Plan Sponsors Can Now Receive Certificate for ESG Investing

The CFA Institute has announced that it will market a certificate in environmental, social and governance (ESG) investing, created by the CFA Society of the United Kingdom, in financial hubs across the globe. 

With 76% of institutional investors and 69% of retail investors declaring an interest in ESG investing, according to a CFA Institute survey, the institute says the certificate will provide recipients benchmarking knowledge to integrate ESG factors into the investment process.

The certificate is designed to meet the needs of practitioners in investment roles who want to learn how to analyze and integrate material ESG factors into their daily investment analysis practices. It is also suitable for professionals wanting to improve their understanding of ESG issues in functions such as sales and distribution, wealth management, product development, financial advice, consulting and risk. 

“We are seeing a real acceleration of interest in ESG investing—a major development that will shape the future of finance—while increased demand from clients and investment management firms has fueled the need for education,” says Margaret Franklin, president and CEO of the CFA Institute. “This certificate is the first of its kind to be made available globally and will equip practitioners with foundational knowledge and competencies, enabling them to better serve the needs of their clients and contribute to building trust within the industry.”

The certificate is a self-study course requiring approximately 130 hours of study, culminating in a computer-based exam of 100 questions held at a proctored testing center or via online proctored testing, where available and/or permissible by local regulation. Candidates have one year to sit the exam after registration, and there are no formal entry requirements. Upon successful completion of the exam, candidates will be awarded a certificate. The cost, which covers the exam and online learning, is $665 and candidates can claim 20 continuing education (CE) credits upon passing the exam.

The Certificate in ESG Investing was developed by the CFA Society of the United Kingdom in consultation with leading firms and is recognized by the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI).