CFA Institute launches ESG credential globally

By James Langton | March 15, 2021 | Last updated on March 15, 2021
1 min read
Portrait of a muslim businesswoman working at her office
iStockphoto/SrdjanPav

Amid growing demand for sustainable investing, the CFA Institute is launching a new ESG investing qualification.

The professional association announced it will offer a Certificate in ESG Investing, which was developed by CFA Society of the United Kingdom in 2019, in financial hubs around the world.

The group said that the new global qualification for ESG in investment management aims to teach certificants how to integrate material ESG factors into investment analysis.

The course is “also suitable for anyone looking to improve their understanding of ESG issues in functions such as sales and distribution, wealth management, product development, financial advice, consulting and risk,” the CFA Institute said.

The course requires approximately 130 hours of study and a 100-question, computer-based exam. It costs US$665 and candidates can claim 20 CE credits upon passing the exam.

“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,” said Margaret Franklin, president and CEO of CFA Institute, in a release.

“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,” Franklin added.

Correction: An earlier version of this story had an incorrect price for the Certificate in ESG Investing course.

James Langton headshot

James Langton

James is a senior reporter for Advisor.ca and its sister publication, Investment Executive. He has been reporting on regulation, securities law, industry news and more since 1994.