Certified Sustainability Finance Professional (CSFP)

Module 1 – Introduction to Sustainable Finance

1.1    Evolution from CSR to ESG Integration

1.1.1 History of Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability Practices

1.1.2 Transition to ESG-focused investment strategies

1.1.3 Relevance of ESG integration in Singapore’s financial sector

1.2    Role of Sustainable Finance in Achieving SDGs

1.2.1 Linking finance with UN Sustainable Development Goals

1.2.2 Measuring environmental and social impact in investment decisions

1.2.3 Case studies: SDG-aligned investments in Singapore

1.3    Global Frameworks: UN PRI, TCFD, Paris Agreement

1.3.1 Overview of UN Principles for Responsible Investment

1.3.2 Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) reporting

1.3.3 Paris Agreement commitments and their implications for financial institutions

Module 2 – Regulatory Landscape in Singapore

2.1    MAS Guidelines on Environmental Risk Management (ERM)

2.1.1 Applicability for banks, insurers, and asset managers

2.1.2 Risk assessment processes and tools

2.1.3 Compliance and reporting expectations

2.2    Singapore Green Plan 2030: Financing Opportunities

2.2.1 Investment areas: renewable energy, green transport, sustainable cities

2.2.2 Public-private collaboration and incentives

2.2.3 Examples of local green financing initiatives

2.3    IBF SF TSCs: Overview and Relevance

2.3.1 Sustainable Finance Technical Skills and Competencies (TSCs)

2.3.2 Core competencies for ESG integration in finance

2.3.3 Application of TSCs in Singapore’s regulatory ecosystem

Module 3 – ESG Reporting & Disclosure

3.1    SGX Sustainability Reporting Requirements

3.1.1 Mandatory disclosure requirements for Singapore-listed companies

3.1.2 Key ESG indicators and metrics

3.1.3 Reporting timelines and compliance strategies

3.2    ISSB & CSRD Standards

3.2.1 ISSB adoption in Singapore: framework and scope

3.2.2 Comparison with EU CSRD standards

3.2.3 Integration of reporting standards into corporate and investment decisions

3.3    Climate Reporting Frameworks and Application

3.3.1 Overview of TCFD and CDP standards

3.3.2 Applying frameworks to Singapore-listed companies

3.3.3 Aligning ESG reporting with investment evaluation

Module 4 – Hands-On Workshop: ESG Integration

4.1    Case Study: DBS & OCBC Green Financing Initiatives

4.1.1 Project structure and funding mechanisms

4.1.2 Success factors and challenges

4.1.3 Lessons for local companies

4.2    Identifying ESG Factors in SGX-Listed Companies

4.2.1 Extracting ESG data from company reports

4.2.2 Scoring and benchmarking ESG performance

4.2.3 Discussion and peer feedback

4.3    Mini-Project Kickoff: Designing a Sustainable Financing Strategy

4.3.1 Selecting a Singapore company/sector

4.3.2 Defining sustainability objectives and financing instruments

4.3.3 Initial plan for ESG integration and reporting

Module 5 – ESG Investing in Singapore & ASEAN

5.1    ESG Factors in Investment Decisions

5.1.1 ESG data sources, reliability, and interpretation

5.1.2 Integration of ESG factors in investment portfolios

5.1.3 Sectoral insights: Singapore and ASEAN context

5.2    Assessing ESG Risks and Opportunities

5.2.1 Identification of environmental, social, and governance risks

5.2.2 Evaluating ESG opportunities for sustainable returns

5.2.3 Mitigation strategies for ESG-related risks

5.3    ESG Integration Competencies

5.3.1 Core competencies required for ESG investment analysis

5.3.2 Aligning competencies with Singapore regulatory standards

5.3.3 Practical application in portfolio management

Module 6 – Sustainable Finance Instruments

6.1    Green Bonds: MAS Green Bond Framework

6.1.1 Overview of issuance process and eligibility criteria

6.1.2 Evaluation of projects and reporting obligations

6.1.3 Case studies: Temasek and MAS green bonds

6.2    Sustainability-Linked Loans (SLL)

6.2.1 KPI-linked structuring and performance monitoring

6.2.2 Regulatory compliance and MAS guidelines

6.2.3 Examples from Singapore financial institutions

6.3    Transition Finance Mechanisms

6.3.1 Financing companies transitioning to low-carbon operations

6.3.2 Defining performance indicators and monitoring

6.3.3 Linking to ESG and sustainable finance strategies

