This training offers an in-depth overview of sustainable finance in the investment funds and debt capital markets, covering key regulations, market trends, and practical applications. It is ideal for professionals looking to effectively integrate ESG criteria into fund selection, client advice, product positioning, and sustainable financing instruments.

The objectives of this training are to:

• understand the foundations of sustainable finance and how international ESG frameworks shape the investment funds industry;
• navigate key European ESG regulations (EU Taxonomy, SFDR, PAI) and assess their impact on fund classification and disclosure;
• advise clients on ESG investment products, integrating sustainability preferences and applying effective sales and positioning strategies;
• understand the role of debt capital markets and instruments such as green bonds and sustainability-linked loans in financing the transition.

CONTENT

• Introduction
  • Objectives of the training
  • Why ESG matters in the investment funds industry
• Sustainable Finance in the Investment Funds Industry
  • Foundations of sustainable finance for investment funds
  • Global frameworks:
    • UN Global Compact
    • Paris Agreement
    • UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
    • Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI)
  • Fund selection based on ESG alignment
• ESG Challenges in the Investment Funds Industry
  • EU Taxonomy: classification of sustainable activities
  • Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR)
  • Principal Adverse Impacts (PAIs): metrics and reporting
  • Greenwashing, blue washing, greenhushing: what to watch out for
  • Social responsibility and good governance in ESG
  • ESG data and rating challenges
• ESG Sales Strategies in the Investment Funds Industry
  • Trends in green financial markets
  • Integrating sustainability preferences into client advice (MiFID II)
  • ESG product positioning and pricing
  • Overview of ESG fund types: thematic, impact, and ETFs
  • Blacklists and whitelists: exclusion criteria
  • Practical exercise: analysing an ESG fund prospectus
• Debt Capital Markets & Instruments
  • The capital markets: investment classes, players and stakeholders
  • Examples of sustainable financial products: green bonds, sustainability-linked bonds (SLBs), social bonds, sustainability-linked loans (SLLs), funds, impact investing
  • Derivatives in sustainable finance
  • The EU Emission Trading System (ETS) and its impact
  • Capital Markets Union (CMU - SIU)
• Conclusion
  • Key takeaways
  • Client engagement tips
  • Outlook and next steps

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

• Duration: 1 day of training (6 class hours)
• Hours: 09:00 to 17:00
• Location: Febelfin Academy: Phoenix building, Koning Albert II-laan/Boulevard du Roi Albert II 19, 1210 Brussels
• Language: This training will be given in English

You follow a ‘Classroom training’ in a group. You, the other participants and the teacher are all present in the same classroom at an agreed time. There is an opportunity for interaction and feedback, both from the participants to the teacher and vice versa. The teaching material consists as a basis of a presentation via the MyFA learning platform, supplemented with various other items (such as digital syllabus, presentation, audiovisual fragments, etc.).

• For those who wish to go beyond the basics
• Learn in a group, in a motivating and targeted way
• Deepen your knowledge and obtain recognized continuing professional development hours

• Be on time for the training. It’s best to arrive 10 minutes before it starts.
• Unexpected delay? Inform your on-location contact.
• Febelfin Academy’s reception desk can be reached at +32 (0)2 507 69 61.

• To receive your (CPD) participation certificate for a classroom training, your presence and active participation are required throughout the entire session. Interaction is key to our trainings.
• Your (CPD) participation certificate will be published on your MyFA account the day following the course.
• Febelfin Academy wishes you a great learning experience.

The training course can be followed by various target groups:

• relationship managers;
• private bankers;
• portfolio managers.