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ESG-focused Financial Products

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).

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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.

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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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Fixed Income Product Perspectives - Truvalue Labs (Parts 1-3)
This webinar, “The Global State of GSSS Bonds”, presented by James Cardamone, associate director of ESG product at FactSet-owned Truvalue Labs, takes a deeper look at some of the financial instruments associated with ESG investing – many of which have recently witnessed an increasing groundswell of supply and demand. Through this presentation, you should acquire a better picture of ESG-related fixed income products, such as green, social, sustainable, and sustainability-linked bonds, how to analyze them, and, ultimately, make better informed investment decisions. Among other topics, Cardamone explores the allure behind these fixed-income products, who is selling and buying them, how they differ from conventional bonds, and what purposes they serve within the ESG investing sphere.
Fixed Income Product Perspectives - Truvalue Labs (Parts 4-5)
“The Global State of GSSS Bonds” webinar continues with James Cardamone, associate director of ESG product at FactSet-owned Truvalue Labs, demonstrating green bond performance, the ‘greenium’ effect, and delves further into how to evaluate green bond issuers, as well as analyze their performance in the secondary market.
Fixed Income Product Perspectives - Truvalue Labs (Parts 6-7)
“The Global State of GSSS Bonds” webinar continues with James Cardamone, associate director of ESG product at FactSet-owned Truvalue Labs, addressing participants' questions about ESG scoring, and green washing – topics that will also be echoed in later lessons.
ESG-themed Exchange-traded Funds
The next series of videos introduces you to ESG-themed ETFs, another asset class in the sustainability-related space, including a broad overview by Ron DeLegge, founder of ETFguide and host of the series ETF Battles. In that introduction, DeLegge offers insights into how standards vary across these products, as well as presents four of the top US-listed ETFs by assets, which may be used to begin your research. DeLegge is then joined by two analysts, who compare and contrast three index-based, ESG-focused ETFs from iShares and Vanguard – with their evaluations formed on the bases of cost, exposure strategy, performance, and more – demonstrating how you can follow their analytical strategies for your own investing decisions.
Reading Reinforcements
Readings in this module home in on the principles underlying different types of ESG-related fixed income products, examines certain specific bonds, as well as delves into certain government policy underpinning the rise of green asset supply, product diversity, and fund flows. We’ve also provided some commentary and research that addresses certain critical challenges of green bonds that you may factor into your analyses.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, 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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Activities

Coming soon We're preparing activities for ESG-focused Financial Products. These are activities you can do either before, during, or after a course.

Career center

Learners who complete ESG-focused Financial Products will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.

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.
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.

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