London Institute of Banking & Finance Degree Verification and Apostille

The London Institute of Banking & Finance, commonly known as LIBF, was renamed Walbrook Institute London in April 2025. Professional banking and finance qualifications continue to use the LIBF name.

Ginkgo Advisory can coordinate direct qualification verification, enhanced solicitor certification, FCDO apostille and embassy legalisation. A 2 working day express FCDO apostille option is available after verification and certification are complete.

Quick answer

LIBF degree records cannot currently be verified through HEDD.

Verification must be requested directly from the institution. The normal route is:

direct LIBF or Walbrook verification → enhanced solicitor certification → FCDO apostille → embassy legalisation where required

The institution may confirm:

• former student status;
• the qualification awarded;
• grade or classification; and
• attendance dates.

Candidate consent is required.

Direct degree verification

A third-party verification request can be submitted by email or in writing.

Written requests should be placed on the requesting organisation’s headed paper. The candidate should separately provide consent by email or supply a signed consent statement authorising disclosure to the named third party.

The request should include:

• the candidate’s full name during study;
• any former name;
• date of birth;
• programme and qualification;
• attendance dates;
• award year;
• grade or classification;
• LIBF or student number, if known; and
• a clear copy of the certificate.

Historic enquiries may still refer to:

• The London Institute of Banking & Finance;
• LIBF;
• ifs University College;
• ifs School of Finance; or
• the Institute of Financial Services.

The institution’s academic records are retained so that awards can be verified and replacement certificates or transcripts can be issued.

Walbrook and LIBF qualifications

The correct verification route depends on the type and date of the qualification.

Walbrook Institute London now delivers degree programmes under its current institutional name. Professional financial education and industry qualifications continue under the LIBF brand.

Applicants should distinguish between:

• an undergraduate or postgraduate degree;
• a professional banking qualification;
• a mortgage or financial-advice qualification;
• a school-level financial studies award;
• a membership designation; and
• a short professional course.

Verification of an academic degree does not automatically confirm professional membership, regulatory authorisation or employment history.

Certificates, transcripts and official letters

Former students may request:

• replacement certificates;
• replacement transcripts;
• award confirmation letters;
• attendance confirmation; or
• another official academic statement.

Requests should be directed to the institution’s Student and Customer Services team. Current contact details should be confirmed before submission because the organisation has recently changed its institutional name.

Solicitor verification and certification

A basic solicitor-certified copy confirms that the copy matches the document presented to the solicitor.

It does not independently prove that LIBF or Walbrook awarded the qualification.

Our enhanced service reviews the document against reliable evidence, such as:

• direct institutional verification;
• an official transcript;
• an award confirmation letter;
• a replacement certificate; or
• another secure academic record.

Where the evidence supports it, our solicitor can provide certification with authenticity confirmation.

This creates a stronger evidence chain than a basic certified true copy.

FCDO apostille

After verification and solicitor certification, the document can proceed to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

An apostille authenticates the relevant UK signature, stamp or seal. It does not independently confirm that the underlying academic or professional qualification is genuine.

The recommended sequence is:

qualification verification → enhanced solicitor certification → FCDO apostille

Our 2 working day express FCDO apostille option applies to suitable documents once verification and certification are ready.

The timeframe excludes:

• institutional verification;
• archived-record searches;
• replacement document production;
• courier delivery; and
• embassy legalisation.

Embassy legalisation

Documents intended for a destination outside the Hague Apostille Convention may require further embassy or consular legalisation.

A typical route is:

solicitor certification → FCDO legalisation → embassy legalisation

The receiving authority may also request:

• an official transcript;
• an award confirmation letter;
• a certified translation;
• proof of professional membership; or
• evidence of regulatory status.

What to send us

Please provide:

• a clear scan of the certificate;
• the transcript, if available;
• the candidate’s name during study;
• programme and qualification;
• attendance dates;
• award year;
• grade or classification;
• LIBF or student number, if known;
• destination country; and
• receiving authority’s requirements.

We will determine whether verification should be requested from LIBF, Walbrook Institute London or another relevant awarding body.

Frequently asked questions

Can HEDD verify a LIBF degree?

No. Degree data verification must be requested directly from the institution.

Is LIBF now called Walbrook Institute London?

Yes. The institution adopted the Walbrook Institute London name in April 2025. Professional financial education continues under the LIBF brand.

Is candidate consent required?

Yes. The institution requires the candidate’s authorisation before releasing academic information to a third party.

Must a written request use headed paper?

Yes. Formal written verification requests should be made on the requesting organisation’s headed paper.

Can LIBF professional qualifications be verified?

Yes, but the process may differ from degree verification. The document type and awarding body should be checked first.

Does an apostille verify the qualification?

No. LIBF or Walbrook verifies the underlying record. The apostille authenticates the relevant UK signature, stamp or seal.

Can Ginkgo Advisory manage the complete process?

Yes. We can coordinate direct verification, enhanced solicitor certification, FCDO apostille, embassy legalisation and return delivery.

Start your LIBF qualification verification

Send a clear scan and the receiving authority’s requirements to:

Email: info@ginkgoadvisory.com
WhatsApp: +44 7388 833283