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“I don’t think there’s an investment in this space that goes unrewarded,” says sustainable finance leader Jason Taylor, CFA about skill development in ESG. “Every book, every paper, every course, and every project all contribute to making a financial professional more effective.” Concordia’s micro-certificate in carbon markets begins in less than one week! Ahead of the start, we spoke with Jason Taylor, the sustainable finance expert leading the course. Here’s how the new micro-certificate will address a widening skills gap in the sustainability sector and provide professionals with insights to confidently tackle new professional challenges. Q: How does your background position you to guide students looking to gain the sustainability knowledge they need to advance their careers? Jason Taylor: After starting my career in finance, I ventured into sustainable finance in 2018 during my MBA to find a way to reconcile the power of finance in influencing behavioural change and contributing to what has been and still is considered today a large funding gap for environmental and sustainability objectives. I'm very passionate about using the power of capital to mobilize positive outcomes, and I returned to school to do this in a more informed and technical manner. Since then, I've continued, never really stopping learning because, the more I venture into the area, I realize how complex it is. I love finance, and I love sustainability, and I find that bringing those two things together can contribute to truly positive outcomes. That's really what inspires me, and I love working with students, uncovering their passion, and helping them nourish that passion so that they can go on and forge their own success. Read the full interview: https://lnkd.in/g5cspnQr Learn more from Taylor during the micro-certificate in Carbon Markets and the Economics of Carbon Removal starting March 13. Together, let’s contribute to advancing knowledge in an industry that will shape our collective future. Register now: https://lnkd.in/gJy6ayJx #SustainableFinance #SustainableInvesting #ESGFinance #ESGInvesting

Today, the academic conference at GSOM (EMC-2024) starts. It will delve into discussions on sustainability and efficiency within the realms of economy, management, and finance. I will give a talk about the current situation with greenium of ESG bonds in debt financial markets in Europe. We in School of Finance in HSE explored the evolution of greenium in European corporate primary green bond markets from 2013 to 2023. Our research introduces a new perspective by studying the phases of the life cycle of this market. The sample included 22,259 bond issues from 23 European countries, with 1,040 being green bonds. During this period the green bond yield discount was around 15 bps for banks and 40 bps for non-financial companies. Our findings revealed significant dependence on the size of the greenium on the phases of the lifecycle of the market. The most significant shift was observed after 2022 when the yield discount for green bonds changed by the premium to conventional bond yields of 36 bps. For non-financial corporates the previous 70 bps discount has been replaced by a premium of up to 27 bps compared to conventional bonds. Issuers in "clean" industries saw their yields increase by 43 basis points compared to conventional bonds. The result reflected energy crisis in Europe which is accompanies by tighter monetary policy, and reduction of corporate profits. The findings are crucial for researchers, central banks, and authorities responsible for financial stability and sustainable development. https://lnkd.in/e7JKg_6U My recent academic research can be always found here https://lnkd.in/eCBNXrpP #ESG #Sustainability #Greenium #Europe #Debt_market

🌍 Thrilled to share that I’ve completed the Climate Finance Academy by the YOUNGO Finance & Markets Working Group! This comprehensive 3-month program trained 200 future climate finance practitioners to actively engage in global climate finance and carbon market discussions. Throughout the course, I explored: • 🌱 Intergenerational Equity – Understanding the importance of meaningful youth engagement in climate finance to support sustainable policies for future generations. • 💸 Carbon Markets and Article 6 – Examining the integrity and responsiveness required for successful carbon markets. • 🌍 Climate Finance Goals – Learning about mechanisms like the Green Climate Fund and the New Collective Quantified Goal, as well as the need for private sector involvement. • 🔄 Just Transitions and Adaptation Finance – Studying how financing supports transitions that are fair, equitable, and inclusive. This experience has equipped me with insights into the challenges and solutions in financing a sustainable future. I look forward to implementing these learnings, especially by championing pathways for greater youth involvement in climate finance and advocating for transparent, accountable systems. Let’s keep the momentum going for a resilient and inclusive future! 💚 #ClimateFinance #YouthInClimate #SustainableFuture #JustTransition #ClimateJustice Finance & Markets Working Group - YOUNGO

