The Certificate in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) for Professionals in Banking and Finance, offered by SMU Academy, is a specialized on-campus program developed for risk, sustainability, and finance professionals, as well as those aspiring to shape a career in sustainability and ESG within the financial sector. This targeted course is structured to unravel the complexities of ESG integration in banking and finance operations, focusing on both immediate business impacts and the broader role of financial institutions in the green transition. The next session is scheduled for August 22, 2025, delivered over a single, intensive weekday from 9 am to 6 pm on the SMU campus in Singapore.

Core Content

The curriculum delivers a comprehensive overview of ESG as it applies to banking and finance, with a particular emphasis on the ‘social’ pillar of sustainable growth. Participants gain deep insights into the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) and learn how these global benchmarks inform transformation within financial organizations. Key topics include understanding climate risks in the industry, foundational principles of carbon footprint assessment and decarbonization, and the mechanics of sustainable finance and impact investing. The course further examines the pivotal role of individual and organizational actions—unpacking labor laws, workplace dynamics, and tools for mapping and managing business’ societal impact. Real-world scenarios and interactive case studies illustrate how clean energy and sustainability initiatives can improve business and environmental outcomes, anchoring content in practical relevance for the Singaporean and global context.

Key Skills

Upon completion, participants develop practical capabilities for implementing ESG criteria in investment portfolios, analyzing and reporting on climate risks, and evaluating the effectiveness of sustainability strategies within financial institutions. The program strengthens foundational knowledge in carbon management, sustainable finance, and impact measurement, alongside critical understanding of personal and social development in the employment context. Learners finish the course with the ability to articulate climate risks, support decarbonization initiatives, and analyze connections between business decisions and positive social impact. Training also builds communication skills for stakeholder engagement, contextualizing ESG trends and regulatory requirements across the financial industry.

Target Learners

This certificate is designed for a diverse audience of banking and finance practitioners—particularly risk, sustainability, and product or portfolio managers who require current, actionable ESG expertise. It welcomes both established professionals seeking to upgrade their knowledge and those aspiring to enter the sustainability field from other areas within finance. Given its structure, the program also benefits organizations looking to upskill teams in ESG integration—an increasingly important area for business resilience and regulatory compliance in the evolving global landscape.

Learning Format

Delivered as an on-campus, full-day workshop, the course includes expert-led instruction, interactive presentations, group discussions, and live case study analysis, fostering peer learning and real-time application. The assessment is based on multiple-choice questions and a group presentation that allows participants to synthesize and communicate key ESG concepts. Successful completion earns a digital certificate, and the module is part of a broader series required for a full certificate, which must be completed within three years. Participants benefit from partnership insights brought by KPMG's ESG Banking Centre of Excellence and access to a network of industry practitioners.

Additional Benefits

The program provides recognized certification, supporting both professional advancement and organizational ESG capabilities. Singaporeans and permanent residents may utilize SkillsFuture Credits or other subsidies to support their participation. The course aligns with established industry funding programs—such as Workfare Skills Support and Enhanced Training Support for SMEs—allowing both individual and company-sponsored learners to access further fee support. Graduates are positioned at the forefront of sustainability practice in finance, equipped to drive compliance, manage transitions, and help shape the sector’s contribution to global ESG goals.

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