ESG is a hot topic for banking and finance professionals. Here we explore why (and how) it can help business performance.
Over recent years, there have been several discussions surrounding the topic of climate change, including quarterly updates from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). This helps to underline the environmental challenges we face, and the urgent need for firms and nations to take action.
As a consequence, it’s understandable that clients have a growing desire to view investment opportunities through the lens of Environmental, Social and Governance factors. They want to look beyond the traditional accounting measures, and include issues such as sustainability, equality and diversity in their evaluation and decision-making process.
Investors want to put their money into environmentally and socially responsible projects, and as a result, demand for financial ESG expertise is on the up.
Build expertise, get qualified
Kaplan offers in-house ESG training for financial organisations looking to arm their investment professionals with a solid understanding of this subject.
By adding ESG knowledge to the current skillset, investment professionals’ careers can be rewarding well beyond the traditional attraction of higher salaries.
Today’s finance professionals need to be confident in their ability to analyse and integrate ESG factors into their day-to-day investment roles.
As a Thomas Reuters Institute article explains, a deeper integration of ESG is needed in financial practices, with examples including the need for finance professionals and firms to increase the focus on biodiversity and expand sustainability reporting.
Smart financial institutions know they must take steps to arm their professionals with a solid understanding of ESG investing, while the topic is moving from a ‘trend’ to an essential business strategy. However, many business managers feel overwhelmed by the scale of the task.
Kaplan can help
We understand that building a solid framework for ESG success in your organisation starts with targeted training. Our training can also be delivered in person or remotely, to suit your company’s needs.
We can prepare and empower your employees to make an impact in your company and the wider industry and make a difference to the planet. Our in-house training is designed to equip your finance professionals with the knowledge and skills to apply ESG considerations to the investment process.
Who is it for?
The CFA Institute’s Certificate in ESG Investing is perfect for professionals working in investment roles, or those with a foundational knowledge of the investment process - whether through experience or formal qualifications.
We’re talking about the Portfolio Managers, Analysts, Fund Managers and Wealth Managers in your organisation, members of your Product Development team, and your Sales, Relationship, and Distribution teams - the certificate will enhance your colleagues’ skills in evaluating ESG factors to deliver more desirable investment outcomes.
Similarly, our in-house training is also suitable for those already working in finance, particularly those interested in sustainable finance and responsible investing. The training focuses on practical applications, including ESG portfolio management, reporting, regulation, and climate risk, and can be delivered in various formats to suit the needs of the team.
Attract top talent
By training your workforce in green finance and socially responsible investing, you’ll give them the tools to meet the increasing client demand for ESG expertise. You’ll also put your company in a stronger position to retain and attract top talent. The CFA Institute’s 2023 Graduate Outlook Survey found that 91% of graduates expressed a desire to make a positive social or environmental contribution through their careers. Finance was also ranked as the top sector by 30% of respondents - with many participants attracted to the industry’s opportunities to contribute positively to society and the environment.
Satisfy evolving client demands
Savvy finance professionals know that completing Kaplan’s ESG training course is a great way to help future-proof their careers. The global trend towards ESG investing is growing, so the finance industry requires more well-equipped professionals to respond.
By adding ESG knowledge to the current skillset, investment professionals’ careers can be rewarding well beyond the traditional attraction of higher salaries. There has never been a better time to step up and equip yourself and your team with the ESG skills required to thrive in the evolving world of finance.
Next steps
Find out more about how we can deliver bespoke training in ESG Investing for your business.