, and communication.
- Typical class size: 20–30 participants
- Countries represented: 10–15 across North America, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Pacific
The mix of roles, institutions, and national perspectives enhances learning and collaboration.
Submit an online application including:
- Resume
- Sponsor support information (if applicable)
- English proficiency (all sessions are conducted in English)