LFU:online

Students will understand the financial industry, with a focus on sustainable banking and investing, impact banking and investing, types of financing relevant for sustainable development, token-based financing, as well as cooperatives as business models for financial institutions.

Following the introduction of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the importance of financial intermediation to facilitate sustainable and impact investing has grown substantially. Having been struggling with the aftermath of the financial crisis of 2008-2011, financial institutions have been slow to react to these challenges. However, the financial industry is increasing its efforts to provide financing to sustainable investment projects. This course will, in a hands-on manner, investigate how banks can incorporate sustainable elements into their full business model, taking the discussion of sustainability and impact beyond green talk and greenwashing.

This is a topics-based course, with case studies and open discussion. The instructors will provide an academic perspective, and insights from a long career in the practice of financial institutions. Students are required to prepare solutions to case studies, and bring in their perspectives in class discussion.

Assessment is based on group presentations, individual contributions, as well as peer feedback.

50% case presentations

25% case discussions

20% class participation

15% peer evaluation

Total scores between 60% and 70% receive a grade 4, scores between 70% and 80% receive a grade 3, scores between 80% and 90% receive a grade 2, and scores above 90% receive a grade 1.

participation requirements see curricula