The Professional Diploma in Sustainable Finance for Compliance Professionals will:

• Assist participants to implement good corporate governance regarding current and pending Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) regulations;

• Amplify existing knowledge and expertise among compliance professionals in financial services companies and prepare and equip them for a challenging future;

• Provide compliance professionals with awareness, knowledge, and practical skills to provide governance and influence on sustainable finance in their firms and boards; and

• Position Ireland as the leading centre globally so that Ireland becomes recognised as a centre of excellence in sustainable finance and ESG.

CEO of Compliance Institute, Michael Kavanagh said:

“This programme will ensure that Compliance professionals will be at the forefront in guaranteeing companies implement current and future regulatory requirements in relation to sustainability practices. We look forward to collaborating with SFS and IFS Skillnet while working with IOB to deliver this pioneering and leading-edge professional programme.”

AIB Chief Sustainability Officer and Chair of the Sustainable Finance Skillnet Committee, Yvonne Holmes, noted:

“I wish to welcome the partnership between SFS, IFS Skillnet and the Compliance Institute on delivering this impactful initiative and to congratulate the IOB on winning the contract to develop the new Professional Diploma in Sustainable Finance for Compliance Professionals.

Ensuring that compliance professionals have the knowledge to lead their companies through regulatory changes, such as the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) and the EU Taxonomy, means there is an opportunity to further enhance Ireland’s reputation as a global innovator in sustainable finance.”

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 – both domestic and international – is of great importance to the economic future of our country and sustainable finance is a key growth area for our industry- globally, companies took in $859bn in sustainable investments in 2021.

Our recent Financial Services in Ireland – Skills of the Future report identifies a number of actions that will not only protect the jobs currently in the sector but build on the huge potential that international growth offers.

This includes focusing on upskilling and reskilling as an opportunity for mid-career employees. We have worked with our partners to initiate and propose this course and today’s announcement of the award of the contract to develop the Professional Diploma in Sustainable Finance for Compliance Professionals – the first of its type in the world – is another example of the sector’s mission in action.”

Welcoming this partnership, Director of Business Networks, Skillnet Ireland, Dave Flynn said:

“Skillnet Ireland are pleased to be supporting this new strategic partnership for what will be the world’s first sustainable finance compliance programme. This innovative programme will support the development of the talent and skills financial services companies need to meet their ongoing business challenges and build Ireland’s capacity as a global leader in sustainable finance.”

Chief Executive of IOB, Mary O’Dea said:

“ Compliance professionals will be at the forefront of change as the financial services sector enters a crucial phase of its sustainability journey.
As the sector’s learning partner, IOB is proud to have won the contract to develop and deliver this new programme to support compliance professionals to gain the knowledge, skills and expertise required to meet the evolving regulatory requirements in this critical area. The Diploma will be a strong addition to our growing portfolio of sustainability and digital offerings”  

Registration for the diploma course will commence in  Q4, 2022. To register your interest and to secure a place on the course, please contact [email protected] .