21 October 2022: Registration has opened today for an innovative new sustainable finance programme for compliance professionals in financial services developed and delivered by IOB. Commissioned by Sustainable Finance Skillnet (SFS), IFS Skillnet and the Compliance Institute (formerly the ACOI), the Professional Diploma in Sustainable Finance for Compliance Professionals is the first course of its kind globally and represents a significant step towards Ireland becoming a global leader in sustainable finance.

Financial services organisations are key stakeholders in enabling Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon economy. This innovative programme has been developed to support compliance professionals in financial services as they lead the adoption of new sustainable finance standards, processes and approaches within their organisations.

The Diploma includes guidance on a growing range of regulatory requirements, including the EU taxonomy on Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR), as well as the latest best practices in managing climate-related financial risk and ESG performance.

Speaking on the launch of the programme, 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.”

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

"Talent development and capacity building are among the fundamental drivers of the sustainable finance agenda nationally.

This world-first professional diploma will help meet the core needs of compliance professionals by equipping them with the knowledge to lead their companies through regulatory changes, and in doing so, will 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 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 it is 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.”

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

“Skillnet Ireland is committed to building Ireland’s capacity as a global leader in sustainable finance. This industry-driven programme will further deepen the ESG talent base in Ireland, and is one of the key actions underpinning the delivery of the Sustainable Finance Roadmap”

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.”

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

ENDS

For further information please contact IOB Phil Boughton, Communications and Content Lead, IOB, on 0830165992 or by emailing [email protected].

Notes to editor:

IOB

IOB is a professional network of over 33,000 members who work in banking and international financial services sector. IOB is a recognised college of University College Dublin (UCD) and is a centre of excellence in the provision of specialist education and lifelong learning to the financial services sector with programmes for members at every stage of their career.

A total of 8,500 people studied with IOB in 2020/21 and we have the largest continuing professional development community in Ireland with over 23,000 registered members, committed to lifelong learning.

IOB was founded in 1898 and is one of the oldest banking institutes in the world. Its first goal was “to enable its members to acquire a knowledge of the theory and practice of banking, and to promote the consideration and discussion of matters of interest to the profession”. We are proud to continue this tradition as a not‐for‐profit organisation providing education for public benefit.

Skillnet Ireland

Skillnet Ireland is a business support agency of the Government of Ireland, responsible for advancing the competitiveness, productivity, and innovation of Irish businesses through enterprise-led talent development.

Skillnet Ireland partners with over 50 industry bodies and enterprise clusters, supporting over 21,000 businesses annually, through its 73 Skillnet Business Networks across most sectors and all regions in Ireland.

Skillnet Ireland is funded from the National Training Fund through the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.

Sustainable Finance Skillnet (SFS)

The Sustainable Finance Skillnet is a national network that works to develop skills and leadership capacity to advance ESG best practice across Ireland’s financial services ecosystem.

Network companies work collaboratively to share best practice and to respond effectively to the specific skills needs of the sector.

The objective of this national network is to support sustainable business growth and practices in Ireland by embedding sustainable approaches within firms through the delivery of specialised training aimed at business leaders and employees.

IFS Skillnet

IFS Skillnet is co-funded by Skillnet Ireland and member companies. Its aim is to support the IFS sector in maintaining Ireland’s position as a top international financial services centre, through ongoing investment in the development of the skills and expertise of this workforce.

The network is led by a steering group with includes member companies and the leading financial services industry associations. It comprises of Financial Services Ireland (FSI), the Federation of International Banks in Ireland (FIBI), Irish Funds (IF), Insurance Ireland, and the Irish Association of Investment Managers (IAIM).

Compliance Institute Ireland

The Compliance Institute is the national body for compliance professionals.

With 3,250 plus members, it is the premier provider of education and professional development in compliance, providing a balanced and authoritative voice on matters relating to regulatory compliance and business ethics in industry.

The Compliance Institute’s ethos centres around collaboration with regulators, educational partners, industry bodies, stakeholders, compliance professionals and students, to work towards embedding compliance as an enabler of business.