Sustainable finance

Aims of the course

To learn about the basic functions of the financial intermediaries and how these basic functions evolve in light of increasing sustainability awareness.

To learn about the basic functions of the financial markets and how these basic functions evolve with regard to environmental, social and governance considerations in finance.

To learn about the factors that prompted the sustainability considerations to emerge and how the sustainability trends developed.

To learn about the relationship and interaction between sustainable finance principles and traditional finance.

To learn about sustainable business models in finance.

To learn about the sustainability regulation of financial intermediaries and development of best industry sustainability practices and standards.

To learn about the regulation of financial markets with relevance to sustainable finance.

To learn about the strategy, the financial framework and the emerging regulation in the area of sustainable finance in the EU.

Course syllabus

Definition and importance of sustainability
Challenges of sustainability at the corporate level
o Internalizing externalities
o Governance
o Coalitions for sustainable finance
o Changes to business models
o Measuring and reporting
Financing sustainability
o Investing for long-term value creation
o Equities
o Bonds
o Banking
o Insurance
Sustainable investments and ESG ratings
Sustainability disclosures (TCFD, EC,...)
Sustainable finance framework in the EU
o Planning sustainable finance in the EU (sustainable finance action plan, the European Green Deal and renewed sustainable finance strategy)
o EU financial response to sustainable finance challenges (EU budget and attracting private capital)
o EU regulatory response to sustainable finance challenges (EU sustainability disclosure standards, EU green bonds standards, EU taxonomy for sustainable activities, incorporating sustainability into prudential requirements)
A transition from traditional to sustainable finance
The interaction between sustainability and fintech
Sustainability and the future of finance

Course director(s)