The professional body, which provides the Certified Financial Planner designation in the UK, says the course will “unravel the jargon for financial services practitioners.”

The CISI Sustainable and Responsible Investment Professional Assessment is an online course requiring 6 hours study time/CPD hours which can be undertaken at any time on any device. 

The course includes videos, interviews, reading and extra references and materials. There is a 60 minute test at the end. 

The new CISI Sustainable and Responsible Investment online course is aimed at CISI members and non-members and the body hopes it will appeal to anyone with a general interest in ethical finance.

A Spanish version is also in development.

The CISI says the course is relevant for wealth and investment managers advising clients and those working in other financial services roles, including risk, compliance, asset management, banking, insurance, operations and financial planning. A certificate is awarded on successful completion of the course. 

The course gives learners an overview of terminology used and explains the use of benchmarks and examines future trends. Course content includes definitions and terminology, the crossover with ESG, initiatives, standards and guidance, global developments, regulatory concerns and requirements and identifying ‘greenwashing.’ The course also covers appropriate benchmarking strategies, client sustainability objectives, ESG integration and the future sustainable and responsible landscape.

Kevin Moore, Chartered FCSI, CISI global business development director, said: “There is more focus than ever before on sustainability, green investment and environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations. There is also increasing emphasis coming from regulators on integrity in this area, including anticipated reporting requirements and a need for all professionals to understand the key concepts with regards to responsible finance. 

“Our new Sustainable and Responsible Investment course provides practitioners with the knowledge required to provide investors with the confidence and trust they need to embrace this rapidly expanding area.”