Financial Sector and Sustainability (ESG) (3cr)

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

- ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) principles and their significance
- The role of sustainability in business strategie
- Responsible investing and financing
- Green and sustainable financial instruments (e.g. green bonds
- Managing ESG risks and opportunities
- ESG regulations and standards
- The EU sustainable finance regulatory framework: Taxonomy Regulation, SFDR, and CSRD
- Greenwashing and sustainability communication
- Identifying greenwashing and its risks
- ESG analysis through business case examples
- Group work and projects: Assessing and developing ESG strategies