Diploma in Sustainable Banking

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Overview

The Diploma in Sustainable Banking combines the principles and practice of green and sustainable finance with specialist knowledge of climate risk. By studying the Diploma, financial services professionals will develop the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to support sustainable finance and respond effectively to climate-related and environmental risks. 

The Diploma combines two modules: Green and Sustainable Finance and Principles and Practice of Climate Risk. Together, these modules provide learners with a comprehensive understanding of sustainable finance, climate science, climate-related financial risks, regulation, governance, and responsible banking practices. 

The Diploma aims to: 

  • Increase the learner’s knowledge and understanding of green and sustainable financial products and services across the banking, investment and insurance sectors; 

  • Increase awareness of the role of financial institutions, policymakers, regulators and finance professionals in supporting the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon world; 

  • Examine how financial institutions are responding to evolving sustainability and climate-related expectations through governance, regulation, risk management and responsible banking practices; 

  • Develop practical understanding of sustainability reporting, climate disclosures, scenario analysis and climate risk management frameworks; 

  • Explore how sustainability, climate risk and responsible banking practices are reshaping the role of banking professionals and financial institutions. 

  • Develop the learner’s knowledge, understanding and skills relating to green and sustainable finance, climate change and climate risk; 

  • Provide an overview of the underpinning science, principles and practice of climate risk and sustainable finance; 

  • Increase the learner’s knowledge and understanding of climate-related financial and non-financial risks, and approaches to identifying, measuring, monitoring and managing these risks; 

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Key facts

  • The Diploma consists of two modules: Certificate in Green and Sustainable Finance and Certificate in Climate Risk; 

  • Upon successful completion of the Diploma, learners will be eligible to use the designations Cert CRP (Climate Risk Professional) and GSFP (Green and Sustainable Finance Professional).

  • Guided self-study supported by a wide range of interactive e-learning units, case studies, learning activities and knowledge checks; 

  • Modules are assessed by an online examinatiion.

  • Each module can be completed in approximately 12 weeks. Registration lasts for 1 year, allowing learners to study at their own pace; 

  • The Diploma costs £1,250 per candidate, including all learning materials and first examination sittings; 

  • In order to study the Diploma in Sustainable Banking you must become a member of the Institute. An annual student membership subscription fee of £45 will be payable upon registration; 

  • From successful completion, learners will receive digital certificates for each qualification; 

  • The Diploma supports the development of professional knowledge, understanding and skills in sustainable banking, climate risk and green and sustainable finance;

  • The Diploma is delivered online via the Institute’s Learning Management System, enabling learners to access learning materials anytime, anywhere. 

Modules

To achieve the Diploma in Sustainable Banking you must complete two modules. Learners may study one module at a time, allowing flexibility to progress at their own pace. Registration for each module is valid for 12 months.

Green and Sustainable Finance 

Introduces green and sustainable finance and explores how the financial services sector can support the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon economy. Topics studied include: 

  • What is meant by ‘green’ and ‘sustainable’ finance, and the role of the financial services sector in supporting sustainable growth; 

  • The science of climate change and its impacts on the environment, economy and society; 

  • Global policy, regulatory and industry initiatives including the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals; 

  • Measuring, monitoring and reporting sustainability impacts, outcomes and flows of finance; 

  • Climate-related, environmental and emerging sustainability risks and approaches to managing them; 

  • Green and sustainable banking, investment and insurance products and services; 

  • Green and sustainable bonds, sustainable lending frameworks and sustainable investment approaches; 

  • The role of financial technology in supporting green and sustainable finance; 

  • Embedding sustainability into organisational strategies, governance and culture; 

  • The ethical and professional responsibilities of Green and Sustainable Finance Professionals. 

View the Green and Sustainable Finance Module Specification here.

Skills you will develop:

 

  • Adaptability
  • Analytical thinking
  • Building Trust
  • Commercial awareness
  • Critical thinking
  • Digital literacy
  • Ethical and professional judgment
  • Influencing
  • Innovation and creativity
  • Problem solving
  • Professionalism
  • Resilience
  • Risk management
  • Self-directed learning
  • Strategic thinking

Climate Risk 

Develops understanding of climate-related financial and non-financial risks and the approaches financial institutions can take to identify, assess, monitor and manage climate risk. Topics studied include: 

  • Climate change, global warming and the impacts of climate change on the environment, economy, society and the financial services sector; 

  • Physical, transition and liability risks, and their impacts on financial institutions and financial stability; 

  • Approaches to identifying, measuring, monitoring and reporting climate risks; 

  • Climate risk disclosures, sustainability reporting frameworks and data challenges; 

  • Climate risk modelling, stress testing and scenario analysis; 

  • Global, regional and national regulatory and policy responses to climate risk; 

  • Climate risk governance, risk appetite, organisational culture and accountability; 

  • Approaches to embedding climate risk management across financial institutions; 

  • The role of regulators, policymakers, central banks and financial institutions in supporting the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon world; 

  • Opportunities for the financial services sector arising from the transition to net zero. 

View the Certificate in Climate Risk Module Specification

Skills you will develop:

  • Adaptability
  • Analytical thinking
  • Building Trust
  • Commercial awareness
  • Critical thinking
  • Data literacy
  • Digital literacy
  • Ethical and professional judgment
  • Influencing
  • Innovation and creativity
  • Problem solving
  • Professionalism
  • Resilience
  • Risk management
  • Self-directed learning
  • Strategic thinking
Am I Eligible?

There are no formal entry requirements, however, you must be willing to put in the necessary study hours. 

The Diploma is suitable for financial services professionals globally, including bankers, insurers, investment managers, regulators, risk managers, analysts, consultants and central bankers wishing to develop and demonstrate expertise in sustainable banking, green and sustainable finance and climate risk. 

No prior knowledge of green and sustainable finance is assumed, although an understanding of risk management principles may be beneficial.

Resources

The Diploma is delivered online via the Institute’s Learning Management System, which enables learners to access learning materials anywhere, anytime. Resources include: 

  • Interactive study guides for core reading and learning activities; 

  • Interactive e-learning modules, including audio-visual resources, quizzes and knowledge checks; 

  • Case studies and practical examples of sustainable finance and climate risk in practice; 

  • Recommended further reading and online resources; 

  • Self-study, structured learning activities and personal reflection exercises; 

  • Application of principles to real-world professional practice.