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Steven Levine
As ESG investing continues to evolve, so do the funding mechanisms many companies, organizations, and governments use to finance their stated goals. Indeed, ESG-focused financial products, or ‘green assets’, have been growing in volume – as well as by type. In the fixed income space alone, instruments available to investors include green bonds, social bonds, sustainability-linked bonds, climate awareness bonds, gender bonds, and others – not to mention a growing list of ESG-themed exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
Read more
As ESG investing continues to evolve, so do the funding mechanisms many companies, organizations, and governments use to finance their stated goals. Indeed, ESG-focused financial products, or ‘green assets’, have been growing in volume – as well as by type. In the fixed income space alone, instruments available to investors include green bonds, social bonds, sustainability-linked bonds, climate awareness bonds, gender bonds, and others – not to mention a growing list of ESG-themed exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
Read more
As ESG investing continues to evolve, so do the funding mechanisms many companies, organizations, and governments use to finance their stated goals. Indeed, ESG-focused financial products, or ‘green assets’, have been growing in volume – as well as by type. In the fixed income space alone, instruments available to investors include green bonds, social bonds, sustainability-linked bonds, climate awareness bonds, gender bonds, and others – not to mention a growing list of ESG-themed exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
Through this series of videos, webinars, and readings, students with basic knowledge of traditional financial products (e.g., bonds, ETFs) will learn how to describe various characteristics of green assets, including the supply, demand, and performance of green bonds, as well as holdings of certain ESG-themed ETFs, and discuss the recent growth of related fund flows. They should also be able to explain the principles and frameworks behind the issuance of different ESG-related fixed income products, as well as provide insights into how certain government and central bank policies may pose some critical challenges in this space.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/bdvoua/esg
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What's inside
Syllabus
An Introduction to Green Assets
This module centers on several types of green assets, including green bonds and social bonds, and the International Capital Market Association’s (ICMA) role in providing the driving principles behind their issuance. You should be able to explain who is selling these instruments, as well as some of the fixed-income related risks inherent in these types of products. Other green assets such as ESG-themed ETFs, and certain commodities are also introduced.
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Syllabus
An Introduction to Green Assets
This module centers on several types of green assets, including green bonds and social bonds, and the International Capital Market Association’s (ICMA) role in providing the driving principles behind their issuance. You should be able to explain who is selling these instruments, as well as some of the fixed-income related risks inherent in these types of products. Other green assets such as ESG-themed ETFs, and certain commodities are also introduced.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Develops knowledge of the principles behind different types of ESG-related fixed income products, which is highly relevant for understanding the evolving landscape of ESG investing
Provides insights into the supply, demand, and performance of green bonds, as well as holdings of certain ESG-themed ETFs, which helps learners make informed investment decisions
Analyzes the factors influencing the growth of ESG-focused financial products, such as regulatory frameworks, stakeholder expectations, and market trends
Explores the challenges and opportunities associated with the issuance of ESG-linked products, which is valuable for professionals in finance and sustainability
Examines the role of government and central bank policies in shaping the development of the green asset market
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Reviews summary
Comprehensive introduction to esg finance
According to students, this course provides a largely positive overview of ESG-focused financial products. Learners commend the in-depth webinars delivered by industry experts, particularly those on green bonds and ESG-themed ETFs, finding them highly informative and practical for investment decisions. The readings and lectures offer a strong foundational understanding of green assets, principles, and market dynamics. While many found the content relevant and timely, a few prospective students should note that it is primarily an introductory course, best suited for those with basic financial product knowledge looking for a solid entry point into sustainable finance.
Helps in understanding real-world investment strategies.
"The course provided clear methods for analyzing green bonds and evaluating issuers, which I can apply directly to my work."
"Learning how to compare and contrast ESG-focused ETFs based on cost and exposure strategy was very practical."
"It definitely helped me make better-informed investment decisions, especially in identifying suitable green assets for my portfolio."
Provides a comprehensive and relevant introduction to green assets.
"This course offers a solid grounding in various green assets, from green bonds to ESG-themed ETFs; it's a great starting point."
"I found the broad overview of green assets and the principles behind their issuance to be extremely helpful for understanding the space."
"It’s a timely subject, and the course does an excellent job covering the essential characteristics and growth of these products for someone new."
Valuable insights from industry leaders enhance learning.
"The webinars with James Cardamone and Ron DeLegge were incredibly insightful; their real-world experience truly shines through."
"I particularly enjoyed the segments where experts discussed the 'greenium' effect and how to evaluate green bond issuers."
"Their explanations of how to analyze ESG-related fixed income products were clear and applicable, making complex topics digestible for me."
