Young Talent Programme for AI in Finance (YTP-AIF)

 

 

About the Programme

The Young Talent Programme for AI in Finance (“YTP-AIF”) is launched by the Institute of Banking and Finance (IBF), with support from the Monetary Authority of Singapore. This pilot programme aims to build a pipeline of young talent for an AI-enabled financial sector and strengthen the education-to-work pathways by integrating structured industry exposure into formal studies. 

The programme is designed to equip participants with applied AI and financial sector skills that are in-demand, through structured industry exposure and hands-on learning on real-world problem statements, to support transitions into roles with AI application.

Programme Structure

 

Stage 1: Foundational Masterclass

Participants with a foundational understanding of AI and how AI can be applied responsibly within the financial sector.

Stage 2: Applied Learning

Participants to work on projects linked to industry problem statements, with industry mentorship and leveraging AI tools and synthetic data.

Stage 3: Project Presentation

Presentation to participating financial institutions (FIs). 

Stage 4: Progression Opportunities

Selected participants to be offered internship (pre-graduation)*, traineeship (post-graduation) or full-time opportunities.

*Internships may be up to 6 months 

 

What you will gain

This programme equips students with both foundational knowledge in AI and financial services, as well as practical industry-relevant skills  through hands-on learning and project work. Students gain a clearer understanding of how AI is applied in the sector, work on real-world business problem statements, and learn from both academic and industry partners.


3


Future-ready skills

• Applied AI and in-demand financial sector skills, with industry insights from practitioners


5


Industry Exposure

• Hands-on learning through real-world problem statements

• Potential longer internships / post-graduate traineeship opportunities with participating FIs


1


Mentorship

• Learn from industry practitioners

• Build professional networks and connections

Who is eligible?

This programme is open to all Year 2 to Year 4 undergraduate students (in the academic year starting August 2026) from  all disciplines (both tech and non-tech) across all local autonomous universities. 

Applicants should ideally: 

  • Have interest in AI and financial services
  • Be considering careers in the financial sector
  • Be open to project-based, multi-disciplinary learning 
  • Be able to commit fully to the 3-month programme during term time 

What you will learn

The curriculum combines AI fundamentals, financial sector context, and practical application topics. 


Pillar 1
Foundations

Pillar 2
Responsible AI

Pillar 3
Applications*

of AI and Financial Data Literacy, Prompt Engineering and Explainability, AI Prototype Development, Financial Services AI Requirements

AI Ethics and Risk Management, Data Governance for AI, AI Security and Auditability

AI in Risk Management, AI in Sales, Marketing, Pricing, and Consumer Analytics, AI in Technology and Operations, AI to Support Regulatory Compliance, AI in Investment Research

*Students will only take one module most closely associated with their project

 

Note: Curriculum and schedule are subject to changes

 

Module Synopsis

Tentative Timeline

Early Oct – End Oct 2026Application period
End Oct – Mid Nov 2026
Application review by respective AUs
Mid Nov – Dec 2026Enrolment / Onboarding 
*Only successful applicants will be notified
11 Jan 2027 – End Feb 2027Stage 1: Foundational Masterclass
End Feb – Apr 2027Stage 2: Applied Learning
Apr 2027 Stage 3: Project Presentation

 

Programme Partners*

IBF has brought together key financial institutions, institutes of higher learning and technology partners to co-develop and deliver the programme.

partner-logos-19may

*Programme partners will be updated as and when new partnerships and participation are confirmed.



Frequently Asked Questions

Participants will present their projects to participating financial institutions,  which will take these presentations into consideration when assessing students for internship or traineeship opportunities. 
Opportunities will depend on students’ performance during the programme and the hiring needs of financial institutions.
Students who are not from NTU or SMU may participate. However, academic credit recognition will not apply. 
Successful applicants will be notified by their respective university via the email provided in the application form after the applications have been processed.
Withdrawals will be subject to the policies of the university delivering the course. Students are advised to check with their universities on the relevant procedures.

SMU contact: 
Randall Eugene DURAN rduran@smu.edu.sg [For curriculum-related matters]
Emmaline LIM emmalinelim@smu.edu.sg  [For programme admin matters] 

NTU contact: 
nbs-ug-initiatives@ntu.edu.sg
Participants from universities that recognise the programme for academic credit recognition are not required to pay course fees. Participants from universities that have yet to recognise the programme for academic/credit units will be required to pay course fees. Registration and miscellaneous fees may also be applicable.  
Please refer to the section above on programme partners. 
Yes, the same FIs and industry partners will participate in both the NTU and SMU runs. 

Applications for the YTP-AIF are now open till 30 October 2026. 

Register here

For further information, email us at ytp-aif@ibf.org.sg