Center for Financial Training

What Center for Financial Training does

Center for Financial Training (CFT) is a privately held, employer-sponsored education provider that delivers job-specific training exclusively to employees of banks, credit unions, and related financial services companies. Founded in the early twentieth century and headquartered in Farmington, Connecticut, the organization operates a multi-format learning platform spanning FlexLearn hybrid courses (6-13 weeks), self-paced online modules, instructor-supported self-study, live e-classroom training via Zoom, live in-person programs at a Windsor Locks, CT venue, and a webinar library. Its catalog covers 471+ courses across 19 subject areas — including Accounting and Finance, Compliance, Lending, Leadership, Sales and Service, IRA/HSA, and a newer Artificial Intelligence category — plus diploma and certificate tracks (Bank Operations, Lending, Management, Universal Banker, etc.) approved by NCCRS for college credit transfer.

The core technology is an online learning management system (LMS) at online.cftnow.org with course registration, progress tracking, and LMS-integration downloads, complemented by Zoom for synchronous e-classroom delivery. CFT generates revenue through four primary streams: individual course tuition priced $25 to $2,195 depending on format; webinar access at $199-$249 per access point plus $999 LMS digital downloads and $99 OnDemand extensions; performance coaching sold in six-session packages at $2,500 or $500 per session; and in-house training at $275 per student for organizations that license curriculum to deliver via their own qualified instructors. Go-to-market is sales-led via the cftnow.org website, toll-free phone (800-795-5242), and direct email inquiries, with the buyer restricted to financial-institution employees and sponsors. The customer base is segmented vertically across banks, credit unions, and financial services companies, supported by distribution partnerships with the Connecticut Bankers Association and recurring industry events including the Bank Trainers Conference.

Name

Center for Financial Training

Legal name

Center for Financial Training, Inc.

Website

https://cftnow.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1920

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Center for Financial Training is a Farmington, CT-based employer-sponsored education provider delivering job-specific financial-services training exclusively to bank, credit union, and financial-services employees via a 471-course catalog across multiple delivery formats.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Financial Services Education and Training

NAICS

Business Schools and Computer and Management Training (6114), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Finance, Banking & Capital Markets (EDAAAPAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Banking, Credit & Lending (Underwriting, Credit Risk) (EDABAJAH), Financial Services & Insurance (FINRA, CFP, IAR, Insurance CE) (EDAAALAJ)

Keywords

• Financial services training
• Banking education programs
• Credit union training
• Compliance certification courses
• Professional development banking

Headquarters

HQ city

Farmington

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Course Tuition: Individual course registration fees ranging from $25 to $2,195 depending on course type and format. Prices vary by delivery method: webinars ($199-$249 per access point), self-paced online courses, FlexLearn courses ($760-$835), live in-person programs ($695-$1,395), and schools/programs ($999-$2,195).
2. Performance Coaching: One-on-one coaching services for financial services professionals. Six-session coaching package at $2,500 or individual sessions at $500 each. Coaches include Skip Willcox, Gail Tilstra, Tamra Gaines, and Cynthia Rowan.
3. Webinar Licensing: Live webinar access with 60 days OnDemand playback. Additional live access at $99 per person. OnDemand playback extension to 120 days for $99. Digital Download for LMS integration at $999 with unlimited access.
4. In-House Training: Organizations can bring CFT courses in-house using their own instructors for $275 per student plus textbook/eBook costs. Also offers private virtual or in-person delivery of schools and live training.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Center for Financial Training delivers employer-sponsored continuing education and job-specific training programs exclusively to employees of banks, credit unions, and financial services companies. The catalog spans 471+ courses across 19 subject areas, including the century-old Principles of Banking course, Federal Compliance School, IRA University, HSA University, diploma/certificate tracks, and 450+ annual webinars, delivered through multiple formats: instructor-led Live E-Classroom (Zoom), self-paced online, FlexLearn hybrid, self-study with instructor support, live in-person classroom, and live/OnDemand webinars.

