Catalog Continuing education ISFB Sustainable Finance Certificate

ISFB Sustainable Finance Certificate

Context

With more than 30,000 billion francs managed worldwide according to the principles of sustainability and a sustained annual growth, sustainable finance is today a major and unavoidable phenomenon. The marked interest of investors, the important changes in thinking as well as the adaptation of regulatory constraints encourage the industry to approach this theme with proactivity and professionalism. After providing the keys to understanding this ecosystem, this training will address the various investment strategies that an institution can adopt to offer clients investment solutions that meet their objectives and preferences.

Key objectives

1. Understand the sustainable finance ecosystem and its various issues and perspectives.
2. Evaluate and identify ESG criteria and translate them into an appropriate investment strategy.
3. Advise a customer on existing investment solutions focusing on E, S and G areas.

Target audience

- Employees in the banking and financial sector in contact with private or institutional customers
- Middle and senior managers working in the banking and financial industry

Stakeholders

ISFB lecturers have been working in the banking and financial world, or in their respective fields, for many years and are recognized as some of the best experts in our ecosystem in French-speaking Switzerland.

Reviews

The certificate is validated by means of a 120-minute written QCS exam (simple-choice questionnaire, one and only one correct answer). Emphasis is placed on comprehension, application and the ability to analyze and solve concrete cases using the tools and methods learned in training. Candidates have the right to consult course materials, appendices and personal notes (open notes exam concept).

Practical information

ISFB Certificates of Specialization are recognized by all member institutions. They are an important professional asset on the job market in French-speaking Switzerland.

Price

Public : CHF 4'735.-
Member : CHF 3'550.-
FFPC : CHF 0.-

FD01

Issues and context of sustainable finance

Content: This course explores the tensions between capitalism and morality, in relation to the challenges of sustainable development and corporate social responsibility. It looks at ESG (Environment, Social, Governance) criteria as tools for extra-financial evaluation, as well as sustainable business models. ESG analysis is examined through two types of data: those derived from companies' voluntary disclosure and those based on their reputation. Finally, the course highlights the limits of this analysis, particularly in terms of standardization, reliability and the risk of greenwashing.

SAQ Code: CWMA-ISFB-21-1080

Duration: 4h00

Format: In-person

Possible contributors: MACH Antoine

FD02

Legal & policy framework for sustainable finance

Content: This module introduces the fundamental principles of good corporate governance, focusing on the exercise of voting rights at shareholders' meetings and shareholder engagement. It explores mechanisms for dialogue between investors and companies, as well as collective initiatives aimed at influencing practices, particularly with regard to climate change, such as Climate Action 100+.

SAQ Code: CWMA-ISFB-21-3073

Duration: 4h00

Format: In-person

Possible contributors: CONTAMIN Damien

FD03

ESG analysis & impact assessment

Content: This module enables you to understand the main components of an ESG score and to start a conversation with a client about these issues. It distinguishes between companies' practices and their real impact, while analyzing the market dynamics linked to the measurement of extra-financial criteria. Finally, it presents tools for interpreting impact criteria and formulating investment proposals in line with clients' ESG expectations.

SAQ Code: CWMA-ISFB-21-3074

Duration: 4h00

Format: In-person

Possible contributors: MACH Antoine

FD04

Sustainable investment strategies

Content: This module examines the evolution of the demand for and supply of ESG products, market trends and customers' growing expectations in terms of sustainability. It presents the different sustainable investment strategies (inclusion, exclusion, best in class) and analyzes their financial performance. Finally, it discusses methods for measuring the sustainability of products and services.

SAQ Code: CWMA-ISFB-21-1081

Duration: 4h00

Format: In-person

Possible speakers: DAHMANI Malek

FD05

Macro risks, dialogue and values

Content: This module is in two parts: the first covers macro-risks (climate, biodiversity, etc.) as well as the application of the ASB ESG Investment Guidelines within a bank; the second part of the module features the testimony of an impact investor and a reflection on personal values.

