We are living in turbulent and uncertain times, marked by geopolitical shocks, climate and environmental risks, rapid technological change, trade tensions, and the erosion of multilateral cooperation. These developments not only affect societies at large but also pose complex and evolving challenges for central banks and supervisory authorities.
The CBBS programme is designed to equip participants with new knowledge and cutting-edge tools, foster critical thinking, encourage cross-border collaboration, and empower professionals across the ESCB and SSM to better understand and respond to current trends, risks and challenges.
A Diverse and Engaging Learning Journey
This year, 50 professionals from 21 ESCB and SSM institutions completed the programme’s eight-month learning path. Combining online and residential formats, the CBBS curriculum addressed a wide range of themes relevant to central banking and supervision, including monetary policy, banking supervision, climate-related risks, sustainable finance, digital finance, macroprudential policies and European political economy challenges, among others.
High-level academics from the Robert Schuman Centre, Florence School of Transnational Governance, and from the EUI’s network, together with policy practitioners and experts, provided a multi-perspective, interdisciplinary learning experience.
A Culminating Week in Florence
From 9 to 12 June 2025, the final residential week at the EUI’s Palazzo Buontalenti brought the CBBS programme to a close. The last core module, Emerging Risks and Trends in Banking and Finance, tackled topics such as the evolving role of central banks, financial stability, the interplay between politics and financial markets, macroprudential responses to shocks, anti-money laundering, and Generative AI in finance. Participants also joined three elective modules: ‘European political economy challenges in a fragmented world’, ‘Foresight, anticipation and resilience building’, and ‘Diversity, equity inclusion and accountability in banking and finance’.
The week concluded with a certificate ceremony chaired by CBBS coordinator María del Carmen Sandoval, featuring remarks by Frank Elderson, Ildikó Ráczné Szőke and Sinead Lennon-Gutenberger from the ECB, and EUI professors, George Papaconstantinou and Thorsten Beck. The event also featured a keynote address by Maria Demertzis on the geopolitics of currencies.
Looking Ahead
As participants return to their institutions, they take with them not only new knowledge and skills but also a renewed perspective on the future of central banking and supervision. The CBBS Executive Education Programme continues to offer a space for reflection, learning, and connection, supporting a stronger, more resilient European financial system and cultivating the next generation of ESCB and SSM leaders.