Best for beginners, may lack depth for advanced learners.
"While excellent for beginners, I found some parts of the course to be a bit too introductory given my background in finance."
"If you already have a strong grasp of ESG investing, this might feel more like a review rather than new material."
"I was hoping for more advanced strategies or deeper dives into specific ESG analysis techniques; it's a good primer, though."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in ESG-focused Financial Products with these
activities:
Review different types of green bonds
Show steps
This activity will help you build a stronger foundation for the course by reviewing key concepts related to green bonds.
Browse courses on
Green Bonds
Show steps
-
Define green bonds and explain their key characteristics.
-
Identify the different types of green bonds available in the market.
-
Research case studies of successful green bond issuances.
Attend industry conferences on sustainable finance
Show steps
This activity will allow you to connect with professionals in the field and gain insights into the latest trends and developments in sustainable finance.
Browse courses on
Sustainable Finance
Show steps
-
Research upcoming industry conferences on sustainable finance.
-
Register for conferences that align with your interests.
-
Attend sessions, network with speakers and attendees, and gather valuable information.
Discuss ESG integration in fixed income portfolios
Show steps
This activity will provide you with the opportunity to engage with peers, exchange ideas, and gain diverse perspectives on ESG integration in fixed income portfolios.
Browse courses on
ESG Integration
Show steps
-
Join or start a study group focused on ESG integration.
-
Facilitate discussions on case studies and industry trends.
-
Collaborate on research projects related to ESG-focused fixed income strategies.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Learn about ESG-themed ETFs
Show steps
This activity will allow you to delve deeper into the topic of ESG-themed ETFs and enhance your understanding of their role in sustainable investing.
Show steps
-
Follow online tutorials on ESG-themed ETF strategies.
-
Analyze the performance of different ESG-themed ETFs.
-
Read industry reports and articles on ESG-themed ETF trends.
Solve practice problems on ESG investing
Show steps
This activity will help you reinforce your understanding of ESG investing concepts by applying them to practical scenarios.
Browse courses on
ESG Investing
Show steps
-
Find practice problems on ESG investing online or in textbooks.
-
Attempt to solve the problems on your own.
-
Check your solutions against provided answers or consult with an expert if needed.
Develop a presentation on green finance
Show steps
This activity will challenge you to synthesize your knowledge and present it effectively, reinforcing your understanding of green finance principles.
Browse courses on
Green Finance
Show steps
-
Research different aspects of green finance, such as its benefits, challenges, and regulations.
-
Structure your presentation using a logical flow and clear visuals.
-
Rehearse your presentation to improve your delivery and timing.
Contribute to open-source projects related to green finance
Show steps
This activity will provide you with hands-on experience in the field of green finance and connect you with a global community of practitioners.
Browse courses on
Open Source
Show steps
-
Identify open-source projects related to green finance on platforms like GitHub.
-
Choose a project that aligns with your interests and skillset.
-
Contribute to the project by reporting bugs, suggesting improvements, or writing code.
Write a research paper on the role of government policies in promoting green assets
Show steps
This activity will allow you to demonstrate your research skills and critically analyze the impact of government policies on the development of green assets.
Show steps
-
Identify and review relevant literature on government policies and green assets.
-
Analyze the different types of government policies that support green asset development.
-
Assess the effectiveness of these policies and provide recommendations for improvement.
Review different types of green bonds
Show steps
This activity will help you build a stronger foundation for the course by reviewing key concepts related to green bonds.
Browse courses on
Green Bonds
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Define green bonds and explain their key characteristics.
- Identify the different types of green bonds available in the market.
- Research case studies of successful green bond issuances.
Attend industry conferences on sustainable finance
Show steps
This activity will allow you to connect with professionals in the field and gain insights into the latest trends and developments in sustainable finance.
Browse courses on
Sustainable Finance
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research upcoming industry conferences on sustainable finance.
- Register for conferences that align with your interests.
- Attend sessions, network with speakers and attendees, and gather valuable information.
Discuss ESG integration in fixed income portfolios
Show steps
This activity will provide you with the opportunity to engage with peers, exchange ideas, and gain diverse perspectives on ESG integration in fixed income portfolios.
Browse courses on
ESG Integration
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Join or start a study group focused on ESG integration.
- Facilitate discussions on case studies and industry trends.
- Collaborate on research projects related to ESG-focused fixed income strategies.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Learn about ESG-themed ETFs
Show steps
This activity will allow you to delve deeper into the topic of ESG-themed ETFs and enhance your understanding of their role in sustainable investing.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Follow online tutorials on ESG-themed ETF strategies.
- Analyze the performance of different ESG-themed ETFs.
