CERTIFIED EXPERT IN SUSTAINABLE FINANCE

Certificate Course

Your next career step starts here

Sustainability is reshaping the financial sector, creating both risks and opportunities for institutions and markets. The Certified Expert in Sustainable Finance equips you with the knowledge on  how to create impact, manage sustainability risks, and benefit from sustainable business opportunities. You’ll explore how to integrate sustainability into financial strategies, navigate global policies and regulations, and apply innovative financial instruments such as green bonds and ESG investing.

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 or German

Format

Online or Blended

Price

Online Course

Early Bird: EUR 1,600 | Regular Fee: EUR 1,900

Blended Course

Ealry Bird: EUR 2,700 | Regular Fee: EUR  3,100

 

Sustainability is reshaping the financial sector, creating both risks and opportunities for institutions and markets. The Certified Expert in Sustainable Finance equips you with the knowledge on  how to create impact, manage sustainability risks, and benefit from sustainable business opportunities. You’ll explore how to integrate sustainability into financial strategies, navigate global policies and regulations, and apply innovative financial instruments such as green bonds and ESG investing.

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 practical knowledge with recognised credentials to give you a competitive edge.

  1. Future-oriented skills – Understand how sustainability is reshaping finance and build expertise that positions you ahead of industry trends.
  2. Hands-on learning – Gain practical tools, case studies, and assignments that translate sustainability into real-world financial strategies.
  3. Career impact – Strengthen your profile, expand your network, and open doors to leadership roles in sustainable finance.
  4. Gain an accredited certification (6 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 1,600
After January 15: EUR 1,900
01 March - 31 August 2026
BOOK HERE

Blended Course

Before January 15: EUR 2,700
After January 15: EUR 3,100
01 March - 31 August 2026
BOOK HERE

REGISTRATION

Online Course

Before January 15: EUR 1,600
After January 15: EUR 1,900
01 March - 31 August 2026
BOOK HERE

Blended Course

Before January 15: EUR 2,700
After January 15: EUR 3,100
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 Sustainable 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 Sustainable Finance + Certificate of Attendance

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

CONTENT

Through this programme, you’ll explore the foundations of sustainability and climate science, gain insights into the global financial system and its stakeholders and understand how regulation and policy shape the sustainable finance landscape.  

The course introduces approaches to addressing sustainability risks in financial strategies, provides methods for measuring impact, and explores opportunities for sustainability products and instruments, and innovative financial services.  

With perspectives from banks, institutional investors, and insurers, the course combines academic foundations with hands-on applications to give you the tools and confidence to put sustainable finance into practice. Whether you are advancing within your current institution or stepping into a new role, this programme will equip you to thrive in a changing financial landscape and  position yourself as a leader in sustainable finance.

COURSE OUTLINE

UNIT 1

The World of Sustainability

This first unit sets the scene and introduces participants to the world of sustainability by explaining the key factors that underpin the science of climate change and global warming, including climate diplomacy.

It also provides an overview of the different rationales for why integrating sustainability considerations into to financial market is important and discusses the role of the financial system in the transformation to a low-carbon and more sustainable economy.

UNIT 2

Towards a Sustainable Financial System

The institutional setup is important for mainstreaming sustainability in the financial system.

In Unit 2, participants are introduced to the role of the financial system, involved stakeholders, and their interplay, especially in the context of driving the transition towards a sustainable financial system. The specific roles of the different financial actors are explained, accompanied by practical exercises in an interactive learning environment.

UNIT 3

The Role of Regulation and Policy

Unit 3 demonstrates and explains through detailed examples of the role and rationale of regulation and policy in sustainable finance.

There is also a “deep dive”, a closer look, at the EU sustainable finance regulatory and policy landscape provided in this unit.

UNIT 4

Sustainability risks

Unit 4 discusses how to implement and manage sustainability risks in financial institutions.

It will deepen the participants’ knowledge of the risk perspective. An overview of necessary steps to integrate sustainability risks into the risk management process will be provided.

UNIT 5

Impact through finance

Unit 5 discusses how to create impact through finance.

It will deepen the participants’ knowledge of the impact perspective. The importance of impact measurement and its methodological concepts are introduced in the unit together with a step-by-step process on how to align a financial institution’s portfolio with the Paris Climate Goals and the UN SDGs.

UNIT 6

Sustainable Finance Opportunities

Unit 6 provides an overview of sustainable finance related opportunities.

It focuses on debt and equity-related sustainable products, especially green bonds, and is complemented by a section on additional services.

UNIT 7

Banking

This unit provides an overview of the market environment, potential, development, and criticism for wholesale and investment, retail, and corporate banking products and services.
UNIT 8

Institutional Investors

Unit 8 provides an overview of the institutional investors, their mandates as well as implementation methods.

Furthermore, the unit discusses the role and construction of benchmarks.

UNIT 9

Insurance

The role of insurance in mitigation sustainability is discussed in unit 9.

Participants will learn what role insurance plays within the wider financial system and build an understanding on how climate-related financial risks are impacting the finance sector.

UNIT 10

Recap and Outlook

The course concludes with a re-cap of the learning materials from unit 1 to unit 9, while also making an outlook of ongoing and upcoming developments in the sustainable finance sector.

