Bank of Ireland Private Banking has embarked on its second wealth academy initiative with seven students enrolled in the current six-month training course. The Bank of Ireland Private Banking Academy was established in 2006 to accelerate the development of exceptional client relationship managers via an intensive, full-time programme aimed at positioning them to become their clients' principle investment advisors. Created in consultation with Professor John Murray, chair in Business Studies at Trinity College, Dublin, the programme is modelled on a business school concept. The current intake, which includes a lawyer and a veterinary surgeon, were recruited from diverse career backgrounds. "The academy was set up to provide an excellent foundation for our front line staff to ensure that we offer a differentiated service to our private clients," David Lowen, director of Bank of Ireland Private Banking, told Business World. "With the growth in wealth in Ireland, we wanted to take a leadership position in the wealth management arena including offering the best people possible to our clients."