CERTIFIED EXPERT IN SUSTAINABLE FINANCE

Certificate Course

Your next career step starts here

Biodiversity underpins the global economy, yet its rapid decline is creating serious risks for the financial sector. This programme equips you with the expertise to understand these risks and transform them into opportunities. You’ll learn how to measure and integrate biodiversity into financial strategies, navigate international policies and frameworks, and leverage innovative financing solutions that deliver value for both business and nature.

Select your learning path - 100% online for total flexibility, or blended with on-campus sessions for real-world interaction and networking.

Duration

6 months

Language

English

Format

Online or Blended

Price

Online Course

Early Bird: EUR 850 | Regular Fee: EUR 1,050

Blended Course

Ealry Bird: EUR 2,050 | Regular Fee: EUR  2,400

 

Biodiversity underpins the global economy, yet its rapid decline is creating serious risks for the financial sector. This programme equips you with the expertise to understand these risks and transform them into opportunities. You’ll learn how to measure and integrate biodiversity into financial strategies, navigate international policies and frameworks, and leverage innovative financing solutions that deliver value for both business and nature.

Select your learning path - 100% online for total flexibility, or blended with on-campus sessions for real-world interaction and networking.

Focused individual working alone at a desk during a work session, square format
Your benefits
Target group
Registration
Methodology
Content
Course Outline
CONTACT US

YOUR BENEFITS

This programme combines cutting-edge knowledge with practical tools to help you bridge the gap between finance and nature.

  1. Future-ready expertise – Gain the skills to understand how biodiversity loss creates financial risks and turn them into sustainable opportunities.
  2. Practical application – Learn to use tools, data, and frameworks to integrate biodiversity into real-world financial strategies.
  3. Global perspective – Navigate international policies, regulations, and initiatives that are reshaping sustainable finance.
  4. Gain an accredited certification (3 ECTS credits)

TARGET GROUP

The Certified Expert in Sustainable Finance is designed for finance professionals such as bankers, advisors, asset and risk managers, as well as sustainability officers and development practitioners. It is equally valuable for policymakers, regulators, and consultants who want to embed sustainability into financial systems. By joining this programme, you’ll enhance your expertise, advance your career, and contribute to shaping a financial sector that drives long-term sustainable development.

REGISTRATION

Online Course

Before January 15: EUR 850
After January 15: EUR 1,050
01 March - 31 August 2026
BOOK HERE

Blended Course

Before January 15: EUR 2,050
After January 15: EUR 2,400
01 March - 31 August 2026
BOOK HERE

REGISTRATION

Online Course

Before January 15: EUR 850
After January 15: EUR 1,050
01 March - 31 August 2026
BOOK HERE

Blended Course

Before January 15: EUR 2,050
After January 15: EUR 2,400
01 March - 31 August 2026
BOOK HERE

METHODOLOGY

Online or Blended: Choose the Learning Style That Fits You

Online Format

Our self-paced, asynchronous online courses are designed for professionals who want to upskill on their own time—without putting work on hold. Gain international expertise and practical tools you can apply right away.

  • Flexible learning — study anytime, anywhere
  • Practical content with real-world examples
  • Expert support when you need it
  • Optional live sessions (all recorded for your convenience)

Complete the full curriculum and earn your Certified Expert in Biodiversity Finance certificate upon successful completion.

 

Blended Format

Combine online learning with a 2-day Masterclass for deeper insights and valuable networking.

The on-site sessions complement selected online units, helping you explore key topics in greater depth. This optional “add-on” is ideal for those seeking more interaction and hands-on learning.

  • Engage in practical discussions with peers and trainers
  • Expand your network with professionals from around the world
  • Earn two certificates:
    Certified Expert in Biodiversity Finance + Certificate of Attendance

Join a global community of professionals advancing their careers through flexible, high-quality learning.

CONTENT

The Certified Expert in Biodiversity Finance gives you the skills to connect financial decision-making with the protection of nature. You’ll explore how biodiversity and ecosystem services sustain our economies and why their decline poses serious risks for financial institutions and markets. The course introduces you to global policies and regulatory frameworks and guides you through practical methods for measuring, reporting and integrating biodiversity into finance. By combining scientific foundations with hands-on applications, you will develop a forward-looking perspective on innovative financing mechanisms and nature based solutions that transform environmental challenges into sustainable investment opportunities. Whether you are already driving investments in the energy transition or preparing to enter this fast-growing field, this course will equip you with the knowledge, insight and confidence to thrive and lead in financing a low carbon, climate resilient future.

