Certificate in Sustainable Banking

We are excited to announce the launch of our brand-new Certificate in Sustainable Banking for 2024. 

The certificate aims to develop the learner’s knowledge and understanding of the key principles of sustainable banking and finance, through six interactive eLearning units. Upon Completion, the learner will have their knowledge and understanding recognised through the award of a professional banking qualification. 

Designed as an SCQF Level 8 and broadly comparable to EQF Level 5, this qualification was created for bank employees at all levels globally, regardless of their own specialism. 

By undertaking this qualification, it will allow the individual to successfully increase their knowledge and understanding of the Triple Planetary Crisis of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss and its impacts; climate, environmental, and social sustainability risks; and green and sustainable products and services in the banking sector. 

This qualification will increase awareness of the role of the banking sector and banking professionals in supporting a just transition to a low-carbon, nature-positive world, understanding the risks and opportunities for banks and their clients and customers during this transition, and the key policy, regulatory, and market frameworks relevant to green and sustainable finance.  

The Certificate in Sustainable Banking will support the learner in the development of a number of key skills which include:   

• Commercial awareness  

• Leadership and influencing  

• Problem solving  

• Relationship management 

• Communication and engagement with clients and customers 

• Understanding the needs of stakeholders 

• Applying the basic principles and practice of green and sustainable finance in the context of their role 

• Self-directed learning 

For more information on the new Certificate in Sustainable Banking please read our module specification which can be found under the ‘Modules’ tab. 

• This qualification will support you in the development of a number of key skills, such as commercial awareness, leadership and influencing, problem solving, relationship management, communication and engagement with client and customers, understanding the needs of stakeholders, applying the basic principles and practice of green and sustainable finance in the context of their role, and self-directed learning. 

• Online course that offers both interactive and digital learning. 

• The module costs £495 which includes your first exam entry fee. Exam resits cost £145 per module. 

• To study the Sustainable Banking qualification, you must become a member of the Institute. An annual subscription fee of £36.00 will be payable upon registration. 

• Assessed by one online examination, lasting 60 minutes, and consisting of 40 multiple choice questions with a pass mark of 60%. 

• Registration is valid for 12 months. Learners are expected to sit and pass the examination within that time. 

• Members will receive a digital certificate for this qualification via email usually within 5 days of successfully being awarded the qualification. 

The Sustainable Banking qualification syllabus covers the below modules:   

• Unit 1:  

Unit 1 discusses a wide range of key terms and concepts in green and sustainable finance, including the key factors underpinning climate change, global warming, and the UN Sustainable Goals (SDGs), as well as understanding the issues associated with greenwashing. 

• Unit 2:  

Unit 2 examines what is meant by ‘green’ and ‘sustainable’ finance, and how the banking sector can support the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon economy through lending, investment, and other financial activities. 

• Unit 3: 

Unit 3 Looks at role of different stakeholders in aligning finance with society’s sustainability goals, and the key policy, regulatory and market frameworks relevant to green and sustainable finance 

• Unit 4:  

Unit 4 explores the risks and opportunities for banks and their clients and customers of the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon economy, and the importance of monitoring, measuring, and reporting sustainability performance and impacts 

• Unit 5:  

Unit 5 examines how banks can engage and work with their clients and customers to support the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon economy. 

• Unit 6:  

Unit 6 discusses the role of green and sustainable banking products and services in aligning finance with sustainability goals. 

Certificate in Sustainable Banking Module Specification

Am I Eligible? 

There are no entry requirements for the Certificate in Sustainable Banking. This qualification was created for bank employees at all levels globally, regardless of their own specialism. 

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

1. Six interactive e-learning units  

2. Videos  

3. Case studies and online resources  

4. Activities to support application of learning at work  

5. Quizzes and knowledge checks  

6. Suggestions for further reading  

7. Mock exam