COURSE OUTLINE

UNIT 1

The World of Sustainability

This first unit sets the scene and introduces participants to the world of sustainability by explaining the key factors that underpin the science of climate change and global warming, including climate diplomacy.

It also provides an overview of the different rationales for why integrating sustainability considerations into to financial market is important and discusses the role of the financial system in the transformation to a low-carbon and more sustainable economy.

UNIT 2

Towards a Sustainable Financial System

The institutional setup is important for mainstreaming sustainability in the financial system.

In Unit 2, participants are introduced to the role of the financial system, involved stakeholders, and their interplay, especially in the context of driving the transition towards a sustainable financial system. The specific roles of the different financial actors are explained, accompanied by practical exercises in an interactive learning environment.

UNIT 3

The Role of Regulation and Policy

Unit 3 demonstrates and explains through detailed examples of the role and rationale of regulation and policy in sustainable finance.

There is also a “deep dive”, a closer look, at the EU sustainable finance regulatory and policy landscape provided in this unit.

UNIT 4

Sustainability risks

Unit 4 discusses how to implement and manage sustainability risks in financial institutions.

It will deepen the participants’ knowledge of the risk perspective. An overview of necessary steps to integrate sustainability risks into the risk management process will be provided.

UNIT 5

Impact through finance

Unit 5 discusses how to create impact through finance.

It will deepen the participants’ knowledge of the impact perspective. The importance of impact measurement and its methodological concepts are introduced in the unit together with a step-by-step process on how to align a financial institution’s portfolio with the Paris Climate Goals and the UN SDGs.

UNIT 6

Sustainable Finance Opportunities

Unit 6 provides an overview of sustainable finance related opportunities.

It focuses on debt and equity-related sustainable products, especially green bonds, and is complemented by a section on additional services.

UNIT 7

Banking

This unit provides an overview of the market environment, potential, development, and criticism for wholesale and investment, retail, and corporate banking products and services.
UNIT 8

Institutional Investors

Unit 8 provides an overview of the institutional investors, their mandates as well as implementation methods.

Furthermore, the unit discusses the role and construction of benchmarks.

UNIT 9

Insurance

The role of insurance in mitigation sustainability is discussed in unit 9.

Participants will learn what role insurance plays within the wider financial system and build an understanding on how climate-related financial risks are impacting the finance sector.

UNIT 10

Recap and Outlook

The course concludes with a re-cap of the learning materials from unit 1 to unit 9, while also making an outlook of ongoing and upcoming developments in the sustainable finance sector.

COURSE OUTLINE

UNIT 1

The World of Sustainability

This first unit sets the scene and introduces participants to the world of sustainability by explaining the key factors that underpin the science of climate change and global warming, including climate diplomacy.

It also provides an overview of the different rationales for why integrating sustainability considerations into to financial market is important and discusses the role of the financial system in the transformation to a low-carbon and more sustainable economy.

UNIT 2

Towards a Sustainable Financial System

The institutional setup is important for mainstreaming sustainability in the financial system.

In Unit 2, participants are introduced to the role of the financial system, involved stakeholders, and their interplay, especially in the context of driving the transition towards a sustainable financial system. The specific roles of the different financial actors are explained, accompanied by practical exercises in an interactive learning environment.

UNIT 3

The Role of Regulation and Policy

Unit 3 demonstrates and explains through detailed examples of the role and rationale of regulation and policy in sustainable finance.

There is also a “deep dive”, a closer look, at the EU sustainable finance regulatory and policy landscape provided in this unit.

UNIT 4

Sustainability risks

Unit 4 discusses how to implement and manage sustainability risks in financial institutions.

It will deepen the participants’ knowledge of the risk perspective. An overview of necessary steps to integrate sustainability risks into the risk management process will be provided.

UNIT 5

Impact through finance

Unit 5 discusses how to create impact through finance.

It will deepen the participants’ knowledge of the impact perspective. The importance of impact measurement and its methodological concepts are introduced in the unit together with a step-by-step process on how to align a financial institution’s portfolio with the Paris Climate Goals and the UN SDGs.

UNIT 6

Sustainable Finance Opportunities

Unit 6 provides an overview of sustainable finance related opportunities.

It focuses on debt and equity-related sustainable products, especially green bonds, and is complemented by a section on additional services.

UNIT 7

Banking

This unit provides an overview of the market environment, potential, development, and criticism for wholesale and investment, retail, and corporate banking products and services.
UNIT 8

Institutional Investors

Unit 8 provides an overview of the institutional investors, their mandates as well as implementation methods.

Furthermore, the unit discusses the role and construction of benchmarks.

UNIT 9

Insurance

The role of insurance in mitigation sustainability is discussed in unit 9.

Participants will learn what role insurance plays within the wider financial system and build an understanding on how climate-related financial risks are impacting the finance sector.

UNIT 10

Recap and Outlook

The course concludes with a re-cap of the learning materials from unit 1 to unit 9, while also making an outlook of ongoing and upcoming developments in the sustainable finance sector.

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

Kamila Armijos Kruger

Programme Coordinator

e-campus@fs.de

CONTACT US
A professional portrait of a woman wearing business attire, standing in a bright and modern office setting.