Study Guide

Objective

Upon completing the course, the student will:
• Understand the significance of ESG in the financial sector and as part of corporate responsibility.
• Be able to analyze the impact of ESG risks and opportunities on financial and investment decisions.
• Recognize the effects of regulations and standards (e.g., EU Taxonomy, CSRD, SFDR) on the financial industry.
• Be capable of evaluating corporate sustainability reporting and the achievement of ESG objectives.
• Understand the key principles of green finance, responsible investing, and risk management.
• Be able to apply ESG perspectives in practical examples and identify the risks of greenwashing.

Content

Introduction to ESG Themes in the Financial Sector
• ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) principles and their significance.
• The role of sustainability in business strategies.
Responsible Investment and Financing
• Responsible investment strategies (ESG integration, negative screening, impact investing).
• Green and sustainable financial instruments (e.g., green bonds).
Management of ESG Risks and Opportunities
• Sustainability risks and their impact on business operations.
• The importance of ESG data in risk management and decision-making.
ESG Regulation and Standards
• EU sustainable finance regulatory framework: Taxonomy Regulation, SFDR, and CSRD.
• Sustainability reporting and ESG data transparency.
Corporate Responsibility and Ethical Business Practices
• Corporate social and governance responsibility (S and G).
• Diversity, equality, and ethical leadership.
Greenwashing and Sustainability Communication
• Identifying greenwashing and its associated risks.
• Reliable and transparent sustainability communication.
Case Analyses and Practical Applications
• ESG analyses through company examples.
• Group work and projects: Evaluation and development of ESG strategies.