- Read industry reports and articles on ESG-themed ETF trends.
Solve practice problems on ESG investing
Show steps
This activity will help you reinforce your understanding of ESG investing concepts by applying them to practical scenarios.
Browse courses on
ESG Investing
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find practice problems on ESG investing online or in textbooks.
- Attempt to solve the problems on your own.
- Check your solutions against provided answers or consult with an expert if needed.
Develop a presentation on green finance
Show steps
This activity will challenge you to synthesize your knowledge and present it effectively, reinforcing your understanding of green finance principles.
Browse courses on
Green Finance
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research different aspects of green finance, such as its benefits, challenges, and regulations.
- Structure your presentation using a logical flow and clear visuals.
- Rehearse your presentation to improve your delivery and timing.
Contribute to open-source projects related to green finance
Show steps
This activity will provide you with hands-on experience in the field of green finance and connect you with a global community of practitioners.
Browse courses on
Open Source
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify open-source projects related to green finance on platforms like GitHub.
- Choose a project that aligns with your interests and skillset.
- Contribute to the project by reporting bugs, suggesting improvements, or writing code.
Write a research paper on the role of government policies in promoting green assets
Show steps
This activity will allow you to demonstrate your research skills and critically analyze the impact of government policies on the development of green assets.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify and review relevant literature on government policies and green assets.
- Analyze the different types of government policies that support green asset development.
- Assess the effectiveness of these policies and provide recommendations for improvement.
Career center
Learners who complete ESG-focused Financial Products will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Financial Advisor
Financial Advisor
A Financial Advisor provides financial advice and guidance to individuals and businesses, helping them to make informed decisions about their financial future. This course may be particularly useful for Financial Advisors who wish to specialize in ESG-focused financial products, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the different types of green assets, their characteristics, and their performance. The course also discusses the principles and frameworks behind the issuance of different ESG-related fixed income products, which can help Financial Advisors better understand and evaluate these products for their clients.
ESG Analyst
ESG Analyst
An ESG Analyst is responsible for evaluating the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance of companies and investments. This course may be particularly useful for ESG Analysts who wish to gain a deeper understanding of ESG-focused financial products, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the different types of green assets, their characteristics, and their performance. The course also discusses the principles and frameworks behind the issuance of different ESG-related fixed income products, which can help ESG Analysts better understand and evaluate these products.
Investment Banker
Investment Banker
An Investment Banker provides financial advice and guidance to companies and governments on a wide range of financial transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, and debt restructuring. This course may be particularly useful for Investment Bankers who wish to specialize in ESG-focused financial products, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the different types of green assets, their characteristics, and their performance. The course also discusses the principles and frameworks behind the issuance of different ESG-related fixed income products, which can help Investment Bankers better understand and evaluate these products for their clients.
Portfolio Manager
Portfolio Manager
A Portfolio Manager is responsible for managing investment portfolios for individuals and institutions, making decisions about which investments to buy and sell to meet their financial goals. This course may be particularly useful for Portfolio Managers who wish to specialize in ESG-focused financial products, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the different types of green assets, their characteristics, and their performance. The course also discusses the principles and frameworks behind the issuance of different ESG-related fixed income products, which can help Portfolio Managers better understand and evaluate these products for their clients.
Sustainability Analyst
Sustainability Analyst
A Sustainability Analyst is responsible for evaluating the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance of companies and investments. This course may be particularly useful for Sustainability Analysts who wish to gain a deeper understanding of ESG-focused financial products, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the different types of green assets, their characteristics, and their performance. The course also discusses the principles and frameworks behind the issuance of different ESG-related fixed income products, which can help Sustainability Analysts better understand and evaluate these products.
ESG Reporting Specialist
ESG Reporting Specialist
An ESG Reporting Specialist is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and reporting on the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance of companies and investments. This course may be particularly useful for ESG Reporting Specialists who wish to gain a deeper understanding of ESG-focused financial products, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the different types of green assets, their characteristics, and their performance. The course also discusses the principles and frameworks behind the issuance of different ESG-related fixed income products, which can help ESG Reporting Specialists better understand and evaluate these products.
ESG Fund Manager
ESG Fund Manager
An ESG Fund Manager is responsible for managing investment funds that focus on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. This course may be particularly useful for ESG Fund Managers who wish to gain a deeper understanding of ESG-focused financial products, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the different types of green assets, their characteristics, and their performance. The course also discusses the principles and frameworks behind the issuance of different ESG-related fixed income products, which can help ESG Fund Managers better understand and evaluate these products.
