The Stephen Cooke Scholarship Programme commemorates the late Stephen Cooke, former senior partner of stockbroking firm, Gerrard Vivian Gray. These scholarships are only available to SII accredited Centres of Excellence, which are an elite group of universities including ourselves, selected by the SII as offering leadership in academic education, focused on financial markets.

Chardin, who is studying the MSc International Securities, Investment and Banking had to submit an essay to the board, as well as taking part in rigorous interviews in order to win the special award, is delighted with his achievement.

Chardin aged 21, said:

"I'm honoured that the CISI has awarded me the Stephen Cooke General Scholarship. The award and the skills enhanced during the different stages of the process will be priceless for the next steps of my personal development. Owing to its collaboration with academic institutions, the CISI deserves special praise for inspiring students to think about topical issues and enabling them to gain an insight into the challenges faced by policymakers. I am greatly indebted to the ICMA Centre and its remarkable faculty for encouraging students to look at the theoretical concepts as well as the applications in financial markets."

Chardin was awarded the £3,000 prize at the CISI Annual Awards Ceremony held at London's Mansion House. This was the Institute's 18th annual awards ceremony; the key speaker was The Rt. Hon. The Lord Mayor, Alderman Michael Bear. Chardin was presented the award by Alan Ramsay FCSI (Hon), Head of Compliance, HSBC Bank plc and member of the Board of Directors of the CISI.