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This course is part of The Intersection of Finance, Strategy, and Sustainability Specialization
Instructor: Amir Amel-Zadeh
Included with 
Recommended experience
Beginner level
Understanding of the essential components of ESG reporting and disclosure and ESG strategies from course: The Business Case for ESG.
Recommended experience
Beginner level
Understanding of the essential components of ESG reporting and disclosure and ESG strategies from course: The Business Case for ESG.
Fundamental principles of sustainable finance and how it differs from traditional finance, including key products and strategies driving the market.
How financial institutions and organisations are using sustainable finance instruments to achieve both financial returns and positive impact.
How to select appropriate sustainable finance solutions by understanding their features, benefits, and potential applications in different contexts.
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February 2025
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This course introduces you to the rapidly evolving world of sustainable finance and its transformative role in driving positive environmental and social impact. You'll explore how sustainable finance differs from traditional finance and discover the key products and instruments that are reshaping the financial landscape, from green bonds to sustainability-linked loans and impact investing.
You'll learn how financial institutions are incorporating sustainability into their operations and how they're developing innovative products to meet growing investor demand. You'll examine the features and benefits of different sustainable finance instruments, understanding their potential to drive positive change while generating financial returns. The course covers both theory and practice, helping you understand not only the principles behind sustainable finance but also how these principles are applied in real business contexts. You'll learn how to evaluate the suitability of different sustainable finance solutions for specific organisational needs and explore the roles various stakeholders play in the sustainable finance ecosystem. This course is intended for individuals working in finance, accounting and those with sustainability, management or leadership roles who contribute to annual reports. By the end of this course you will be able to: - Define sustainable finance and its key components and strategies. - Identify the major drivers and trends shaping the growth of sustainable finance globally. - Evaluate the potential of sustainable finance products and tools (e.g., green bonds, ESG funds) to drive positive impact. - Analyse the roles and responsibilities of financial institutions in promoting sustainable development. - Compare and contrast the key features and benefits of different sustainable finance products and instruments. - Assess the suitability of different sustainable finance solutions for an organisation's specific needs and goals. - Examine case studies of successful sustainable finance transactions and their impact on businesses and society. - Develop a high-level sustainable finance strategy for an organisation, considering key risks, opportunities, and stakeholder expectations.
This section contains the course curriculum and the video introduction to the course by your instructor. The video explores sustainable finance, focusing on innovative financial products and instruments that drive positive environmental and social change. Learn about green bonds, impact investing, and emerging trends that are transforming how organisations channel capital towards sustainable development whilst maintaining robust financial returns.
1 video1 reading
This module introduces learners to the rapidly growing field of sustainable finance, exploring the key products, tools, and strategies for aligning financial systems with sustainability goals. Learners will examine the roles of investors, banks, and other financial institutions in driving the transition to a low-carbon, sustainable economy.
12 videos1 discussion prompt6 plugins
This module provides a deep dive into the various sustainable financial products and services available to businesses and investors. Learners will explore the characteristics, benefits, and challenges of different instruments, such as green bonds, sustainability-linked loans, and impact investments, and the process of developing and implementing sustainable finance strategies.
12 videos1 reading1 assignment1 peer review1 discussion prompt6 plugins
This concluding video reflects on the journey through sustainable finance, exploring innovative financial instruments and their impact on global sustainability. From green bonds to impact investing, learners have discovered how financial products can channel capital towards sustainable development whilst incentivising responsible organisational practices.
Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford is a vibrant and innovative business school, embedded within a 900-year-old world leading university. We create programmes and ideas that have global impact and reach. We educate leaders, change makers and innovators across every industry and sector. Our ground-breaking research and exceptional teaching transforms individuals, who transform businesses, which transforms the world. We create ïmpact from within. Follow us on Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/school/oxfordsbs
Erasmus University Rotterdam
Course
Erasmus University Rotterdam
Course
Saïd Business School, University of Oxford
Specialization
Saïd Business School, University of Oxford
Course
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