In recent years, the global financial sector has undergone a major transformation driven by growing awareness of climate change, social responsibility, and the need for sustainable development. Traditional financial practices, which once focused primarily on profit maximization, are being reshaped by a broader set of objectives that integrate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations. This transition has given rise to the concepts of Sustainable Finance and Green Investing.
Sustainable Finance refers to financial services that integrate ESG criteria into business decisions, investments, and long-term strategies, ensuring that financial growth is not achieved at the expense of the environment or society. Green Investing, a core part of this field, focuses specifically on supporting projects and companies that contribute to a low-carbon economy, renewable energy, pollution reduction, and environmentally friendly technologies.
This course, designed and provided by OCT, equips participants with the knowledge and tools to understand, evaluate, and implement sustainable financial practices. It explores how banks, investors, and policymakers are reshaping financial systems to align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and climate commitments such as the Paris Agreement.
Objectives
By the end of this training, participants will:
- Understand the foundations of Sustainable Finance – grasp the principles, drivers, and global frameworks supporting sustainable financial practices.
- Explore Green Banking strategies – examine how financial institutions integrate sustainability into lending, investment, and risk assessment.
- Gain insights into Green Investing – analyze key investment vehicles such as green bonds, ESG funds, and renewable energy portfolios.
- Evaluate risks and opportunities – learn to identify financial risks related to climate change and the opportunities from transitioning to a green economy.
- Apply sustainability tools and frameworks – familiarize with standards such as the Equator Principles, PRI, and TCFD.
- Develop practical skills – design green finance strategies applicable to banks, corporations, or investment funds.
- Contribute to sustainable development – align professional practices with global ESG priorities and contribute to long-term environmental stewardship.
Target Audience
This course is ideal for professionals, students, and institutions who wish to gain expertise in Sustainable Finance and Green Investing, including:
- Banking Professionals: Credit officers, investment managers, and sustainability strategists.
- Investment Managers & Fund Analysts: Portfolio managers incorporating ESG and green instruments.
- Corporate Executives & Sustainability Officers: Leaders aligning finance with sustainability goals.
- Government Officials & Regulators: Policymakers shaping green finance frameworks.
- Students & Academics: Future professionals in finance, economics, and environmental studies.
- NGOs & Development Agencies: Stakeholders engaged in climate action and development finance.
Course Content
Module 1: Introduction to Sustainable Finance
- Definition, scope, evolution, and role of global frameworks.
Module 2: Principles of Green Banking
- Green lending strategies, policies, and case studies.
Module 3: Green Investing – Instruments & Strategies
- Green bonds, ESG funds, impact investing, and portfolio diversification.
Module 4: ESG Integration in Financial Decision-Making
- ESG criteria, data, disclosure, and credit risk applications.
Module 5: Risk Management and Climate Finance
- Climate-related risks, finance mechanisms, and regulatory approaches.
Module 6: Sustainable Financial Instruments & Innovation
- Green loans, blended finance, fintech for sustainability, and carbon markets.
Module 7: Frameworks, Standards & Best Practices
- Equator Principles, PRI, TCFD, and global regulations.