The UW Global Bankers Program is a premier development program for bankers and financial advisors from around the globe. Graduates lead some of the world’s most influential financial institutions. The program’s goal since its foundation in 1977 has been to augment global economic development through the education of experienced professionals in the banking and financial sector. The program now engages with financial and non-financial institutions in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Latin America, and Asia Pacific. Run by Executive Education at the University of Washington Foster School of Business, the program has over 2,700 alumni in 49 countries.
- Taught by UW faculty who bring evidence-based curriculum to help participants apply critical frameworks and tools to their organizational challenges.
- Includes subject matter experts from around the world.
- Features a global alumni network of over 2,700 alumni, many of whom are bank CEOs and Presidents.
- Established 48 years ago by the UW Foster School of Business Dean, with the program’s longevity testifying to its impact.
- Provides oversight and guidance from two boards, with board members offering relevant current trends and future insights.
- Provide an effective professional development opportunity, especially for mid- to senior-level individuals.
- Recognize and support talent, leading to growth and retention of high-performing employees.
- Participants learn leadership, strategic thinking, negotiations, and other essential skills to enhance career growth.
- Participants prepare and present a Capstone Project to the Program Board that addresses a major global opportunity or challenge.
- Help retain key employees.
- Aid in succession planning.
- Become part of a network of growing banks that support the program on a global scale.
- Develop leadership skills to help with career trajectory.
- Gain broader perspectives on problem-solving through class learning and interactions.
- Network with global classmates and future leaders in the financial sector.
- Apply learning to support organizational growth.
- Negotiate more effectively with clients.
- Work across cultural differences.
- Contribute innovative solutions to challenges.
- Prepare for uncertainty.
- Increase ability to influence others through deliberate and thoughtful communications.
- Improve leadership capabilities and decision-making.
- Manage organizational change.
- Connect with classmates globally to obtain regional market insights.
- Two-week, fully in-person program at the University of Washington in Seattle.
- 2025 Tuition: $7,995 (includes instruction, materials, and most meals). Early application discounts are available:
- May 15: 15% discount (Tuition payment due by May 30)
- June 15: 10% discount (Tuition payment due by June 30)
- July 15: No discount, final application deadline at $7,995
- Accommodation is additional, with UW providing negotiated hotel rates (2024 rate was $259 per night at Marriott University District).
- Offered once a year, usually in August.
- Two-week in-person program at the University of Washington in Seattle, WA, USA.
- 2025 dates: August 4-15.
- English proficiency required (all content taught in English).
- Sponsoring organizations encouraged to select participants for future leadership development.
- Complete application form including:
- Resume
- Sponsor support information
Participants typically have 10-15 years of bank or financial institution experience from various backgrounds, including leaders from central banks. The cohort consists of a mix of functional areas, as the content is broadly applicable across functions.
The program attracts mostly bankers (including central banks) but intentionally includes non-bankers (such as financial advisors) to facilitate positive synergy and diverse perspectives in the cohort.
- 20-30 participants.
- Typically represented by 10-15 countries, including the USA, Canada, Australia, Europe, South America, and Asia.