The ABC of ESG

Module 1

• Understand the purpose and scope of the SFDR
• Identify the SFDR classification categories for financial products
• Recognise key reporting requirements and deadlines
• Apply the SFDR disclosure rules to ensure compliance and transparency in your organisation

Module 2

• Define the purpose and scope of the EU Taxonomy and its role within the broader ESG regulatory framework.
• Identify the criteria for determining whether an economic activity is environmentally sustainable under the EU Taxonomy.
• Use the EU Taxonomy Compass to explore activities, objectives, and technical screening criteria relevant to environmentally sustainable investments.
• Recognise the information provided by investee companies to evaluate Taxonomy alignment and comply with SFDR reporting obligations.

Module 3

• Identify the key objectives and regulatory foundations of EU Climate Benchmarks
• Recognise the minimum standards and exclusion criteria for EU Climate Transition Benchmarks (EU CTB) and EU Paris-Aligned Benchmarks (EU PAB)
• Analyse how EU climate benchmark regulations interconnect with the broader sustainable finance framework, including SFDR and ESMA Guidelines on funds’ names with ESG or sustainability-related terms.

Module 4

• Explain the key amendments to AIFMD, UCITS, and MiFID II, and their roles in incorporating sustainability risks and factors into operations.
• Evaluate the impact of these regulatory changes on organisational structures, risk management processes, and due diligence procedures.
• Understand how to assess and incorporate client sustainability preferences into investment advice in alignment with MiFID II requirements

The course is divided into the following key sections:

• Module 1 – SFDR 101
  • Chapter 1: SFDR: What, Why, and Who?
  • Chapter 2: Main ESG Concepts and their Definition
  • Chapter 3: Principal Adverse Impacts (PAIs)
  • Chapter 4: SFDR disclosures at the Product level
  • Chapter 5: SFDR disclosures at the Entity level
• Module 2 – EU Taxonomy 101  
  • Chapter 1: What is the EU Taxonomy Regulation? 
  • Chapter 2: What are Environmentally Sustainable Activities? 
  • Chapter 3: How do Companies Calculate their EU Taxonomy alignment?  
  • Chapter 4: How do Financial Market Participants use the EU taxonomy? 
• Module 3: EU Climate Benchmarks 101  
  • Chapter 1: What is the EU Climate Benchmarks Regulation?  
  • Chapter 2 : Understanding Benchmarks  
  • Chapter 3: Climate Benchmarks Minimum Standards 
  • Chapter 4: Climate Benchmarks in the Broader Regulatory Landscape  
• Module 4: Amendments to MiFID II, UCITS and AIFMD 101 
  • Chapter 1: Amendments to the AIFMD and the UCITS Directive  
  • Chapter 2: Amendments to MiFID II  

Our fully digital learning programme features:

• Advanced interactivity: includes activities and scenarios
• Flexibility: learn at your own space and time
• Modernity: light course design
• Final Assessment: summary of essential knowledge

• 1 hour 40

This e-learning programme is primarily designed for financial market participants, including asset managers, insurance undertakings, credit institutions and pension fund manufacturers. It is also suitable for anyone interested in sustainable finance and ESG investment strategies, and who wishes to deepen their understanding of ESG principles and the broader sustainable finance landscape.