Module 7 – Climate Risk Assessment

7.1    MAS Stress Testing and NGFS Scenarios

7.1.1 Climate scenario analysis methodology

7.1.2 Evaluating portfolio vulnerability and risk exposure

7.1.3 Regulatory reporting requirements and compliance

7.2    Integrating Climate Risk into Financial Models

7.2.1 Modifying financial models for climate impacts

7.2.2 Risk-adjusted valuation techniques

7.2.3 Sensitivity analysis and scenario planning

7.3    Climate Risk Management Competencies

7.3.1 Identifying and measuring climate-related financial risks

7.3.2 Applying competencies to Singapore investment portfolios

7.3.3 Practical mitigation and monitoring strategies

Module 8 – Practical Application: Structuring Green Finance

8.1    Structuring a Green Bond for Infrastructure Projects

8.1.1 Hands-on financial modeling and instrument design

8.1.2 KPI definition and alignment with ESG objectives

8.1.3 Presentation and peer review for practical learning

8.2    ESG Scoring: Comparing SGX-Listed Companies

8.2.1 Extracting ESG data and scoring methodology

8.2.2 Benchmarking against sector peers

8.2.3 Group discussion and feedback

8.3    Defining KPIs for Sustainable Lending

8.3.1 Setting measurable ESG KPIs

8.3.2 Aligning with MAS/ISSB reporting standards

8.3.3 Planning, monitoring, and reporting framework

Module 9 – Sustainability Reporting & Regulatory Alignment

9.1    SGX Mandatory Climate Reporting

9.1.1 Key disclosure requirements for Singapore-listed companies

9.1.2 Alignment with ISSB sustainability reporting standards

9.1.3 KPIs and metrics for ESG performance evaluation

9.2    ISSB & CSRD Standards Comparison

9.2.1 Overview of ISSB adoption in Singapore

9.2.2 Differences and similarities with EU CSRD standards

9.2.3 Integration into corporate reporting and investment decisions

9.3    ASEAN Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance

9.3.1 Criteria for identifying sustainable investments

9.3.2 Sector-specific alignment and reporting

9.3.3 Best practices for adoption in Singapore

Module 10 – Generative AI in Sustainable Finance

10.1 Introduction to Generative AI and Applications

10.1.1 AI fundamentals and relevance in finance

10.1.2 Use cases for ESG analysis and sustainable finance

10.1.3 Opportunities and limitations of AI-assisted decision-making

10.2 Using AI for ESG Data Collection and Analysis

10.2.1 Automating ESG data gathering from reports and open sources

10.2.2 AI-assisted scoring, benchmarking, and visualization

10.2.3 Integrating AI outputs into investment evaluation

10.3 AI-Driven Scenario Modeling for Sustainable Investments

10.3.1 Climate and ESG scenario simulation using AI tools

10.3.2 Risk assessment and forecasting

10.3.3 Supporting regulatory compliance and ISSB-aligned reporting

Module 11 – Future Trends in Sustainable Finance

11.1 Tokenized Green Bonds and Blockchain for Carbon Credits

11.1.1 Digital finance innovations in green instruments

11.1.2 Tokenization benefits and adoption challenges

11.1.3 Singapore case studies and pilot projects

11.2 Transition Finance and Emerging Opportunities

11.2.1 Financing low-carbon transformation for corporates

11.2.2 Identifying new sectors and investment models

11.2.3 Aligning transition finance with ESG and ISSB requirements

11.3 Preparing for Future Challenges: Upskilling in Sustainable Finance

11.3.1 Continuous professional development strategies

11.3.2 Adopting emerging tools, frameworks, and AI solutions

11.3.3 Leading sustainable finance initiatives in Singapore

Module 12 – Hands-On Workshop: AI in Sustainable Finance

12.1 Using Open-Source ESG and Financial Data with Generative AI Tools

12.1.1 Practical exercises using AI platforms for ESG data analysis

12.1.2 Visualizing ESG insights and scoring

12.1.3 Extracting actionable investment insights

12.2 Developing AI-Assisted Sustainable Finance Solutions

12.2.1Designing financing strategies with AI support

12.2.2 Aligning strategies with MAS/ISSB standards

12.2.3 Peer review and iterative improvement of AI-generated solutions

12.3 AI Insights and ESG Strategy Design

12.3.1 AI-driven proposals and findings

12.3.2 Aligning AI insights with corporate sustainability goals

12.3.3 Planning implementation and monitoring strategies