Transforming Financial
Services
For a sustainable future
Self-paced sustainability courses designed for accountancy leaders and employees, from the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL)
Sustainable finance unlocked
Accountancy practices have a vital role to play in the sustainability transition, for themselves and for the clients and businesses they work with. They can support the informing, driving and embedding of sustainable approaches for businesses both big and small as well as utilising their unique position to dramatically improve the reporting of sustainability performance across the financial services sector.
As companies and their investors demand increasing transparency on environmental impacts, accountancy services are evolving beyond traditional financial reporting and compliance – helping companies to shape a more resilient and responsible future.
Why sustainability matters in the financial services industry:
Measuring progress
As trusted advisers to businesses of all sizes, accountants are at the forefront of driving sustainability in the global economy. Accountants’ ability to measure environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance, assess sustainability-related risks and opportunities, and weave these insights into financial strategies makes these services indispensable for corporates and financial institutions.
Leading the way
Accountants can also play a crucial role in evaluating the financial impact of sustainability-related initiatives and integrating this into business strategies and planning. Many organisations lack the climate and nature-related KPIs needed to drive action. By learning about sustainabilityand helping organisations to adopting science-based targets, accountants can lead the way in guiding businesses towards successful decarbonisation and long-term profitability in a resource constrained world.
Building trust
Building trust and integrity in sustainability reporting is key. Just as robust assurance methods ensure the accuracy of financial data, the same rigour needs to be applied to non-financial impacts like climate change, inequality and the loss of nature. Transparent processes and strong controls can help avoid greenwashing and build confidence in a company’s sustainability efforts and its long-term resilience in a rapidly changing world.
Did you know?
Business transformation for the right reasons
The University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) is your partner to navigate the transition to a sustainable economy, for success now and long into the future. As an impact-led institute, CISL has pioneered sustainable business practices since 1988. Renowned for our integrity and innovation, we empower leaders to drive essential transitions towards a sustainable economy.
Why choose CISL?
- Cutting-edge expertise: Our courses are rooted in the latest research from world-class Cambridge academics and expert industry practitioners.
- Learning pathways that suit you. From 8-hour, asynchronous e-learning modules, to full academic Masters programmes and a range of executive education courses, CISL offers learning opportunities across your organisation.
- Impact-driven approach: Courses designed with a results-driven approach, facilitating practical, actionable outcomes.
- Recognised learning: Support your team’s professional development with a digital badge or certificate from CISL, to demonstrate commitment to sustainable finance.
Choosing the right course
for you and your team
Through our flexible online modules, you can harness CISL’s cross-sector expertise, proven frameworks, and industry foresight. We enable your teams to share a fundamental understanding of key global issues, and in turn help your organisation to innovate.
Successful completion of these e-learning modules provides a digital badge for each learner. Through the admin portal, organisations can assess their team’s progress at any time. Once all learners have completed their modules, admins will also receive aggregated feedback on the course experience, supporting your future learning strategy.
Thomas Vergunst
Course Convenor and Subject Matter Expert, Sustainable Finance Foundations
Course details
Course Prices From | £139 +VAT (Discounts available for bulk purchases)
Self-paced Learning | 6-8 hours per course
12-Month Access | Complete at your own pace within 1 year.
Accreditation | Earn a badge of accreditation upon completion.
If your organisation is looking to deliver sustainability learning across its workforce, let’s talk.
Sustainable Finance Foundations
The finance sector is under increasing pressure to respond to the social and environmental challenges we face globally. Financial institutions looking to meet those challenges, and harness the opportunities of changing consumer trends, need to embed sustainability and resilience into their practices.
- This online course supports finance professionals to develop a crucial foundational understanding of the risks of the global sustainability crisis and opportunities for a sustainable transition.
- The learning is rooted in the latest sustainability thinking and can help learners to embed impact and sustainability risk mitigation into their practice.
Sustainable Business Foundations
Explore the core concepts of sustainability and how they apply to business operations, strategy, and performance.
Renewable Energy Foundations
Understand the transition to renewable energy sources and the role of finance in supporting this critical shift.
Sustainability Innovation Strategy
Discover innovative strategies for fostering sustainability within your organisation.
Sustainable Marketing Foundations
Explore the impact of marketing to understand the key role these departments can play in the sustainable transformation.
Hear from alumni of CISL’s education courses
“This training has been nothing short of amazing and truly eye opening. My vision towards my work environment and its impact has completely changed. I’m very glad I signed up for it.”
Learner, Sustainable Finance Foundations
“This course has truly helped me have a better vision of sustainable finance approaches such as multi-stakeholder initiatives, blended finance and investment banking. I greatly appreciated learning more about the key sustainability challenges that the insurance sector is facing today. I strongly recommend this course!”
Learner, Sustainable Finance Foundations
“As I complete this course, I am struck by the profound interconnectedness of finance, sustainability, and social responsibility. The insights I’ve gained about sustainable finance have deepened my understanding of how financial institutions can drive meaningful change in society while also addressing the pressing environmental challenges we face today.”
Learner, Sustainable Finance Foundations
“The whole course was not only very structurally inspiring but also provides a lot of knowledge about sustainability in the finance sector. Working in a bank, I find it very useful for my context.”
Learner, Sustainable Finance Foundations
Your expert guide to sustainable finance:
Meet the Academic Lead
Thomas Vergunst
Course convenor and Subject Matter Expert, Sustainable Finance Foundations
“The course covers the why, what and how of sustainable finance. It should be taken by individuals working within financial institutions to understand the current debates in sustainable finance and what a good response to this evolving landscape looks like to measure against.”
Here to Support You
Your learning journey with CISL
Discovery Call
Tailored Solutions
We provide a customised learning plan for your organisation.
Seamless Onboarding
Our dedicated team assists you throughout the onboarding process.
Continuous Support
Receive ongoing support to ensure your team’s success.
Watch Onboarding Video
Let’s Talk
Ready to embark on your sustainability journey? Contact us today!
