LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT

BACKGROUND

Since the Paris Agreement, the establishment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and Mark Carney's landmark 2015 address on climate-related financial risks, sustainable finance has rapidly evolved from a specialized practice to a core component of the global finance industry.  This shift reflects a growing need to incorporate material environmental and social risks into financial decision-making, while also considering the broader impacts of financial activities.  

Key drivers for sustainable finance now include observable environmental changes, regulatory pressures, technological advancements, and increased client demand.

Today, responsible investments globally account for over $30 trillion USD in assets under management.  Carbon pricing now applies to 24% of global emissions, and regions worldwide are shifting from voluntary to mandatory climate and/or sustainability reporting.  

In New Zealand, climate-related disclosures are mandatory, around half of the country’s carbon emissions are priced through the Emissions Trading Scheme, and over 50% of managed assets claim to adhere to responsible investment principles.  The tools, data, and methodologies in this field are advancing at a rapid pace. 

To remain competitive and achieve career growth, finance professionals at all levels must now have at least a foundational understanding of sustainable finance.  This course is designed as the essential starting point for building that knowledge.

Benefits & Outcomes

This INFINZ Sustainable Finance 101 course offers participants key insights into the role of finance in creating a more sustainable and resilient economy.  It then provides participants with an introduction to the sustainable finance landscape, and practically unpacks how to go about implementing sustainable finance. 

The course seeks to empower participants to:

• Gain insights into the sustainability challenges facing businesses and financial system stability
• Understand common sustainable finance motivations – why are entities embracing sustainable finance, from risk mitigation to driving positive change
• Utilise capital for a sustainable future - how sustainable finance can drive a broader view of value and facilitate the climate transition
• Appreciate the global context – policy and market trends, including sustainable finance motivators and key legislative instruments, including those from Europe, and what New Zealand needs to consider
• Unpack the sustainable finance and responsible investment landscapes, including tools, standards, frameworks, and taxonomies and why these matter
• Appreciate how to start the implementation journey, including critical aspects such as a data, greenwashing risks, and use of AI
• Where to next? Discussion into the latest research findings and their practical applications.

The course will be interactive, and include case studies, exercises, and quizzes, progressively building understanding and retention of each topic throughout the day.  There will also be ample opportunities for participants to ask questions. 

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

This event is designed for finance professionals of all experience levels, as well as others interested in learning how sustainable finance can be used to mitigate risks and/or bring positive change.