Embracing the Future: The Rise of Sustainable Finance 💲 👩🎓 In today's ever-evolving financial landscape, one trend stands out as both impactful and essential: sustainable finance. As a passionate advocate for responsible investing, I'm excited to dive into why this topic is crucial for the future of finance. Having pursued my MBA concentration in FINANCE at Al Akhawayn University, I've had the privilege of enriching my career and knowledge in finance within a dynamic learning environment. This experience has equipped me with a solid foundation in financial principles and a deep understanding of the importance of sustainable practices in driving long-term value. Sustainable finance, encompassing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors, is reshaping investment strategies worldwide. Investors are recognizing that financial success doesn't have to come at the expense of our planet or society. Instead, they're seeking opportunities to align their investments with their values, driving positive change while generating returns. The momentum behind sustainable finance is undeniable. From institutional investors to individual savers, there's a growing demand for investments that promote sustainability, diversity, and ethical business practices. Companies are under increasing pressure to disclose their ESG performance, driving transparency and accountability in the corporate world. But the benefits of sustainable finance extend far beyond social responsibility. Studies have shown that integrating ESG factors into investment decisions can enhance long-term financial performance and mitigate risks. By identifying opportunities and addressing potential liabilities, investors can build more resilient portfolios poised for sustainable growth. As finance professionals, it's crucial that we embrace this paradigm shift and adapt our practices to meet the evolving needs of investors. Whether it's incorporating ESG criteria into investment analysis, advocating for responsible corporate behavior, or exploring innovative financial products, we have a vital role to play in shaping a more sustainable future. I'm excited to be part of this transformative journey and invite you to join the conversation. Let's work together to harness the power of finance for good and drive positive impact on a global scale! 🌍💼 Halima DEMRAOUI #SustainableFinance #ESGInvesting #ResponsibleInvesting #FinanceForGood #ImpactInvesting #FutureOfFinance #AlAkhawaynUniversity #MBAFinance

Empowering Myself with Sustainable Finance Knowledge!! 🌍💰 I am excited to share my thoughts on the transformative journey I have had in the Sustainable Finance module of my MSc in Energy Management course. The #Erasmus+ program's #TheTrustFinance_course has grown to be an invaluable resource by strengthening my studies in energy management and giving me the information and abilities I need to promote good change at the nexus of finance and sustainability. Further, by bringing together a broad mix of students, the Erasmus+ program fosters a collaborative environment where we can exchange ideas and experiences. I actively participated in a variety of activities during the course to improve my knowledge and abilities in sustainable finance. My experience with the 21-day challenge was revolutionary, as it gave me the opportunity to learn more about sustainability-related themes and delve into the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It was about incorporating sustainable habits into my everyday life and realising their significance. This course covers considerably more ground than just theory. It's about giving us the tools necessary to successfully negotiate the challenges presented by the sustainable finance environment. Through interacting with professionals in the field and fellow scholars, I'm acquiring a comprehensive outlook on the next obstacles and prospects. Another highlight was winning the ESG challenge, which highlighted the significance of ESG reporting and its role in a business's commitment to sustainability. Outside of the classroom, I'm committed to remaining knowledgeable in this quickly developing industry. To obtain daily insights on green bonds, sustainable investing, and the energy transition, I actively follow news sources such as Environmental Finance and podcasts like The Energy Transition Show. By continuing to learn, I can be sure that I have the most up-to-date information possible to make a significant contribution to the field of sustainable finance. I'm very curious to learn more about impact investing and green bonds. The potential for bridging the gap between environmental needs and economic growth is enormous for these financial instruments. In line with my studies in energy management, I am eager to put the information and abilities I have acquired to use in the field of sustainable finance. Together, we can effect change and contribute to the development and implementation of sustainable finance practices. #TheTrustFinance_course #Erasmus+ #SustainableFinance #ProfessionalDevelopment #EnergyManagement

