Speaking at a special launch event for the programme today,

CEO of Compliance Institute Ireland, Michael Kavanagh said:

"I am really delighted to see that the collaboration between the Compliance Institute, Sustainable Finance Skillnet (SFS) and IFS Skillnet has come to fruition.  It is a great example of the collaborate effort required to address an existing skills gap.  In this instance it is in sustainable finance where the role of the compliance professional is vital as businesses seek to show investors, shareholders, and customers that they have sustainability practices in place. This educational offering is the first of its kind globally and will aid in Ireland becoming a global leader in sustainable finance."

Mary O’Dea, Chief Executive of IOB, said:

“At a time when policy and regulation in ESG and sustainable finance is evolving at pace, this new programme will connect compliance professionals with industry experts to provide an in-depth overview of all key regulations and best practices in this critical area.

We hope that this programme will enable and empower compliance professionals to become sustainable finance leaders. I encourage all those interested in taking part to register early, as we anticipate high demand.”

Patricia Callan, Director of Financial Services Ireland (FSI) – the Ibec group that represents the sector, and promoter of IFS Skillnet said:

“The financial services sector employs over 105,000 people in Ireland and sustainable finance is a key growth area for our industry.  Globally, the issuance of sustainable finance bonds issuance totalled $859 in 2021.

As is it still a relatively new area of finance, sustainable finance will come under increased scrutiny from regulators both here and internationally. Our recent Financial Services in Ireland - Skills of the Future report identified Sustainable Finance as the biggest opportunity in the financial services sector. It is imperative that we have individuals within the financial services sector with the skills and competencies in sustainable finance as the area continues to grow in importance. We have worked with our partners to create this course and today’s launch of the Professional Diploma in Sustainable Finance for Compliance Professionals – the first of its kind in the world - will ensure compliance professionals in the financial services sector have the skills to fulfil the sector’s sustainability mission.”

For further information on this programme and to apply please contact [email protected] or visit iob.ie/programme/sustainable-compliance-professionals to express interest.