COURSE OUTLINE

UNIT 1

Setting the scene - Introduction to biodiversity and ecosystem services

In this unit, we introduce the participants to the complex world of biodiversity, providing a comprehensive overview of concepts, the science, and exploring the interplay and interdependence between biodiversity loss and climate change.

The unit also provides regional and sectoral case examples of the importance of biodiversity to the overall society and business.

UNIT 2

Biodiversity loss threat to the financial system - Risks, impacts and dependencies

Within this module, we explore how the loss of biodiversity possesses the capacity to disrupt the financial system and the economy as a whole.

It explains key terminologies and concepts of biodiversity finance and biodiversity loss as impact dependence and double materiality. This Unit delves into the intricate connections between biodiversity and financial stability, explaining double materiality and risk management strategies.

UNIT 3

Public and private sector - Initiatives and available frameworks

The module is dedicated to biodiversity initiatives and frameworks.

It is specifically designed to help participants develop a good understanding of the role of the public and private sectors in biodiversity finance. It introduces participants to initiatives currently under development at the regulatory level, such as taxonomies. This module also aims to cover platforms and tools available for assessing biodiversity-related risks and opportunities.

UNIT 4

Measuring, reporting and strategy

In this module, participants will gain insights into the current tools, databases, initiatives, targets, metrics, and approaches that are used to evaluate biodiversity risks, and measure impacts, and interdependencies within a company's overall strategy.
UNIT 5

Opportunities and innovation

Having grasped the context of biodiversity finance, the risks associated, and current standards, tools, and frameworks, the fifth unit delves into the biodiversity finance landscape, exploring an array of financial opportunities, including projects related to biodiversity as nature-based solutions, climate-smart agriculture, and restoration.

Lastly, the module further delves into the financial products, funds and forms of capital suited for investment in this realm.

COURSE OUTLINE

UNIT 1

Setting the scene - Introduction to biodiversity and ecosystem services

In this unit, we introduce the participants to the complex world of biodiversity, providing a comprehensive overview of concepts, the science, and exploring the interplay and interdependence between biodiversity loss and climate change.

The unit also provides regional and sectoral case examples of the importance of biodiversity to the overall society and business.

UNIT 2

Biodiversity loss threat to the financial system - Risks, impacts and dependencies

Within this module, we explore how the loss of biodiversity possesses the capacity to disrupt the financial system and the economy as a whole.

It explains key terminologies and concepts of biodiversity finance and biodiversity loss as impact dependence and double materiality. This Unit delves into the intricate connections between biodiversity and financial stability, explaining double materiality and risk management strategies.

UNIT 3

Public and private sector - Initiatives and available frameworks

The module is dedicated to biodiversity initiatives and frameworks.

It is specifically designed to help participants develop a good understanding of the role of the public and private sectors in biodiversity finance. It introduces participants to initiatives currently under development at the regulatory level, such as taxonomies. This module also aims to cover platforms and tools available for assessing biodiversity-related risks and opportunities.

UNIT 4

Measuring, reporting and strategy

In this module, participants will gain insights into the current tools, databases, initiatives, targets, metrics, and approaches that are used to evaluate biodiversity risks, and measure impacts, and interdependencies within a company's overall strategy.
UNIT 5

Opportunities and innovation

Having grasped the context of biodiversity finance, the risks associated, and current standards, tools, and frameworks, the fifth unit delves into the biodiversity finance landscape, exploring an array of financial opportunities, including projects related to biodiversity as nature-based solutions, climate-smart agriculture, and restoration.

Lastly, the module further delves into the financial products, funds and forms of capital suited for investment in this realm.

COURSE OUTLINE

UNIT 1

Setting the scene - Introduction to biodiversity and ecosystem services

In this unit, we introduce the participants to the complex world of biodiversity, providing a comprehensive overview of concepts, the science, and exploring the interplay and interdependence between biodiversity loss and climate change.

