News | CFTEA | Center for Financial Training & Education Alliance

It’s Arrived: The CFTEA 2025 Annual Report

August 29, 2025

The CFTEA 2025 Annual Report is here! As CFTEA celebrates 100 years, we’re proud to share the story of how we continue to put students at the heart of everything we do. This year we’ve grown in exciting ways—offering 94 certificates, 37 career paths, 25 diplomas, and 8 certifications—all while keeping education affordable and accessible for our community partners Inside the report, you’ll also find: ✅ A note from Executive Director, Andrew Lederer ✅ The Platinum Seal of Transparency from

What Does CFTEA’s Seal of Platinum Transparency Mean?

August 28, 2025

We like shiny things—especially when they mean something. That’s why we’re proud to share that CFTEA has earned the Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency… for the sixth year in a row! What does that mean (besides bragging rights)? We share all the details—finances, strategies, goals, and impact—because we believe in openness and accountability. It’s the highest recognition a nonprofit can earn, putting CFTEA among a select group nationwide. Most importantly, it means you can trust that when you invest in

Board Spotlight: Jessi Jaquish, Union Bank

August 27, 2025

I was first introduced to CFTEA (Center for Financial Training and Education Alliance) in November of 2017 as a new banker. One of my mentors was eager to take some classes in person, but she didn’t want to take classes alone. I had never been one that enjoyed school. I was a very shy, self-conscious student. It took her some time, but my mentor’s eagerness and persistence lead me to taking my first CFTEA course, which lead to another, and

Sale: Calming Upset Customers Virtual Classroom

August 26, 2025

Let’s face it—people’s fuses are shorter than ever these days. One wrong word and suddenly you’re face-to-face with a customer who sounds like they’ve been rehearsing for a reality TV meltdown. That’s where Jessica’s Calming Upset Customers course comes in. No gimmicks. No fluff. Just practical tools to turn tension into trust and “I want to speak to your manager” into “thank you for helping me.” ✨ Here’s the deal: Dates: September 10 or October 7 (6–8 PM ET, live

Live Learning is BACK!

August 25, 2025

You asked, we listened. Live options are here! CFTEA’s Virtual Classrooms are filling up fast and when you enroll, you help ensure these sessions run with our dedicated, talented instructors leading the way. Coming soon: • September: Calming Upset Customers (at a big discount!) • October: Principles of Banking and Written Communication with AI Live. Relevant. Interactive. The training you wanted—delivered. Why it matters: Because while AI can write a passable haiku about customer service, it’s not going to de-escalate

When things go wrong, Tammy’s got your back

August 22, 2025

Most training companies: “Here’s your course. Good luck!” CFTEA: “Uh oh, hit a snag? Don’t worry—we got you!” Textbook shipped to the wrong location? Tammy’s already tracking it down. ️ Signed up for a course that disappeared? We’ll get you into the right one. Locked out with a password issue? A real person is just a call or email away. That’s the CFTEA difference. Behind every course is a team (hi Tammy ) that actually cares if you succeed. We

Throwback Thursday to our time at the Pineland Campus

August 21, 2025

For years, CFTEA made its home at Auburn Hall on the Pineland Campus. The conference center there was a hub of activity—students gathered for live classes, community banks sent employees for professional development, and the energy of in-person learning filled every corner. Tammy and Andrew worked out of Auburn Hall right up until just before the pandemic. When COVID hit, it shifted everything—not just for them, but for financial institutions everywhere. Professional development went virtual, and CFTEA was already ahead

Board Spotlight: Brea Hatch, Bangor Savings

August 20, 2025

Boards Spotlight – Empowered by Education: My Path with CFTEA by Brea Hatch, Bangor Savings Bank “A Story of Growth, Mentorship, and Achievement” In 2008, as a new manager at a small community bank, I found myself at a crossroads. I knew I needed to deepen my understanding of the banking industry, but I wasn’t sure where to start. That’s when I discovered the Center for Financial Training and Education Alliance (CFTEA). Little did I know, this decision would set

A cozy autumn workspace scene with a white coffee cup, open laptop showing a calendar, and scattered fall leaves on a wooden desk. In the foreground, an open spiral notebook displays the words: "PLAN YOUR FALL COURSES" and "What do I want to learn more about?" with a checkmark box. A warm beige sweater is partially visible, and a yellow banner at the bottom reads "cftea.org".

What Are You Doing For YOU This Fall?

August 18, 2025

Still soaking up the last days of summer? We are too. Whether you’re catching sunsets, spending time with family, or squeezing in one more weekend getaway—we get it. But here’s a gentle nudge What are you doing for YOU this fall? Whether you’re ready to: • Take one course • Enroll in a cost-saving bundle • Or finally work toward that certificate, diploma, or certification… CFTEA has your back. ✅ Affordable ✅ Flexible ✅ Easy to sign up ✅ Built

A smiling young woman in business casual attire stands confidently beside a staircase made of wooden blocks. Each step features a course title like "Principles of Banking" and "Legal Foundations in Banking," with the top block labeled "and More!" A graduation cap sits atop the highest step. A bold circular graphic states, "Up to 90 of your 120 college credits from CFTEA courses." The headline reads, "Build Your Bachelor's Degree Without Breaking the Bank." At the bottom, it notes, "Toward ANY Degree or Specialize with a Banking Major!" and displays the CFTEA website: cftea.org.

Dreaming of a college degree without the college debt?

August 17, 2025

Here’s a smarter way to make it happen. Through CFTEA’s partnership with Saint Joseph’s College of Maine, you can apply up to 90 out of 120 credits from CFTEA courses toward any degree or your Bachelor of Science in Business Administration—with a Banking Major. That means… Fewer college courses. A fraction of the cost. A faster path to your degree. CFTEA courses are not only flexible and career-focused—they’re recognized by Saint Joseph’s College for college credit. Whether you’re just starting