Product overview

Center for Financial Training (CFT) is a financial services education provider offering a multi-format training platform for banks, credit unions, and financial services companies. The portfolio includes instructor-led Live E-Classroom Training via Zoom, Self-Paced Online Courses, FlexLearn (hybrid format), Self-Study with instructor support, Live In-Person Classroom Programs, Webinars (live and OnDemand), and intensive Schools (specialty programs). Core offerings include the flagship Principles of Banking course (offered for over 100 years), Federal Compliance School with 14 on-demand sessions, IRA University, HSA University, and Diploma/Certificate Tracks across banking operations, lending, compliance, HR, and sales. Additional services include Performance Coaching (one-on-one with four certified coaches) and In-House Training for organizations. CFT offers approximately 471 courses across 19 field-of-study categories, including Artificial Intelligence courses, with NCCRS-approved college credit recommendations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Principles of Banking Foundational banking course teaching the fundamentals of financial institution operations, the most popular offering in CFT's catalog and provided continuously for over a century for bank and credit union employees.
• Federal Compliance School Comprehensive compliance training program comprising 14 on-demand sessions plus 2 live regulatory update webinars covering federal banking regulations for financial institution compliance officers and staff. Full program tuition $2,195; individual sessions $149 each.
• IRA University Specialized multi-session school covering Individual Retirement Account (IRA) topics, rules, and requirements for financial institution employees who service retirement accounts.
• HSA University Health Savings Account training program covering HSA fundamentals, eligibility rules, and compliance for financial institution employees handling HSA products.
• Performance Coaching One-on-one confidential coaching for financial services professionals delivered by certified coaches (Cynthia Rowan, Tamra Gaines, Gail Tilstra, and others). Sold as a six-session package for $2,500 or per individual session at $500.
• Diploma and Certificate Tracks Structured educational pathways comprising multiple courses that award diplomas and certificates across Accounting, Bank Operations, Business Development Sales and Service, Financial Services, Human Resources, Lending, Management and Supervision, Marketing, Professional and Personal Development, and Universal Banker/Professional Teller disciplines.
• FlexLearn Courses Hybrid online guided self-study format spanning 6-13 weeks that combines readings, discussion questions, assignments, quizzes, and exams accessible from any device. Pricing ranges from $760 to $835 per course.
• Self-Paced Online Courses Online professional development courses that learners can complete at their own pace from anywhere, with durations ranging from 30 days (15 minutes to 3 hours total) to 360 days (25 to 48 hours total). Pricing from $19 to $1,999.
• Self-Study Courses Independent study format with instructor support available via phone or email, including syllabus, suggested schedule, readings, quizzes, and exams with completion timelines up to 12 weeks.
• Live E-Classroom Training Real-time instructor-led virtual training delivered via Zoom with discussions, small group activities, and skills practices, priced from $149 to $1,895 per course.
• Live In-Person Classroom Programs Multi-day intensive in-person programs held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hartford-Bradley Airport in Windsor Locks, CT. Programs include Commercial Lending School ($1,395), Leadership Development Bootcamp ($1,195), Intentional Growth Sales Program ($1,295), Consumer Loan Seminar ($695), Fair Lending Seminar ($695), and Residential Mortgage Lending Seminar ($695).
• Webinars (Live and OnDemand) 60-minute live or OnDemand webinar presentations covering compliance, employee development, BSA/AML, lending, and trending banking topics. Live access at $249 for 1-4 access points and $199 for 5+; additional live access at $99 per person; OnDemand playback extension to 120 days for $99; Digital Download for LMS integration at $999 with unlimited access.
• In-House Training Organizational program that lets financial institutions bring CFT courses in-house using their own qualified instructors at $275 per student plus textbook or eBook costs. CFT also offers private virtual or in-person delivery of schools and live training programs for client cohorts.
• Schools (Specialty Multi-Session Programs) Intensive multi-session specialty programs including Federal Compliance School, IRA University, HSA University, Business Credit Analysis School, and Supervisory Training Program, with prices ranging from $999 to $2,195 per program.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 100 years of continuous operation providing financial services education
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Two partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Connecticut Bankers Association (CBA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCFT collaborates with the Connecticut Bankers Association on events including the CBA Women in Banking annual conference and the CT Bankers Forum dinner events. CFT serves as a co-host and educational partner for these banking industry professional development events.
• Bank Trainers ConferenceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCFT promotes and participates in the annual Bank Trainers Conference, an industry event for training and learning leaders in banking. The 2026 conference will be held in Nashville, TN at the Gaylord Hotel.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• American Bankers Association (ABA): National trade association for the US banking industry offering extensive compliance, lending, and professional development training to its member banks. Directly comparable to CFT in customer base (banks) and curriculum focus (compliance, lending, operations), but operates at a broader national scale with a wider portfolio beyond training.
• Credit Union National Association (CUNA):

Direct peers

• BAI (Bank Administration Institute): Nonprofit organization providing training, certification, and research for banking professionals across compliance, risk, leadership, and operations. Highly comparable to CFT in mission (financial services workforce education) and delivery formats, and serves the same bank/credit union buyer segment.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/center-for-financial-training

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Center for Financial Training