Sustainable Finance and Investing: Unlock Global Investment Strategies

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Course Dates

STARTS ON

TBD

Course Duration

DURATION

6 weeks, online
4–6 hours per week

Course Fee
Course Fee

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Develop sustainable investment strategies for mature and existing markets

Global investment in sustainability-oriented projects is once again poised for growth. Both the public and private sectors are locking in strategies to decarbonise, derisk against climate change and divest of dirty practices and suppliers. Sustainability is penetrating and influencing capital markets more than any other factor.

Emerging themes such as transition finance, adaptation and resilience, greenwashing, net zero portfolio alignment and nature-based investing are becoming increasingly mainstream in the finance community; yet, many of these concepts are not fully understood. The 6-week Sustainable Finance and Investing: Unlock Global Investment Strategies online programme from Imperial College Business School Executive Education offers investment professionals, asset managers and consultants a deep dive into sustainable finance principles and products. In this programme, expert faculty and guest speakers will help you build better strategies by understanding the challenges and opportunities facing this fast-growing segment, including in both mature and emerging markets.

$950B

Global sustainable bond issuance is likely to bounce back to approximately $950 billion in 2023.

Source: Moody’s Investors Service

50%

ESG-mandated assets are on track to represent half of all professionally managed assets globally by 2024.

Source: Deloitte

$3.5T

The rising crop of sustainable bond labels (social, sustainability, sustainability-linked and transition labels) had this combined lifetime volume as of September 2022.

Source: Climate Bonds Initiative

Who is this programme for?

This programme grounds investment professionals and asset managers in sustainable finance principles and delivers the tools and frameworks to identify and plan ESG-based investment opportunities, especially in emerging markets. Those who will benefit the most include:

  • Investment managers, institutional investors and investment bankers seeking to create investment strategies that account for environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals and uncover new product opportunities and projects for their institutions
  • Asset managers and financial managers seeking to make more informed investment decisions and employ techniques that support sustainable investing, especially in emerging markets
  • Consultants seeking to make profitable yet sustainable investment decisions and offer guidance for their clients

Programme highlights

  • Evaluate the potential impact of sustainability trends and developments on financial performance while considering their positive contributions to society and the environment.
  • Develop a comprehensive understanding of eligibility criteria for sustainable investment products in capital markets.
  • Use resources to understand the changing regulatory and policy drivers in sustainable investment.
  • Apply various sustainability scoring and assessment approaches to real-life case studies.
  • Identify the key drivers of sustainable finance growth in emerging markets.

What you will learn

Programme orientation
Meet the faculty and get an overview of the programme, including certificate requirements, the learning platform and support resources.

Module 1:

Introduction to Sustainable Finance

Learn about the origins of sustainability and how it has evolved to play a significant role in the world of business and investing. Explore different sustainable development goals and the responsibility of corporations in terms of environmental, social and economic impact.

Activity: Embark on a scavenger hunt, identifying news and current events that address the challenges facing sustainability as an investment theme.

Module 2:

Sustainable Finance Policy and Regulation

Grasp the purpose, drivers and trends in sustainability reporting. Examine the actions and interventions that organisations can take to realise their sustainable development goals.

Activity: Create a sample sustainability report and disclosure statement, defining how asset managers may use that sustainability information.

Module 3:

Sustainable Finance Markets and Instruments

Define the various financial instruments suitable for sustainable investing, including sustainability bonds, green bonds, social bonds and transition bonds. Understand the risks of greenwashing in financial investing and governance – and how to avoid them.

Activity: Analyse the ESG risks facing your organisation (inbound risks) and the impact your organisation has on the world at large (outbound risks).

Module 4:

Nature-Based Finance and Investment

Consider the ways in which nature affects the global economy and the interdependency of nature and global organisations. Identify financial instruments suitable for an organisation's nature investment goals, such as carbon credits, non-carbon credits, payments for ecosystem services and ownership with conservation easements.

Activity: Delve into nature biodiversity reports and the many ways the financial and private sectors can play a positive role in nature preservation and restoration.

Module 5:

Applications of Sustainable Finance (Regional Deep Dive: Southeast Asia)

Address the history, trends and challenges surrounding sustainability in an emerging market. Explore policy and regulatory frameworks for sustainable practices in the Southeast Asian financial markets.

