What is the JBA?

The Jamaica Banker’s Association (JBA) is a non-profit organization that represents commercial and merchant banks in Jamaica. Our activities are supported by membership fees as well as revenues that may be obtained from endeavors in keeping with our objectives.

Our Mission: to ensure the strength and continuing success of our member organizations by promoting a safe, vibrant and competitive banking sector through an effective programme of advocacy and education that will also enhance the economic well being of consumers within the banking community.

In 1973, the JBA became a company under the Laws of Jamaica, with our membership consisting of the country's then eight commercial banks. Trust Companies, Finance Houses and other Banking Institutions are also invited to become associate members.

Our training arm, The Jamaica Institute of Bankers (JIOB) was set up in 1977, with the goal of providing training and professional development for employees within the financial sector. The institute conducts conferences, workshops and tutorials, and also offers a fully accredited distance-learning programme leading to the Masters of Business Administration (MBA) through the Manchester School of Business, the University of Wales.

The JBA maintained its own secretariat until December 2002, when our operations, as well as those of the JIOB were joined with the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica (PSOJ). In May 2010 the JIOB was renamed as the Jamaica Institute of Financial Services (JIFS) to reflect its mandate to offer its range of training and education services to the entire financial services sector and not just the banking sector.