Duration: 4h00

Format: In-person

Possible speakers: ESCHBACH Jérôme, TAYLOR Guillaume

FD06

Environmentally focused investment solutions

Contents: This module provides an overview of clean technologies and related investment opportunities, through the analysis of various financial vehicles. It addresses environmental and social considerations, climate issues and their impact on finance. The decarbonization of portfolios is studied, distinguishing between the financial impact and the impact on the real economy. The module also explores climate strategies (exclusion vs. optimization), tools for measuring decarbonization, climate-related financial products, and shareholder activism approaches, between exclusion and engagement.

SAQ Code: CWMA-ISFB-21-3076

Duration: 4h00

Format: In-person

Possible contributors: OZHAN Emeline

FD07

Philanthropy and finance: challenges and solutions

Content: This module explores the motivations, objectives and targets of philanthropic donors. It addresses the relationships required to implement an effective strategy, as well as the organizational aspects, resources, governance and impact of foundations. Theoretical insights are offered for foundation board members, complemented by practical illustrations on the challenges of good governance. Finally, the module highlights the contribution of finance and private management to this little-known field.

SAQ Code: CWMA-ISFB-21-3077

Duration: 4h00

Format: In-person

Possible speakers: EICHENBERGER Etienne

FD08

Impact investing

Content: This module introduces the impact investment ecosystem, defining impact objectives and project selection methods. It provides an analysis of different investment vehicles and explores impact measurement approaches, in order to assess real environmental, social and economic effects.

SAQ Code: CWMA-ISFB-21-3082

Duration: 4h00

Format: In-person

Possible contributors: GUERDAT Natacha

Review

Content: The aim of the final exam is to validate the skills acquired during the course, by consolidating the practical and theoretical knowledge developed throughout the program. It enables participants to demonstrate their mastery of the concepts covered, their ability to articulate the various contributions of the course within a professional logic, and to identify the evolution of their personal skills.

The test takes the form of a 40-question MCQ, in open book format: participants can consult their course materials, appendices and personal notes. The exam lasts 120 minutes, i.e. 3 minutes per question. Each question has only one correct answer, and no negative marks are awarded for incorrect answers.

The questions are general, with no traps, and are based exclusively on content clearly covered in the course or in the training materials.

Duration: 2h00

Format: In-person

Interview with Antoine Mach, ISFB Sustainable Finance Certificate Program Director

Antoine Mach - Managing Partner (Covalence)

"This program offers a mix of theoretical knowledge, essential for understanding the ins and outs of a rapidly evolving field, and practical knowledge applied on a daily basis by finance professionals."
Read the interview

Training tomorrow's players: interview with Natacha Guerdat on the ISFB Sustainable Finance certificate

Natacha Guerdat - Head of Research (Asteria Investment Managers)

In this interview, Natacha Guerdat talks about her career path, the current challenges facing financial institutions, and the strengths of the ISFB Finance Durable certificate program, which enables participants to combine financial performance with positive impact. A rigorous, human and committed approach, at the heart of today's and tomorrow's challenges.
Read the interview

Training for better support: a look back at ISFB's Sustainable Finance training course with Marica Biemmi

Marica Biemmi - Wealth Advisor (Piguet Galland & Cie SA)

Marica Biemmi, a graduate of the ISFB Certificate in Sustainable Finance, explains why she chose this course, its strengths, and how it has enriched her day-to-day professional practice.
Read the interview

Challenges, innovations and future prospects for sustainable finance - interview with Kali Taylor

Kali Taylor - Managing Director (Sustainable Finance Geneva, SFG)

"Every finance professional should have a basic understanding of sustainability, as it is fundamental to good risk management and to being able to spot and capitalize on new investment opportunities."
Read the interview

Interview with Eva Joss, credit risk expert and ISFB Certified in Sustainable Finance

Eva Joss - Credit risk expert (Banque Cantonale de Genève)

"Tackling a variety of topics such as governance, impact measurement, philanthropy, as well as social and environmental impacts allowed us to cover a wide range of facets of sustainable finance."
Read the interview