Activity: Apply these principles to identify investment opportunities in an emerging market scenario and create a sustainable finance proposal.

Module 1:

Introduction to Sustainable Finance

Learn about the origins of sustainability and how it has evolved to play a significant role in the world of business and investing. Explore different sustainable development goals and the responsibility of corporations in terms of environmental, social and economic impact.

Activity: Embark on a scavenger hunt, identifying news and current events that address the challenges facing sustainability as an investment theme.

Module 4:

Nature-Based Finance and Investment

Consider the ways in which nature affects the global economy and the interdependency of nature and global organisations. Identify financial instruments suitable for an organisation's nature investment goals, such as carbon credits, non-carbon credits, payments for ecosystem services and ownership with conservation easements.

Activity: Delve into nature biodiversity reports and the many ways the financial and private sectors can play a positive role in nature preservation and restoration.

Module 2:

Sustainable Finance Policy and Regulation

Grasp the purpose, drivers and trends in sustainability reporting. Examine the actions and interventions that organisations can take to realise their sustainable development goals.

Activity: Create a sample sustainability report and disclosure statement, defining how asset managers may use that sustainability information.

Module 5:

Applications of Sustainable Finance (Regional Deep Dive: Southeast Asia)

Address the history, trends and challenges surrounding sustainability in an emerging market. Explore policy and regulatory frameworks for sustainable practices in the Southeast Asian financial markets.

Activity: Apply these principles to identify investment opportunities in an emerging market scenario and create a sustainable finance proposal.

Module 3:

Sustainable Finance Markets and Instruments

Define the various financial instruments suitable for sustainable investing, including sustainability bonds, green bonds, social bonds and transition bonds. Understand the risks of greenwashing in financial investing and governance – and how to avoid them.

Activity: Analyse the ESG risks facing your organisation (inbound risks) and the impact your organisation has on the world at large (outbound risks).

Case studies

Decorative image relating to Bank of England

Bank of England

Examine how the Bank of England uses climate stress models to assess climate risks.

Decorative image relating to World Bank

World Bank

Discover how investing in nature can create opportunities for development via the World Bank’s example.

Decorative image relating to Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola

Explore sustainability reporting through the lens of the world’s largest non-alcoholic beverage organisation's latest sustainability report.

Programme experience

Decorative image relating to Video lectures

Video lectures

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Live webinars

Decorative image relating to Interactive activities

Interactive activities

Decorative image relating to Case studies

Case studies

Decorative image relating to Networking opportunities

Networking opportunities

Decorative image relating to Weekly video and podcasts with guest speakers

Weekly videos and podcasts with guest speakers

Decorative image relating to Continuous programme access

Continuous programme access

Decorative image relating to Dedicated programme support team

Dedicated programme support team

Decorative image relating to Weekly assignments

Weekly assignments

Playbook activity

The programme features a weekly playbook with activities that enable you to build your knowledge and apply it to Southeast Asia as a case study. The Southeast Asian market is emerging as one of the most dynamic and promising sustainable finance markets in the world. As part of the case study, you’ll utilise approaches and frameworks developed in the programme to explore sustainability reporting, ESG impacts, Taskforce on Nature-Related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) guidelines and opportunities the Southeast Asian market may present to your organisation.

Centre for Climate Finance & Investment

The Centre for Climate Finance & Investment unlocks solutions within capital markets to address the challenges posed by global climate change. Through collaboration between academics and practitioners, the Centre is generating a new understanding of the risks and investment opportunities arising in this changing climate through climate scenarios, nature-based solutions, renewable energy and climate-resilient infrastructure.

Programme faculty

Profile picture of programme faculty, Michael Wilkins

Michael Wilkins

Executive Director and Professor of Practice, Imperial College Business School

Michael Wilkins is Executive Director and Professor of Practice at the Centre for Climate Finance & Investment at the Business School... More info

Profile picture of programme faculty, Iva Koci

Iva Koci

Teaching Fellow, Imperial College Business School

Iva Koci is a postdoctoral researcher specialising in sustainable finance. Her research investigates how institutional investors convey environmental and social preferences to their holding companies... More info

Profile picture of programme faculty, Anastasiya Ostrovnaya

Anastasiya Ostrovnaya

Senior Teaching Fellow, Imperial College Business School

Anastasiya Ostrovnaya is a Senior Research/Teaching Fellow at the Centre for Climate Finance & Investment, Imperial College Business School, where she researches the climate related risks faced by financial institutions and investors... More info

