Can you see a future in green finance?

Climate related risks and the deterioration of the world’s natural capital assets are the most significant issues of our time. As the international community begins to take action against global warming, rising sea levels, pollution and biodiversity a significant transformation is beginning in the global economy, putting sustainability and stewardship at the heart of finance.

A shift towards cleaner, resilient growth

Although the climate crisis presents an urgent challenge for humanity, it also opens up enormous opportunities. With companies placing sustainability at the heart of their investment and business strategies, investments in climate-friendly strategies have proven to have the potential to boost long term growth.

The CISI is a proud signatory of the Sustainable Finance Education Charter, which aims to integrate green and sustainable finance principles into the education and training programmes of finance professionals worldwide. Additionally, all CISI members globally agree to adhere to our code of conduct, which includes a key principle to respect others and the environment.




Natural capital takes the lead in the sustainability stakes

Television viewers round the world have been wowed by the BBC’s latest nature epic, “Wild Isles,” from veteran documentary maker Sir David Attenborough. It celebrates the beauty and vigour of Britain’s natural capital, as the financial world would label it – the land, the seas and lakes and rivers, and everything on and in them. But Sir David, a still-robust 97 years old, laces every programme with a warning that Britain (and much of the rest of the world) is losing that natural capital – the biodiversity on which so much depends – at an all-time record rate.

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Additional responsible finance resources

We offer all our members access to a multitude of learning resources to ensure they can demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the main elements of sustainable and responsible finance.

Select which resources you would like to view: 


How can you get access to these benefits?

When you become a CISI member you will gain access to all these benefits for free. You will be joining over 43,000 members already taking advantage of the benefits of membership. CISI membership is a compelling marker of professionalism in the financial services industry. Whatever stage of your career you are at, CISI membership highlights to colleagues, clients and the wider industry a commitment to professionalism and the highest standards of knowledge, skills and behaviour. Through the various grades of membership you can gain designatory letters. These, added to your CV, business cards or LinkedIn profile, indicate your knowledge of, and experience within, the financial services industry. You can also strive to become personally Chartered and achieve the pinnacle of professionalism. Chartered members of a Chartered body are highly regarded and qualified professionals, and are considered experts in their fields.

Find out about membership


Sustainable and responsible finance pathway

To support the sector’s continued growth, finance professionals need to develop and demonstrate the specific knowledge and expertise needed to help direct investments to support the transition to a low carbon world, address climate-related risk, and explore sustainable, green finance opportunities. The CISI with our Chartered Body Alliance partners have developed a new pathway for those working in financial services to ensure they meet the evolving needs of their clients.

Level 5 Exam

Climate Risk Certificate

A highly relevant qualification for financial services risk professionals globally
Learn more

Level 4 Exam

Green & Sustainable Finance Certificate

A global benchmark qualification for those looking to enhance their credibility in this area
Learn more

Online learning modules

Professional Refreshers

Choice of online training modules (one to two hours) that will give you basic understanding in a variety of sustainable and responsible finance areas
View ESG modules

Online short course

Sustainable and Responsible Investment Professional Assessment

Short online course covering essential knowledge and jargon for practitioners in financial services, 8.5 hours of learning with test and certificate
Take this course Take this course in Mandarin

Can we help?

If you have any questions or would like to find out more about our offerings on sustainability, ESG and responsible finance, please contact customer support on:

+44 020 7645 0777
customersupport@cisi.org