Course content

The Sustainable Finance Executive Course provides a foundation in sustainable finance for professionals in the financial sector, businesses, government, and civil society. It offers participants the essential knowledge and key concepts and strategies in sustainable finance along with an advanced understanding of sustainable finance regulation and recent developments. The course is aimed at professionals working in a range of sectors: (1) financial industry executives and professionals (financial advisers, fund managers, family offices, financial services and technology providers, sustainability consultants) who wish to advance their knowledge of sustainable finance and incorporate it in their current and future work; (2) business executives and professionals who wish to deepen their understanding of sustainable finance, integrate sustainability in business strategy, and undertake sustainable finance reporting; (3) company board members who wish to understand how sustainable finance relates to their board duties; (4) civil servants and local governments working to develop policies and projects involving sustainable finance; and (5) non-profit specialists who would like to use sustainable finance to create better environmental and social outcomes.

The course encompasses lectures, discussions, practical exercises, Harvard Business School cases, and guest lectures from top sustainable finance professionals and provides participants with the knowledge and networks required to successfully engage in sustainable finance work across a range of sectors and industries.

Learning outcome

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Describe how finance and sustainable development (including SDGs) intersect
• Analyze how economic, social and environmental issues (ESG) interact with finance
• Explain key concepts, models, theories, and instruments in sustainable finance (including climate finance and impact investing)
• Explain critical recent developments and key debates in sustainable finance
• Describe the role of public sector and civil society in sustainable finance
• Explain investor demand for sustainable finance and sustainability reporting
• Evaluate required and dominant voluntary regulatory reporting standards and green taxonomies
• Explain integrated reporting and challenges pertaining to ESG disclosure, reporting, and data
• Describe sustainable finance data providers, benchmarks, and indices
• Appraise relevant and material ESG issues, opportunities and risks of a company or investment
• Explain ESG integration and how ESG instruments and tools are used to analyze investments and assess risk
• Evaluate stewardship practices and tools (engagement, divestment, etc.)

Learning methods and activities

Course forms and activities: lectures, discussions, practical exercises, Harvard Business School cases, and guest lectures from top sustainable finance professionals.

Specific conditions

Required previous knowledge

A bachelor degree or higher. Work experience is a plus.