Do you have a downtime plan?

We all have hassles in our daily lives, like when it is just impossible to get things done due to factors outside of our control. The network connection may be down or you just cannot get to see the boss on that important decision that you need to make.

Do you waste that downtime by simply messing around, or do you have a set plan of what to do in such circumstances? We all have lots of stuff on our “to-do” lists that need to get done. Sometimes these tasks linger there for days if not weeks simply because we don’t feel like doing them. We here is your chance.

Apple is facing increasing competition from Android

Device makers releasing new phones and tablet computers to compete with iPhones and iPads. This review from Fox News sums it all up.

Supervisory Guidance on Model Risk Management

The US Federal Reserve and Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) have issued "Supervisory Guidance on Model Risk Management," which is intended for use by banking organizations and supervisors as they assess management of model risk. It expands on prior model guidance that focused on model validation, addressing sound development, implementation and use of models as vital elements. Furthermore, model risk management encompasses governance and control mechanisms such as board and senior management oversight, policies and procedures, controls and compliance, and an appropriate incentive and organizational structure.

Irrespective of where you are however, this guide has universal application and provides comprehensive guidance on effective model risk management. Many of the activities described in this document are common industry practice.

You can download it HERE.

Remittance Opportunities – Workshops in London and Johannesburg

It is still very expensive to send remittances to African countries, particularly within Africa. These high remittance costs encourage the use of informal channels and are an unnecessary burden for African migrants and remittance recipients.

Recent recommendations by the African Development Bank and the World Bank indicate organizations with large branch networks, such as post offices, savings and credit cooperatives, rural banks, and microfinance institutions can play an important role to expand access to remittances and other financial services among the poor and in rural communities.

Where can you catch these courses?

• London - 16 & 17 May 2011
• Johannesburg - 22 & 23 June 2011

For course details and a descriptive brochure please e-mail us at courses@citadeladvantage.com

Please indicate which course you are interested in – London or Johannesburg.

TRAINING COURSE “BUSINESS CONTINUITY and SCENARIO PLANNING”

Johannesburg – 27 & 28 June 2011

With the 11 March 2011 Japanese Earthquake, Tsunami & Ongoing Nuclear disaster fresh in everyone’s minds we’d like to remind you that Business Continuity plays a central role in your institution’s survival.

When we speak to banks, they say “Sure, we’ve got our Business Continuity Plan in place”. But upon probing, we discover that most of these banks really mean are that their I.T. Disaster Recovery (backup) is in place. Unfortunately they confuse the two issues. Disaster recovery is about ensuring your daily operations under normal circumstances. Business Continuity & Scenario Planning is about making sure your bank survives those man-made & natural disasters that could otherwise put you out of business.

Join us in Johannesburg on 27 & 28 June 2011 for our 2-day intensive course on Business Continuity and Scenario Planning focused on the banking/ financial institution environment with a view to providing Banking Professionals with a firm foundation of the standards of best practice in the critical area Business Continuity Planning.

For a fully descriptive brochure please send a blank e-mail to sharon@citadeladvantage.com with BUSCONT-JHB in the Subject line.

Who Should Attend

This course intended for Executive Management, Senior Personnel and Operational Staff whom are responsible to ensure that business continues in their respective business unit/division/branch/industry infrastructure in the event of any emergency, unexpected or extensive disruptive circumstances.

The course is intended for both Commercial & Central Bankers.

Positions that will benefit include;

• Operations Managers
• Risk Managers
• Internal Auditors
• Business Continuity Practitioners

WorldRemit, says it has simplified the remittance process

Remittances sent from abroad are a lifeline for millions in Africa, and now online services are aiming to make it quicker and easier to transfer money to the continent.

According to the World Bank and the African Development Bank, members of the African Diaspora send home around $40 billion every year. But the actual figure is probably significantly higher as a large proportion of funds are transferred through various informal channels.

Ismail Ahmed, founder and chief executive of WorldRemit, says he's found a way to make the whole process easier, while helping Africa minimize its dependence on cash.

His service allows users to send money to family and friends without having to visit agents and collect cash from their bank accounts. They can process transactions online, while funds are immediately available for collection in Africa, or credited to mobile accounts of recipients.

In this interview with CNN's Nima Elbagir, Ahmed said: "We are helping to move towards cashless economies in many parts of Africa."

Tel Aviv beckons – International Payments course – 11 & 12 May

The Lonely Planet travel guide ranks Tel Aviv as the third-best city in the world. Locals and tourists agree, though some would say it's really No. 1.

Why not join us on 11 & 12 May for our outstanding International Payments course and take in the sights and sounds of Tel Aviv as well.

For details e-mail us at courses@citadeladvantage.com stating INTPAY-TA in the subject line.



With its 300 sunny days a year, there's no "weather-permitting" about an outing in Tel Aviv. And the possibilities are endless. From art to music, beach culture to nightlife, you can find an activity to suit every whim, mood or state of mind in the city that never stops.

Some say the people are the warmest and friendliest in the world, while others say the same about the climate.

In the truly diverse, 21st-century Mediterranean hub you can go to the opera or numerous museums; see shows ranging from low comedy to high Shakespeare; take in a concert or dance performance; cycle, jog or walk through ports and parks, down shady boulevards lined with cafes, and through quaint restored alleyways lined with designer boutiques.

Or you can rummage through flea markets and vintage shops; explore outdoor fairs; lounge on the beach; check out restored period structures; visit galleries and exhibitions; enjoy the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Bauhaus architecture; sample myriad cuisines, local bars and clubs and quality Israeli wines - it's the New York, London and Paris of the Middle East.