ESG is now a hot topic for banking and finance professionals. Here we explore why (and how) it can help business performance.
Last November, the United Nations Conference on Climate Change helped 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 now 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 Forbes article explains, this might include looking at how corporations respond to climate change, how good they are with water management, how effective their health and safety policies are in the protection against accidents, how they manage their supply chains, and how they treat their workers.
Smart financial institutions know they must take steps to arm their professionals with a solid understanding of ESG investing. But many business managers feel overwhelmed at 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. What’s more, our training can 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.
A 2021 global survey has found that working in an industry that makes a positive societal and environmental contribution ranks highly with recent graduates.
Training for all
And it’s for all your people working in investment roles. 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.
A recent CFA UK survey of investment professionals reveals that, in order to succeed in the face of an uncertain future, the majority of respondents are looking to develop new skills as the business landscape changes. The research shows 70 per cent of respondents expect knowledge of ESG will be important for their career.
Satisfy evolving client demands
By training your people 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.
Now more than ever, those entering the job market are looking for employers who take the issue of climate change and social responsibility seriously. A 2021 global survey has found that working in an industry that makes a positive societal and environmental contribution ranks highly with recent graduates, with nearly nine in 10 (87 per cent) respondents saying it’s an important part of their career choice.
And savvy finance professionals know that completing Kaplan’s ESG training course is a great way to help future proof their career. 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..