A Bangor-based awarding body has announced an expansion of its suite of finance qualifications.

Agored Cymru, a Welsh awarding body, has added eight accounting and financial skills courses to its portfolio.

The courses, provided by the London Institute of Banking and Finance (LIBF), come after the institute's decision to withdraw from the schools and college market.

The two organisations have been working together, sharing a common aim to 'develop and offer accessible and inclusive academic opportunities' nationally and internationally.

Agored Cymru's Chief Executive Officer, Darren Howells, said: "These eight new qualifications form a pivotal part of our growth strategy and will ensure learners develop key skills in preparation for a career in the financial sector, as well as the life skills to manage their own personal finances.

"We work with schools and colleges across Wales and beyond, and these qualifications will enable us to reach even more learners.

"It will also allow us to introduce more of the 400+ nationally recognised, quality assured qualifications we award across a wide range of subjects.

"We are delighted to have been chosen by the London Institute of Banking and Finance to continue their legacy in offering first-class qualifications in such an important area.

"A move which will expand our footprint in Wales, the UK and internationally.”

The plan is to make the qualifications available for delivery from September 2025, with a unique bilingual offering in Wales.

LIBF's director of operations, Claire Harding, expressed her satisfaction with the partnership.

She said: "We are delighted to have reached this agreement with Agored Cymru so they can continue the legacy of these LIBF financial qualifications.

"Agored Cymru have a wealth of experience in delivering educational teaching and assessments.

"We're now working with them to ensure a smooth transition that enables them to deliver these qualifications from September 2025 onwards."

Based in Bangor and Cardiff, Agored Cymru is an awarding body and access validating agency, developing bilingual qualifications, bespoke accreditation and services for education and training providers in Wales and beyond.

They are Regulated by Qualifications Wales (QW), Ofqual and The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA).

For more information about these new courses, interested parties can visit agored.cymru or send an email to financequals@agored.cymru.

General enquiries can be directed to info@agored.cymru.

Further news and updates from the London Institute of Banking and Finance can be found on their website.