Profile picture of programme faculty, Pernille Holtedahl

Pernille Holtedahl

Research Fellow, Imperial College Business School

Pernille Holtedahl has over 25 years of international experience in climate finance and sustainable development... More info

Featured guest speakers

Profile picture of guest speaker, Beth Burks

Beth Burks

Director, Sustainable Finance, S&P Global Markets

Profile picture of guest speaker, Hugh Wheelan

Hugh Wheelan

Co-Founder and Former Managing Editor, Responsible Investor

Profile picture of guest speaker, Tonia Plakhotniuk

Tonia Plakhotniuk

VP, Climate & ESG Capital Markets, NatWest Markets

Profile picture of guest speaker, Simone Utermarck

Simone Utermarck

Director, Sustainable Finance, International Capital Market Association (ICMA)

Profile picture of guest speaker, Jan Ahrens

Jan Ahrens

Chief Product Officer, SparkChange

Profile picture of guest speaker, Darius Sarshar

Darius Sarshar

Investment Director, SLM Partners Ltd

Profile picture of guest speaker, Phoebe Scott

Phoebe Scott

Investment Associate, Climate Asset Management

Profile picture of guest speaker, Priya Bellino

Priya Bellino

Head of ESG Solutions APAC, SMBC Singapore

Certificate

Certificate

Upon successful completion of the programme, participants will be awarded a verified digital certificate by Imperial College Business School Executive Education.

Please note that this programme contributes to earning Associate Alumni status. Visit the Associate Alumni page to find out more.

Download Brochure

The Imperial learning experience

Human

At Imperial College Business School, we create people-centric learning experiences. From conception to delivery, we are guided by the principle that learning is a creative, personal and, above all, human process. Our high-quality, crafted learning environments are highly interactive, community oriented and actively tutored. Our programmes offer an engaging experience designed to facilitate natural learning behaviours.

Real

With no compromises, our online programmes offer the absolute equivalent of our campus-based programmes. They adopt the same rigorous academic standards, are delivered via our world-leading faculty and offer a comparable high-touch approach to the classroom experience.

FAQs

  • How do I know if this programme is right for me?

    After reviewing the information on the programme landing page, we recommend you submit the short form above to gain access to the programme brochure, which includes more in-depth information. If you still have questions about whether this programme is a good fit for you, please email learner.success@emeritus.org, and a dedicated programme adviser will follow up with you very shortly.


    Are there any prerequisites for this programme?

    Some programmes do have prerequisites, particularly the more technical ones. This information will be noted on the programme landing page, as well as in the programme brochure. If you are uncertain about programme prerequisites and your capabilities, please email us at the ID mentioned above.


    Note that, unless otherwise stated on the programme web page, all programmes are taught in English, and proficiency in English is required.


    What is the typical class profile?

    More than 50 per cent of our participants are from outside the United States. Class profiles vary from one cohort to the next, but generally, our online certificates draw a highly diverse audience in terms of professional experience, industry and geography—leading to a very rich peer learning and networking experience.


    What other dates will this programme be offered in the future?

    Check back at this programme web page or email us to inquire if future programme dates or the timeline for future offerings have been confirmed yet.

  • How much time is required each week?

    Each programme includes an estimated learner effort per week. This is referenced at the top of the programme landing page under the Duration section, as well as in the programme brochure, which you can obtain by submitting the short form at the top of this web page.



    How will my time be spent?

    We have designed this programme to fit into your current working life as efficiently as possible. Time will be spent among a variety of activities, including:



    • Engaging with recorded video lectures from faculty
    • Attending webinars and office hours, as per the specific programme schedule
    • Reading or engaging with examples of core topics
    • Completing knowledge checks/quizzes and required activities
    • Engaging in moderated discussion groups with your peers
    • Completing your final project, if required

    The programme is designed to be highly interactive while also allowing time for self-reflection and to demonstrate an understanding of the core topics through various active learning exercises. Please email us if you need further clarification on programme activities.



    What is it like to learn online with the learning collaborator, Emeritus?

    More than 300,000 learners across 200 countries have chosen to advance their skills with Emeritus and its educational learning partners. In fact, 90 per cent of the respondents of a recent survey across all our programmes said that their learning outcomes were met or exceeded.

