SFI Master Classes

This SFI Master Class is offered in cooperation with the Zürcher Bankenverband (ZBV)

The financial sector faces growing challenges in addressing nature-related risks and opportunities. With developments such as the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the upcoming FINMA Circular on Nature-Based Financial Risks, Swiss banks need to develop a comprehensive understanding of how biodiversity loss, ecosystem degradation, and natural resource scarcity affect their business models and risk profiles. While initial efforts in sustainable finance have focused primarily on climate change, the financial industry now recognizes that natural capital risks, opportunities and impacts represent a distinct and crucial dimension requiring specific expertise and tools. Swiss banks, as global leaders in wealth management and sustainable finance, are particularly well-positioned to pioneer approaches to natural capital assessment and management. However, many practitioners still lack the necessary framework to effectively integrate natural capital considerations into their financial decision-making processes. 

Objective

Building on industry practice and recent academic insights, this Master Class provides banking professionals with an initial understanding of natural capital concepts and their practical application in financial markets. Through a combination of expert inputs, break-out sessions, and practical examples, the course addresses some key challenges and opportunities in integrating natural capital considerations into banking operations. Specific objectives are:

• Understanding the fundamental concepts and business case for natural capital in banking, including how to translate theoretical frameworks into actionable strategies within Swiss financial institutions.

• Exploring key measurement and disclosure methodologies for both impact and dependencies on nature.

• Developing practical approaches to natural capital assessment through collaborative problem-solving sessions, focusing on how banks can effectively respond to nature-related risks and opportunities in their operations.

• Exploring the concept of "nature positive" and its practical implications for banking products and services, including identification of new business opportunities and innovative financial solutions.

The format emphasizes interactive learning through break-out sessions, expert presentations, and peer exchange. The course concludes with a networking opportunity to foster continued exchange among practitioners in this emerging field.

SFI Master Class Features and Target Audience

SFI Master Classes offer seasoned banking and finance professionals a unique opportunity to exchange knowledge and share their professional views with top-level academics and industry experts in an interactive learning environment. Master Classes incorporate hands-on group work and opportunities for discussion. An on-site networking event will follow this Master Class.

This Master Class is aimed at investment professionals, corporate sustainability team members, corporate banking experts, and risk managers who wish to broaden their knowledge capital by learning about an emerging trend in sustainable finance. The class will provide a general overview with insights into specific applications in different contexts relevant to the roles above. 

SAQ Recertification

Accreditation in process

Late cancellations and no-shows

If you have registered for a Master Class but are unable to attend, we kindly ask that you inform us as soon as possible. Places are limited, and late cancellations and no-shows not only prevent those on the waiting list from attending but also result in an inefficient allocation of valuable resources. Your cooperation in communicating any unexpected changes regarding your participation at this Master Class is greatly appreciated.