ESG Investment Analyst
ESG Investment Analyst
An ESG Investment Analyst is responsible for analyzing and evaluating the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance of companies and investments. This course may be particularly useful for ESG Investment Analysts who wish to gain a deeper understanding of ESG-focused financial products, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the different types of green assets, their characteristics, and their performance. The course also discusses the principles and frameworks behind the issuance of different ESG-related fixed income products, which can help ESG Investment Analysts better understand and evaluate these products.
ESG Data Analyst
ESG Data Analyst
An ESG Data Analyst is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting environmental, social, and governance (ESG) data. This course may be particularly useful for ESG Data Analysts who wish to gain a deeper understanding of ESG-focused financial products, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the different types of green assets, their characteristics, and their performance. The course also discusses the principles and frameworks behind the issuance of different ESG-related fixed income products, which can help ESG Data Analysts better understand and evaluate these products.
ESG Consultant
ESG Consultant
An ESG Consultant provides advice and guidance to companies and organizations on how to improve their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance. This course may be particularly useful for ESG Consultants who wish to gain a deeper understanding of ESG-focused financial products, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the different types of green assets, their characteristics, and their performance. The course also discusses the principles and frameworks behind the issuance of different ESG-related fixed income products, which can help ESG Consultants better understand and evaluate these products.
ESG Risk Manager
ESG Risk Manager
An ESG Risk Manager is responsible for identifying, assessing, and managing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) risks. This course may be particularly useful for ESG Risk Managers who wish to gain a deeper understanding of ESG-focused financial products, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the different types of green assets, their characteristics, and their performance. The course also discusses the principles and frameworks behind the issuance of different ESG-related fixed income products, which can help ESG Risk Managers better understand and evaluate these products.
ESG Compliance Officer
ESG Compliance Officer
An ESG Compliance Officer is responsible for ensuring that companies and organizations comply with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) regulations. This course may be particularly useful for ESG Compliance Officers who wish to gain a deeper understanding of ESG-focused financial products, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the different types of green assets, their characteristics, and their performance. The course also discusses the principles and frameworks behind the issuance of different ESG-related fixed income products, which can help ESG Compliance Officers better understand and evaluate these products.
Sustainability Manager
Sustainability Manager
A Sustainability Manager is responsible for developing and implementing sustainability strategies for companies and organizations. This course may be particularly useful for Sustainability Managers who wish to gain a deeper understanding of ESG-focused financial products, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the different types of green assets, their characteristics, and their performance.
Corporate Social Responsibility Manager
Corporate Social Responsibility Manager
A Corporate Social Responsibility Manager is responsible for developing and implementing corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies for companies and organizations. This course may be particularly useful for Corporate Social Responsibility Managers who wish to gain a deeper understanding of ESG-focused financial products, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the different types of green assets, their characteristics, and their performance.
ESG Product Developer
ESG Product Developer
An ESG Product Developer is responsible for developing and launching ESG-focused financial products. This course may be useful for ESG Product Developers who wish to gain a deeper understanding of ESG-focused financial products, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the different types of green assets, their characteristics, and their performance. The course also discusses the principles and frameworks behind the issuance of different ESG-related fixed income products, which can help ESG Product Developers better understand and evaluate these products.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/bdvoua/esg
Reading list
We've selected six books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
ESG-focused Financial Products.
An annual report providing insights into the latest trends and developments in the green bond market. Valuable for staying up-to-date on the latest market dynamics and best practices.
An annual report providing an overview of the global sustainable investment market. Offers insights into the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities for investors seeking to incorporate sustainability into their portfolios.
Save
A practical guide to socially responsible investing, offering insights into how investors can align their investments with their values. Valuable for investors seeking to explore the benefits and challenges of SRI.
Provides a comprehensive assessment of the economic impacts of climate change. It explores mitigation strategies, adaptation measures, and the costs and benefits of different policy options. It serves as a valuable reference for understanding the economic implications of climate change.
This document provides a set of six principles for responsible investment. It useful resource for investors who want to learn more about the principles of responsible investment and how to incorporate them into their investment portfolios.
Provides a practical framework for incorporating sustainability principles into financial decision-making. It explores the ethical, social, and environmental dimensions of finance and offers guidance on developing sustainable investment strategies and products.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/bdvoua/esg
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Rating
4.9
Effort
22 hours to complete
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
Interactive Brokers
Instructor
Steven Levine
Language
English
Transcripts
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This course belongs to a
collection
called
ESG Investing: Financial Decisions in Flux. It's comprised of four courses:
- ESG-focused Financial Products (viewing)
- ESG Investing: Industry Impacts & Transformations
- ESG Data & Accountability
- ESG Investing: Setting Standards & Conducting Analysis
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