    All the contents of the course would be made available to students at the commencement of the course. However, to ensure the programme delivers the desired learning outcomes the students may appoint Emeritus to manage the delivery of the programme in a cohort-based manner the cost of which is already included in the overall course fee of the course.

    A dedicated programme support team is available 24/5 (Monday to Friday) to answer questions about the learning platform, technical issues or anything else that may affect your learning experience.


    How do I interact with other programme participants?

    Peer learning adds substantially to the overall learning experience and is an important part of the programme. You can connect and communicate with other participants through our learning platform.

  • What are the requirements to earn the certificate?

    Each programme includes an estimated learner effort per week, so you can gauge what will be required before you enrol. This is referenced at the top of the programme landing page under the Duration section, as well as in the programme brochure, which you can obtain by submitting the short form at the top of this web page. All programmes are designed to fit into your working life.

    This programme is scored as a pass or no-pass. Participants must complete the required activities to pass and obtain the certificate of completion. Some programmes include a final project submission or other assignments to obtain passing status. This information will be noted in the programme brochure. Please email us if you need further clarification on any specific programme requirements.


    What type of certificate will I receive?

    Upon successful completion of the programme, you will receive a smart digital certificate. The smart digital certificate can be shared with friends, family, schools or potential employers. You can use it on your cover letter or resume and/or display it on your LinkedIn profile.

    The digital certificate will be sent approximately two weeks after the programme, once grading is complete.


    Can I get the hard copy of the certificate?

    No, only verified digital certificates will be issued upon successful completion. This allows you to share your credentials on social networking platforms, such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.


    Do I receive alumni status after completing this programme?

    No, there is no alumni status granted for this programme. In some cases, there are credits that count towards a higher level of certification. This information will be clearly noted in the programme brochure.


    How long will I have access to the learning materials?

    You will have access to the online learning platform and all the videos and programme materials for 12 months following the programme start date. Access to the learning platform is restricted to registered participants per the terms of agreement.

  • What equipment or technical requirements are there for this programme?

    Participants will need the latest version of their preferred browser to access the learning platform. In addition, Microsoft Office and a PDF viewer are required to access documents, spreadsheets, presentations, PDF files and transcripts.


    Do I need to be online to access the programme content?

    Yes, the learning platform is accessed via the internet, and video content is not available for download. However, you can download files of video transcripts, assignment templates, readings, etc. For maximum flexibility, you can access programme content from a desktop, laptop, tablet or mobile device.

    Video lectures must be streamed via the internet, and any livestream webinars and office hours will require an internet connection. However, these sessions are always recorded, so you can view them later.

  • Can I still register if the registration deadline has passed?

    Yes, you can register up until seven days past the published start date of the programme without missing any of the core programme material or learnings.


    What is the programme fee and what forms of payment do you accept?

    The programme fee is noted at the top of this programme web page and usually referenced in the programme brochure as well.

    • Flexible payment options are available (see details below as well as at the top of this programme web page next to FEE).
    • Tuition assistance is available for participants who qualify. Please email learner.success@emeritus.org.

    What if I don’t have a credit card? Is there another method of payment accepted?

    Yes, you can do the bank remittance in the program currency via wire transfer or debit card. Please contact your programme adviser or email us for details.


    I was not able to use the discount code provided. Can you help?

    Yes! Please email us with the details of the programme you are interested in, and we will assist you.


    How can I obtain an invoice for payment?

    Please email us your invoicing requirements and the specific programme you’re interested in enrolling in.


    Is there an option to make flexible payments for this programme?

    Yes, the flexible payment option allows a participant to pay the programme fee in instalments. This option is made available on the payment page and should be selected before submitting the payment.


    How can I obtain a W9 form?

    Please connect with us via email for assistance.


    Who will be collecting the payment for the programme?

    Emeritus collects all programme payments, provides learner enrollment and programme support, and manages learning platform services.

  • What is the programme refund and deferral policy?

    For the programme refund and deferral policy, please click the link here.

Didn't find what you were looking for? Write to us at learner.success@emeritus.org or Schedule a call with one of our Academic Advisers or call us at +44 208 629 1765 (UK) / +1 315 509 2976 (US) / +65 3138 2451 (SG)

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