This article covers everything you need to know about the IBF Programme, including TFIP 2025. In today’s fast-paced job market, staying relevant through upskilling is essential. While learning new skills, such as Generative AI and machine learning, may seem challenging, it opens doors to exciting career opportunities.
There are many ways to gain new knowledge and become job-ready. One option is to join TFIP by IBF. Keep reading to discover more about this programme and how it can help you develop skills and gain experience in key technology areas.
What is IBF?
The Institute of Banking and Finance Singapore (IBF) actively develops skills in the financial industry. It collaborates with companies, government agencies, and training providers to drive the growth of Singapore’s financial sector.
What is TFIP?
The ‘Technology in Finance Immersion Programme’ (TFIP) is an industry Attach-and-Train Career Programme that IBF launched in 2019. This programme allows mid-career individuals to attend industry training and work with leading financial institutions. By combining these elements, TFIP helps participants develop new skills and gain valuable job experience in the financial services sector.
TFIP 2025: Programme Structure and Training Provider Responsibilities
The TFIP 2025 programme lasts 18 months and has two key phases. It begins with up to six months of structured training, followed by on-the-job training (OJT) through attachments with hosting companies. The IBF invites training providers (TPs) to lead these sessions to support this. These training sessions will teach trainees the skills and knowledge needed for their roles before they start their attachments. In addition, TPs will carry out aptitude assessments to evaluate and screen applicants for the programme, ensuring the right fit for success.
Why Should You Join TFIP 2025?
An article published by The Straits Times in 2021 emphasises the demand for tech talent in Singapore’s financial sector. It quotes the Manpower Minister Tan See Leng, who states: “The rise of the digital economy will drive up the demand for tech jobs—among others, we will need data analysts, software developers, infrastructure architects, and cyber security engineers.”
The TFIP 2025 programme focuses on two key training areas: Data Analytics and Software Engineering (with AI application).
Programme Duration and Training Allowance
Training Areas | Programme Duration | Training Allowance |
| Data Analytics | to be confirmed | to be confirmed |
| Software Engineering (with Artificial Intelligence Application) | 18 months | $5,500 |
Applicants can apply for one or both training areas; however, they will only participate in one if selected. They can indicate up to three preferred financial institutions as part of the process. It’s important to note that placement depends on availability, as not all institutions may offer the specific training areas chosen. Eligible candidates will undergo an aptitude assessment for their chosen areas, and those who pass will be shortlisted and invited for interviews by the financial institutions. IBF and the hosting institution will offer successful applicants a traineeship. They will first undergo structured training for 3 to 6 months to gain essential industry skills, followed by on-the-job training at their hosting financial institution.
How Does the TFIP 2025 Application Process Work?
The TFIP 2025 workflow outlines the step-by-step process from application to programme commencement. Applicants are first screened for eligibility by IBF, followed by aptitude assessments conducted by training providers. Financial institutions (FI) then shortlist and interview eligible candidates, with successful applicants receiving offers jointly from IBF and the institutions. Upon acceptance, TPs are critical in delivering structured training to prepare trainees for their roles.
The TFIP 2025 workflow illustrated below outlines the key steps from application submission to the commencement of structured training:
| Step 1 | The applicant submits an application to IBF. |
| Step 2 | IBF screens applicants for eligibility. |
| Step 3 | TPs conduct aptitude assessments for eligible applicants. |
| Step 4 | FIs shortlist and interview eligible applicants. |
| Step 5 | IBF and FIs issue offers to selected applicants. |
| Step 6 | Selected applicants accept offers. |
| Step 7 | TPs provide structured training at programme commencement. |
Who Can Apply?
- Singapore Citizen (SC) or Permanent Resident (PR) aged 21+.
- Completed NS at least two years ago (if applicable).
- No prior tech work experience.
- No ties to or past employment with the hosting financial institution.
- No active government sponsorship obligations.
- Able to commit to full-time training and attachment.
How to Apply for TFIP 2025
1. To apply for the TFIP 2025 programme, applicants must complete the application via the web form on WSG MyCareersFuture, including the necessary declarations.
2. The application deadline is 13 January 2025.
3. Applicants must use their SingPass to access the application portal and agree to share their details with government agencies, financial institutions, and IBF Careers Connect for job-matching services if their application is unsuccessful.
TFIP 2025 Indicative Timeline
The timeline for TFIP 2025 outlines critical milestones, from the online application period in December 2024 to the commencement of structured training in June 2025. Each stage, including aptitude assessments, shortlisting, offers, and onboarding, ensures a seamless process for applicants preparing to join the programme.