The unit also provides regional and sectoral case examples of the importance of biodiversity to the overall society and business.

UNIT 2

Biodiversity loss threat to the financial system - Risks, impacts and dependencies

Within this module, we explore how the loss of biodiversity possesses the capacity to disrupt the financial system and the economy as a whole.

It explains key terminologies and concepts of biodiversity finance and biodiversity loss as impact dependence and double materiality. This Unit delves into the intricate connections between biodiversity and financial stability, explaining double materiality and risk management strategies.

UNIT 3

Public and private sector - Initiatives and available frameworks

The module is dedicated to biodiversity initiatives and frameworks.

It is specifically designed to help participants develop a good understanding of the role of the public and private sectors in biodiversity finance. It introduces participants to initiatives currently under development at the regulatory level, such as taxonomies. This module also aims to cover platforms and tools available for assessing biodiversity-related risks and opportunities.

UNIT 4

Measuring, reporting and strategy

In this module, participants will gain insights into the current tools, databases, initiatives, targets, metrics, and approaches that are used to evaluate biodiversity risks, and measure impacts, and interdependencies within a company's overall strategy.
UNIT 5

Opportunities and innovation

Having grasped the context of biodiversity finance, the risks associated, and current standards, tools, and frameworks, the fifth unit delves into the biodiversity finance landscape, exploring an array of financial opportunities, including projects related to biodiversity as nature-based solutions, climate-smart agriculture, and restoration.

Lastly, the module further delves into the financial products, funds and forms of capital suited for investment in this realm.

STUDY JOURNEY

BOOK HERE
Step
01

Register

The course starts twice a year, on 1 March and 1 September
Step
02

Participate

6 months, 100% online, self-pace, self-study, few deadlines
Step
03

Pass the Exam

Online, offered twice a year
Step
04

Get Certified

Receive your e-certificate

MODULE OF

ONLINE

Master of Leadership in Sustainable Finance

Recognised as elective module

Benefit from an Alumni discount and have the course credited when you continue to the Master of Leadership in Sustainable Finance.

BLENDED

Diploma in Green Finance

Recognised as core module

Benefit from an Alumni discount and have the course credited when you continue to the Diploma in Green Finance.

BLENDED

Diploma in Financial Inclusion

Recognised as elective module

Benefit from an Alumni discount and have the course credited when you continue to the Diploma in Financial Inclusion.

BLENDED

Diploma in Risk Management

Recognised as elective module

Benefit from an Alumni discount and have the course credited when you continue to the Diploma in Risk Management.

MODULE OF

ONLINE

Master of Leadership in Sustainable Finance

Recognised as elective module

Benefit from an Alumni discount and have the course credited when you continue to the Master of Leadership in Sustainable Finance.

BLENDED

Diploma in Green Finance

Recognised as core module

Benefit from an Alumni discount and have the course credited when you continue to the Diploma in Green Finance.

BLENDED

Diploma in Financial Inclusion

Recognised as elective module

Benefit from an Alumni discount and have the course credited when you continue to the Diploma in Financial Inclusion.

BLENDED

Diploma in Risk Management

Recognised as elective module

Benefit from an Alumni discount and have the course credited when you continue to the Diploma in Risk Management.

MODULE OF

ONLINE

Master of Leadership in Sustainable Finance

Recognised as elective module

Benefit from an Alumni discount and have the course credited when you continue to the Master of Leadership in Sustainable Finance.

BLENDED

Diploma in Green Finance

Recognised as core module

Benefit from an Alumni discount and have the course credited when you continue to the Diploma in Green Finance.

BLENDED

Diploma in Financial Inclusion

Recognised as elective module

Benefit from an Alumni discount and have the course credited when you continue to the Diploma in Financial Inclusion.

BLENDED

Diploma in Risk Management

Recognised as elective module

Benefit from an Alumni discount and have the course credited when you continue to the Diploma in Risk Management.

Download key programme information

Download your brochure now to explore the programme and learn how Frankfurt School can support your professional journey.

DOWNLOAD BROCHURE
A photo showing a professional meeting with executives seated around a table.

RELATED CERTIFICATES & SEMINARS

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU

Kristin Strohmenger

Programme Manager

e-campus@fs.de

CONTACT US