Bank's scholarship to change lives

The first recipients of a generous new scholarship funded by Nord/LB for British women have spoken of the life-changing impact of the award.

The German bank has committed to pay the tuition fees of two students as they undertake three years’ study on under-graduate finance-related programmes at Bayes Business School.

The bank has also pledged to fund two students beginning study next year and a further two women who begin their courses in 2027-28. There will be a full application process for those two years.

Hanover-based Nord/LB employs 120 people at its London office. It was formed in 1970 with the merger of four banks in Lower Saxony, the oldest of which dated back to 1765. The bank is a significant investor in climate transition technology.

The scholarship is open to British women from deprived backgrounds who are studying on the Bayes BSc programmes in finance, accounting and finance, finance with actuarial science, business with finance, business analytics with finance or banking and international finance.

Kobeena Packiyanathan, a first year Banking and International Finance student, said: “I am honoured to have been selected for the Nord/LB Scholarship. This award means a great deal to me, as it has eased the challenges I faced while restarting my degree and now allows me to focus fully on my academic progress, professional development and long-term career goals in finance.

This support not only provides me with stability. It enables me to participate more actively in career opportunities that will shape my future.

"I am truly grateful to Nord/LB for their generosity, and I am committed to representing both Nord/LB and Bayes Business School in a manner that is positive and professional.”

Nawaal Ismail, who started a BSc in Accounting and Finance at Bayes this year, said: “I am so grateful to Nord/LB. As a first-generation university student from a low-income background, this support genuinely means more than words can ever express. When I received the email, I felt an overwhelming sense of relief, pride and genuine validation. It was more than good news: it felt like the recognition of the years of effort, sacrifice and personal challenges overcome that have shaped my journey to university.

“This scholarship doesn’t just fund my education: it represents Nord/LB’s belief in my future at a time I needed it most.”

Oliver Teller, a Bayes alum who is now a portfolio manager at NordL/B, suggested the scholarship.

He said: “I’m proud to work for an institution that is willing to invest in opportunities that make a real difference. As a Bayes alum, I know first-hand what a fantastic institution it is, so collaborating on this initiative was an obvious and natural fit."

It’s a privilege to play a small part in giving back, and I’d like to thank Bayes Business School for their partnership. I look forward to continuing our work together to support the next generation of women in finance.

Amelia Tatford, who works in the bank’s Structured Finance Agency, said: “Contributing to the development of this programme at NORD/LB has been a truly rewarding experience. I’m grateful to be a part of an initiative with such meaningful purpose, and I’m excited to see the impact it will continue to create. Education has the power to drive real change, and through this work we are helping to expand access while supporting the advancement of women in finance.”

Associate Dean Professor Nick Motson said: “At Bayes we understand the power of university education to transform the lives of people from deprived backgrounds. With this scholarship commitment, Nord/LB are genuinely empowering the next generation. That impact is embodied in the life journeys of Kobeena and Nawaal, two outstanding young women who have overcome adversity and are committed to a career in finance.”