Please note that the timeline is subject to change.
| Month | Activity | Points to note |
| Dec 2024 – Jan 2025 Jan – Feb 2025 | Online application Eligible applicants will be invited to an aptitude assessment. | Applicants who are invited to the aptitude assessment will not be notified of their assessment results. Email queries on aptitude assessment and assessment results will not be entertained. |
Feb – Apr 2025 | Shortlisting and interview by financial institutions | Applicants who pass the aptitude assessment(s) will be referred to participating financial institutions for their shortlisting. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted by the participating financial institutions for interviews. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted by the participating financial institutions for interviews. |
Apr – May 2025 | Extension of Offer(s) to applicants | Applicants who are offered a traineeship position with financial institutions will hear from IBF progressively during this period. |
From May 2025 From Jun 2025 | Onboarding of TFIP trainees Commencement of Structured Training | Applicants are required to resign from their current job if they are selected and would like to accept the programme offer as this is a full-time programme with a duration of 18 months. Successful applicants would be expected to commit to structured training and attachment to a financial institution on a full-time basis. |
Source: Institute of Banking and Finance Singapore (IBF), TFIP 2025 Programme Materials.
Who are the Participating Financial Institutions?
The participating financial institutions for TFIP 2025 include a mix of leading global and local banks, insurance companies, and investment firms. These organisations, such as DBS, Goldman Sachs, Standard Chartered Bank, and Great Eastern, offer opportunities in Data Analytics and Software Engineering (with AI application). The comprehensive list includes well-known names like OCBC Bank, HSBC, J.P. Morgan, and Prudential, reflecting the programme’s strong industry backing and focus on critical technology roles in the financial sector.
| Financial Institution (FI) | Data Analytics | Software Engineering (with Artificial Intelligence application) |
| DBS | ✔ | ✔ |
| Goldman Sachs | ✔ | |
| Standard Chartered Bank | ✔ | ✔ |
| BNP Paribas Singapore | ✔ | ✔ |
| Deutsche Bank | ✔ | ✔ |
| United Overseas Bank | ✔ | ✔ |
| HSBC | ✔ | ✔ |
| J.P. Morgan | ✔ | ✔ |
| Bank of America | ✔ | ✔ |
| Bank of Singapore | ✔ | |
| Great Eastern | ✔ | ✔ |
| OCBC Bank | ✔ | |
| Mizuho | ✔ | |
| CGS International Securities | ✔ | |
| Dymon Asia Capital | ✔ | |
| LGT Bank | ✔ | |
| SGX | ✔ | |
| Partners Group | ✔ | ✔ |
| Prudential | ✔ | ✔ |
| UOI | ✔ | |
| SMBC | ✔ |
Source: Institute of Banking and Finance Singapore (IBF), TFIP 2025 Programme Materials.
What’s the difference between IBF TFIP and IBF-STS?
The IBF Standards Training Scheme (IBF-STS) funds training courses accredited under the Skills Framework for Financial Services. Eligible individuals can receive up to 70% funding for their direct training course.
In contrast, TFIP is a programme designed to provide individuals with on-the-job experience in tech in the financial services sector. The table below provides a rundown of the differences between the initiatives.
How Vertical Institute Can Help You Prepare for TFIP 2025
For those aiming to build skills in data analytics or prepare for opportunities like TFIP, shorter and more flexible options are available through Vertical Institute’s courses. Programs like Generative AI, Data Analytics and Advanced Data Analytics focus on delivering practical, industry-relevant skills. The beginner-friendly Data Analytics course introduces key concepts such as data cleaning, visualization, and analysis using tools like Excel, SQL, and Tableau, offering hands-on experience for real-world applications. These courses empower learners to build a solid foundation and develop the competencies required for tech-focused roles.
Conclusion
The journey toward a tech-driven career doesn’t have to follow a single path. Whether through a structured programme like TFIP or shorter courses tailored to your schedule, the key is to take that first step toward building in-demand skills. The financial sector’s growing reliance on technology creates exciting opportunities for professionals willing to evolve and adapt. Equip yourself with the tools to thrive in this dynamic landscape and unlock your potential in the ever-expanding world of tech.
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About Vertical Institute
Vertical Institute is shaping the future of work by preparing individuals for tomorrow’s job market. Our courses and certification focus on teaching essential skills and nurturing the next generation of innovators and leaders.
As an Approved Training provider (ATO) accredited by SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) and the Institute of Banking & Finance Singapore (IBF), our courses adhere to the highest standards. They are government-subsidised and eligible for SkillsFuture Credits or NTUC UTAP Funding.
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