Is Financial Education Enough? Not without EBC's Real-World Approach at IUU

In Mongolia, a country where over 65% of the population is under 35, the question isn't whether young people are eager to learn finance. It's whether they are getting the right kind of education that connects the classroom with the real financial world. At EBC Financial Group, we believe that financial theory alone is not enough. That belief shaped our recent initiative with the International University of Ulaanbaatar (IUU), a partnership that goes far beyond a traditional education support programme.

Turning Theory into Experience

Our journey with IUU began on 29 April 2025, during the university's Career Promotion Day. More than 160 students from the Economics and Business faculties joined us on-site to explore the possibilities of a future in finance. But we didn't go there to just give a presentation. We brought simulations, mentorship, and real-time market insights to bridge the gap between theory and actual practice.

One of the most exciting moments of the day was the virtual trading challenge, where students had a chance to test their instincts and strategies in simulated market conditions. Combined with career advice forums and financial lectures hosted by our in-house experts, the event sparked high engagement. More than 160 internship applications came through by the end of the day, reflecting just how eager Mongolia's young talent is to apply their education to the real world.

Building More Than Just a Day's Experience

What made this initiative more meaningful was the signing of a Joint Cooperation Agreement between EBC and IUU. This formal agreement outlines a roadmap for long-term collaboration between us and the university.

Here's what it includes:

• 10 internship placements each year at EBC, with opportunities for top performers to work in our international offices.
• Monthly financial education sessions, including lectures, mentorship, and trading contests that link textbook knowledge to global financial movements.
• Dedicated career pathways, where IUU graduates are given recruitment priority and access to exclusive training and research opportunities.

This is not a one-time campaign. It is an investment in the consistent development of Mongolia's next generation of financial professionals.

Why This Partnership Stands Out

We've seen educational partnerships before, but rarely ones with this level of real-world integration. As Mrs. Tamir Baatar, our Chief Operating Officer, put it:

"This partnership is more than a milestone for EBC in Mongolia, it's a testament to our belief that empowering youth with knowledge and opportunity strengthens entire economies," said Mrs. Baatar. "By equipping students with real-world skills, we're investing in the resilience and innovation of the financial sector."

She further shared: "We are proud to be part of an initiative that not only opens doors for young Mongolian talent but also builds enduring ties between industry and academia. EBC's vision is rooted in empowering the next generation with both knowledge and opportunity."

From Ulaanbaatar to Oxford and Beyond

This isn't our first academic partnership. We are also deeply involved with the University of Oxford's Department of Economics, co-hosting the "What Economists Really Do (WERD)" series. That programme addresses topics such as climate resilience and economic sustainability, bringing real-world challenges into the lecture hall.

Looking Ahead

At EBC, we don't just talk about empowering future talent — we act on it. Through ongoing partnerships like the one with IUU, we're committed to helping students connect academic learning with actual financial experience. Whether in Mongolia or anywhere else we operate, our mission is to build global financial professionals who understand both the theory and the market.