In most jurisdictions, expert witnesses are used in both civil and criminal trials on a regular basis. In either a civil or criminal case, an expert witness in the field of banking could be called to testify. The requirements for becoming a banking expert witness vary by jurisdiction, but in the United States, a banking expert witness must be educated in the field, have extensive practical experience, and have established a reputation as an expert among his or her peers.
For a variety of reasons, a banking expert may be called to testify. A banking expert may be required to testify in a civil trial regarding common banking policies or specific loan procedures, for example. In a divorce, he or she may be called upon to testify about a specific bank account and its transaction history. A banking expert may be required to testify in a criminal trial regarding transactions that could be the basis for a money-laundering scheme, among other criminal charges.
Bank executives and managers typically hold a bachelor’s degree in banking and finance, economics, business, or a related field. To work as a banking expert witness, an individual must first obtain the necessary education to work in the banking industry’s upper echelons. While a bachelor’s degree is almost certainly required, a master’s or doctorate degree is possible and highly recommended.
When a person who wants to work as a banking expert witness has completed his or her education, the next step is to find work in the banking industry. Most banks have a number of branches, each with a manager and assistant manager. A banking expert should have worked as a branch manager at the very least. A person who aspires to be a banking expert witness should ideally have worked as a vice president, president, CEO, or other similar position in the corporate world.
In the United States, unless the parties to the case agree, individual courts determine who qualifies as an expert witness on a case-by-case basis. The court will usually take into account the potential witness’ educational background, employment history, and experience, as well as any other information that would lead the court to believe that he or she is regarded as an expert in the field by his or her peers. If the court determines that the person is an expert, he or she can testify as such.