Introduction

As the global imperative for sustainable development intensifies, green finance has rapidly moved from a niche concept to a mainstream pillar of responsible investment and economic growth. Organizations across sectors are increasingly facing pressure, and indeed opportunities, to align their financial strategies with environmental objectives, necessitating a deep understanding of green finance compliance and reporting. This essential training course focuses on Green Finance Compliance and Reporting, equipping professionals with the critical knowledge and practical methodologies to navigate the intricate landscape of global and regional green finance regulations, standards, and disclosure requirements. You will learn to identify eligible green assets, structure compliant green financial products, and implement robust reporting mechanisms that demonstrate genuine commitment and avoid greenwashing risks.

This intensive training course delves into the evolving frameworks that govern green bonds, green loans, sustainability-linked instruments, and other sustainable finance products. We will explore key regulations such as the EU Taxonomy, SFDR, and other emerging global standards, examining their practical implications for financial institutions and corporations. Participants will gain hands-on experience in developing green finance frameworks, establishing internal controls for data collection, and preparing transparent and verifiable green finance reports that meet regulatory and investor expectations. By the end of this training course, you will possess the expertise to strategically drive your organization's transition towards a more sustainable financial future, ensuring both compliance and enhanced market credibility in the rapidly expanding green finance ecosystem.

Target Audience

• Financial Professionals (Banking, Investment, Insurance)
• Compliance Officers
• ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) Specialists
• Corporate Finance & Treasury Teams
• Sustainability Managers
• Risk Management Professionals
• Regulatory Affairs Professionals
• Project Finance Specialists

Course Objectives

• Understand the fundamental concepts of green finance and its role in sustainable development.
• Learn about the key drivers and global trends shaping the green finance market.
• Master the principles and criteria of major green finance taxonomies (e.g., EU Taxonomy, national taxonomies).
• Develop skills in identifying and classifying green eligible projects and assets.
• Understand the compliance requirements for issuing and managing green bonds, green loans, and sustainability-linked instruments.
• Learn about various green finance reporting standards and disclosure obligations (e.g., ICMA Principles, TCFD).
• Explore best practices for data collection, management, and internal controls for green finance metrics.
• Master techniques for preparing transparent and verifiable green finance reports.
• Understand the role of external reviews, assurance, and certification in green finance credibility.
• Learn about strategies for mitigating greenwashing risks and ensuring authenticity in green finance.
• Apply practical green finance compliance and reporting strategies to real-world financial products.

Duration

5 Days

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Green Finance & Sustainable Finance

• Defining green finance and its distinction from broader sustainable finance.
• Exploring the global drivers for green finance growth (climate change, regulatory push, investor demand).
• Understanding the role of financial institutions in facilitating a sustainable transition.
• Overview of different green finance products and their market evolution.
• The strategic imperative for integrating environmental considerations into financial decision-making.

Module 2: Green Finance Taxonomies & Eligibility Criteria

• Learning about the development and purpose of green finance taxonomies (e.g., EU Taxonomy).
• Understanding the technical screening criteria for environmentally sustainable economic activities.
• Mastering methodologies for classifying and identifying green eligible assets and projects.
• Navigating "Do No Significant Harm" (DNSH) principles and minimum social safeguards.
• Applying taxonomies in practice for green investment decisions.

Module 3: Green Bonds & Sustainable Debt Instruments Compliance

• Understanding the Green Bond Principles (GBP) and their core components.
• Learning about the issuance process and compliance requirements for green bonds.
• Exploring other sustainable debt instruments: social bonds, sustainability bonds, and sustainability-linked bonds (SLBs).
• Navigating external review and verification processes for green finance products.
• Ensuring post-issuance compliance and ongoing reporting for these instruments.

Module 4: Green Finance Reporting Frameworks & Standards

• Mastering various green finance reporting frameworks (e.g., ICMA Principles, Climate Bonds Standard).
• Understanding the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) for financial institutions.
• Exploring the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) and its implications for financial products.
• Developing robust disclosure practices for the use of proceeds and environmental impact.
• Aligning green finance reporting with broader ESG and sustainability reports.

Module 5: Data Management for Green Finance

• Strategies for establishing effective data collection processes for green finance metrics.
• Understanding the importance of data quality, consistency, and traceability.
• Implementing internal controls to ensure the reliability of green finance data.
• Leveraging technology solutions for green finance data management and reporting.
• Addressing data gaps and challenges in quantifying environmental impact.

Module 6: Assurance, Verification & Greenwashing Mitigation

• Understanding the role of independent assurance and external verification in green finance.
• Differentiating between pre-issuance external review and post-issuance assurance.
• Learning about assurance standards applicable to green finance reports.
• Identifying and mitigating greenwashing risks through robust reporting and transparency.
• Building credibility and trust in green finance disclosures.

Module 7: Future Trends in Green Finance & Regulation

• Exploring emerging green finance regulations and policy developments globally.
• Understanding the role of central banks and financial regulators in promoting green finance.
• Navigating carbon pricing mechanisms and their impact on green investments.
• Discussion on innovations in green finance products (e.g., biodiversity bonds, blue bonds).
• Preparing for the evolving landscape of green finance compliance and reporting.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.