UPCOMING EVENT: "What's cooking in sustainable investing?" When? Thursday May 16, 2024, 13-17.30hrs. Where? Campus of Erasmus University Rotterdam. For whom? The symposium is open to all academics as well as to the partners of Netspar and the Erasmus Platform for Sustainable Value Creation. This symposium will bring together thought leaders from both academia and the financial industry to discuss, among other things, #impactinvesting, #engagement, #climaterisks and #biodiversityrisks in investment portfolios, developments in national and European #regulation and #supervision, the relation between sustainability and #financialrisk / #return, and #sustainablereporting.   Keynote speakers include: ·      Inge van den Doel (Director at PMT Pension Fund and President at CFA Society Netherlands) ·      Olaf Sleijpen (Executive Board Member of Monetary Affairs at the Dutch Central Bank) ·      Dirk Schoenmaker (Professor of Banking and Finance at Erasmus University Rotterdam) Other speakers: Emilio Marti (Erasmus University), Tara - Jane Fraser (APG), Jaap van Dam (chair of the Platform Advisory Board), Marloes Hagens (Erasmus University), Romie Goedicke den Hertog (UNEP FI), Willem Schramade (Schroders & Nyenrode), Miriam Koning (Erasmus University), Don Gerritsen (Deloitte), Miriam van Gool (EcoValue).   The symposium will be held in English. Please register here: https://lnkd.in/gKq4qkht I hope to see many of you on May 16 in Rotterdam! #sustainability #assetmanagement #pensionfunds #insurancecompanies #regulators #sustainablefinance #sustainableaccounting #climatechange #ESG #SDG #Parisaligned Nathan de Arriba-Sellier Dieuwertje Bosma

Don’t miss this new research highlight by the Initiative in Sustainable Finance at the UZH Department of Finance on essential research by UZH's own Markus Leippold, Massimo Filippini, and Tobias Wekhof. 📚✨ Their study sheds light on a critical gap: while Swiss retail investors demonstrate high financial literacy, sustainable finance literacy (SFL) remains low—and this gap is influencing their investment choices in a big way. Why does this matter? Increasing sustainable finance literacy could unlock greater participation in sustainable investing. Dive into the details in “Sustainable Finance Literacy: A Key Factor in Green Investing.”

I am excited to share my PhD thesis, entitled "Sovereign Wealth Funds in a Post-Pandemic Landscape, a UK Perspective." This comprehensive work, developed over four years at University of Sussex Business School, features insights from renowned thinkers, policymakers, consultants, and representatives of five distinct Sovereign Wealth Funds. In light of the recent establishment of the UK's first Sovereign Wealth Fund, the #nationalwealthfund , by the new Chancellor Rt Hon Rachel Reeves , the UK perspective outlined in the thesis holds significant value. With a bold strategy aiming to attract £5 of investments for every £1 it invests, there is a crucial discussion to be had on the implementation details and stakeholders involved, considering the substantial financial requirements. My thesis advocates for the #UK #government to build on the groundwork laid by the Office For Investment (OfI) and explore partnerships with other capital-rich Sovereign Wealth Funds such as the Future Fund, Public Investment Fund (PIF), Temasek, GIC, Norges Bank Investment Management and others. These funds exhibit robust ESG principles and maintain favourable relationships with the UK. Delving into the #investment strategies, UK appeal, and #ESG commitments of Sovereign Wealth Funds, the thesis sheds light on crucial considerations for policymakers and investors navigating the ever-evolving post-pandemic financial landscape.

A great learning through the course oriented to help understand, think critically, contribute to sustainable future by participating actively or pushing others passively.#ErasmusUniversityRotterdam #coursera #PrincipalsofSustainableFinance Deep insights on UN Sustainable Development Goals, how social and environmental factors should not be regarded as externalities, you will learn more about sustainable banking and asset management, about effective engagement, sustainable scenario analysis and long-term value creation.

🌱 Sustainable Finance Literacy: A Game-Changer for Responsible Investing  📊 Exciting research from the Universität Zürich | University of Zurich and ETH Zürich reveals the power of Sustainable Finance Literacy (SFL) in shaping investment decisions! By Massimo Filippini, Markus Leippold and Tobias Wekhof Key findings: 1️⃣ Study 1: Despite high general financial literacy (Swiss households), many investors lack specific knowledge about sustainable finance. - Higher SFL correlates with increased ownership of sustainable financial products 2️⃣ Study 2: Targeted SFL education significantly impacts investment choices.  - 6% increase in likelihood of investing in the most sustainable funds - Up to 50% stronger effect for investors with pre-existing green attitudes 🔑 Takeaways: - SFL is crucial for aligning investments with sustainability goals - Educational interventions can effectively boost SFL and promote sustainable investing - Clear standards and accessible information are needed to support informed decisions As ESG factors become increasingly important in finance, improving SFL is key to fostering a more sustainable financial future. Find out more and download the policy brief “Sustainable Finance Literacy Training: Impact on Investment Decisions”:  https://lnkd.in/egPsRWd2  #WeAreDF #ResearchExcellence #FinancialResearch #SustainableFinance #ESG #FinancialLiteracy #ResponsibleInvesting #FinancialEducation