Universal Merchant Bank (UMB), a bank committed to youth development and education, hosted the first of many seminars for tertiary students on Saturday March 7, 2015 at their Airport City Head Office.

The aim of the seminar was to encourage responsible money management among students. Approximately 200 students from University of Ghana, Radford University, GIMPA, University of Professional Studies, Central University College and Accra Polytechnic, among others, attended the informative and entertaining educational seminar.

The seminar follows a series of recent UMB initiatives aimed at supporting youth development and education.

In 2014, UMB introduced the Aspire Student Account, an account designed for students to help them understand and practice financial discipline. The Aspire Student Account is also intended to support the aspirations of young students as their journey to independence begins.

At the event, staff of UMB and staff of UMB’s wholly owned investment management firm, UMB Investment Holdings Limited, gave presentations on the importance of financial discipline and planning. They also shared tips on personal branding and how students can build an excellent personal brand.

Combining education with entertainment, the MC for the seminar was the talented artiste, Mz. Vee. An enthusiastic Aspire Account holder, Mz. Vee exclaimed that she thoroughly enjoys being a UMB customer and she even exclaimed “UMB got swag!”

Speaking at the seminar, UMB Head of Personal Banking, Mr. Jeffrey Odame Yeboah, stated that “UMB is committed to empowering the next generation of Ghanaians and it is our belief that sound financial management skills are essential to a promising future for our youth.” He further noted that "it is our intention that these seminars will be a platform for nurturing the entrepreneurial and business acumen of our students. "

In his address to the students in attendance, UMB Director of Retail, Mr. Lawrence Appiah Baiden advised the students to challenge themselves and go beyond what they are taught in school. He also assured them that UMB will be their partner every step of the way and will always seek to put their interests first.

At the conclusion of the event, UMB presented University of Ghana Business School student, Clara Nyame-Addo with a Samsung Galaxy Tab after she successfully answered several skill-testing questions. Following the presentation of the Samsung Galaxy Tab to Miss Nyame-Addo, attendees were treated to an impromptu performance by Mz. Vee. Future seminars will be held throughout Ghana over the course of the year.