Amidst the urgent response to environmental threats, banks, as financiers, are expected to play a pivotal role in the transition to a lower carbon economy.

Not only are banks expected to align their financing with the goals and timelines of the Paris Agreement, but investors are increasingly expecting banks to transform their lending strategy and drive their clients’ green transition plans. Only banks that do so will be able to maintain and strengthen their credibility and secure new long-term investment.

This course explores the practical steps required to transform bank lending and influence clients transition plans. It will also examine climate-related financial disclosure and transparency initiatives and obligations facing banks and their customers. Delegates will draw upon case studies to help highlight and illustrate key ESG risks and opportunities, and bank lending and underwriting decisions.

This course is also available in Mauritius, at a fee of £1,950.

Course Objectives

On completion, you will be able to:

• Understand ESG, sustainability and climate change concepts and global drivers
• Outline international and local standards, requirements and laws, and their impact on banks
• Meet ESG and climate-related financial disclosure reporting requirements
• Conduct robust sectoral analysis to inform credit and investment portfolio strategy, to mitigate risks and deliver sustainable environmental and societal impact
• Review the status of a client’s ESG credentials and green transition plans against bank requirements and expectations
• Engage in a strategic dialogue with clients to influence their ESG and Green ambitions
• Actively pursue Green and Climate finance opportunities in existing and new business sectors
• Deliver ESG reporting to recognised and emerging standards, including the latest climate-related financial disclosure requirements

Key Topics

• ESG, Sustainability and Climate Change - drivers, context, implications, goals, and definitions
• Environmental sectoral analysis: scope and opportunities for greater ambition
• Lending portfolio strategies
• Examining physical climate risk
• Credit and project finance appraisal incorporating ESG/Green criteria
• Assessing migration plans to lower carbon business models, supply chain resilience and circular economy initiatives
• Managing transition risks

All courses will be conducted entirely in English. A proficient level of both spoken and written English is required by all delegates so that they are able to fully benefit from the course and participate in our interactive style of training.