At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Institutional Banking team with administrative tasks and customer due diligence.
- Company: FirstBank UK, the oldest African bank in the UK, blending heritage with innovation.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, develop essential skills, and potential for full-time roles post-internship.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in international banking while building your professional network.
- Qualifications: Pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields with strong communication and teamwork skills.
- Other info: Fast-paced 10-week internship in London, starting June 2026.
The predicted salary is between 500 - 1500 £ per month.
FirstBank UK is a specialist international bank - the oldest African bank in the UK - where heritage meets innovation. We provide world class international banking and trading services, facilitating trade between Africa and Europe from our offices in London and Lagos. We’re proud to serve communities with trusted financial solutions, rooted in integrity, excellence and a deep commitment to global prosperity.
The Summer Internship Programme offers the chance to gain unparalleled insight into the inner workings of an international bank. You’ll work closely with everyone from your fellow interns to C-Suite executives, developing your skills quickly through structured training opportunities and meaningful, hands-on experience. This fast-paced, 10-week internship is in our London offices and gives you real ownership of your work, enabling you to make a real impact from day one.
By the end of the programme, you will have developed strong skills in your chosen role, and essential professional skills, including commercial awareness, personal accountability, and workplace confidence - skills that are essential for a future career at FirstBank UK and in the financial services sector. Successful interns may be able to return as full-time team members of our team upon completion of their studies, subject to performance and business need.
The Institutional Banking Team works with Financial Institutions (FIs), non-bank Financial Institutions (NBFIs), Sovereigns, Central Banks and global exporters to deliver a range of financing products to facilitate trade flows and investments in and out of the African market.
Primary Responsibilities:- Provide administrative support to the IBU Head, Deputy Head, Relationship Managers, and team.
- Assist with customer due diligence (CDD) and account opening processes in accordance with regulatory requirements.
- Support the review of audited financial statements and respond to account statement enquiries.
- Attend meetings and prepare meeting notes and action items.
- Assist with audit requests and other ad hoc administrative tasks as required.
- You must act as a Company Ambassador, to deliver good outcomes to retail customers.
- Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Finance, Business Management, Law, Social Sciences or any other related fields.
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
- A strong team player who is proactive, responsive, and who can thrive in a collaborative environment.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
This programme is for undergraduate students who are in their penultimate year, with an expected graduation in Summer 2027. You must be available for the full duration of the programme: Monday 22nd June until Friday 28th August 2026.
Institutional Banking employer: FirstBank UK Limited
Contact Detail:
FirstBank UK Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Institutional Banking
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former interns at FirstBank UK on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for standing out during the internship application process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the bank's values and recent news. We want to see that you’re genuinely interested in how FirstBank UK operates and how you can contribute to their mission of facilitating trade between Africa and Europe.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! If you’ve got experience with Excel, Word, or PowerPoint, be ready to discuss specific projects where you used these tools. We love seeing how you can apply your knowledge in real-world scenarios.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the FirstBank UK team.
We think you need these skills to ace Institutional Banking
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Institutional Banking role. Highlight relevant coursework, skills, and experiences that align with what we’re looking for. This shows us you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about banking and how your background makes you a great fit for our team. Keep it concise but impactful – we want to see your personality!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to highlight your proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. If you have any experience with customer due diligence or financial analysis, make sure to mention that too. We love seeing candidates who can hit the ground running!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at FirstBank UK Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand FirstBank UK's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their services, especially in institutional banking. This will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and show that you're aligned with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Highlight your proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint during the interview. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've used these tools in your studies or previous experiences. This will show that you can hit the ground running.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the internship programme and the Institutional Banking Team. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also your understanding of the role. For instance, ask about the types of projects interns typically work on or how they support team members.
✨Be a Team Player
Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively. Share examples from your past experiences where you successfully worked in a team, highlighting your proactive and responsive nature. This is crucial for a role that involves supporting various team members and stakeholders.