Chartered Financial Analyst UK (CFA UK) has launched a new qualification in environmental, social and governance (ESG) investing, which will be available to investment professionals later this year.
The certificate in ESG Investing will be recognised and supported by the principles for responsible investment (PRI).
The certificate will be the first formal qualification on ESG investing available sector-wide in the UK.
Its introduction follows a surge of interest in ESG from investors in recent years and will help to meet the investment sector’s increasing demand for further education, guidance and standards around ESG.
The qualification sets out the fundamentals for ESG investing and will equip professionals with the skills and knowledge to integrate ESG issues into their day-to-day work.
It has been designed for investment professionals in all roles, from asset management to sales and distribution, as well as students seeking a career in the investment sector.
The syllabus covers the development of ESG investing and narrower, technical issues such as portfolio construction. The skills learned will be applicable to all asset classes.
The qualification has been modelled on and extends to, CFA UK’s existing Investment Management Certificate, which is considered the benchmark entry-level qualification for the UK investment profession.
A pilot exam is scheduled to take place in early September, at which point general registration will open. The first official open sitting of the exam will be available from 1 December 2019.
Will Goodhart, chief executive of CFA UK, said: “CFA UK’s purpose is to make sure that investment professionals are technically and ethically competent to serve their clients well.”
He added: “The certificate will help professionals to build and demonstrate expertise in ESG investing and investment firms to extend their resources and illustrate their commitment. We are pleased to support the development of the sector’s skills and competencies in this critically important field.”
Fiona Reynolds, CEO at PRI, commented: “We are very pleased to build on our previous collaborations with CFA Institute to support CFA UK with the launch of its new certificate in ESG investing. We welcome CFA UK’s decisive step to engage and educate investment professionals in the UK on responsible investing.”
