Climate change is happening fast. The first installment of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) Sixth Assessment Report recently projected that in the coming decades it will increase in every region, and the effects are rapid and intensifying.
The financial industry has a central role to play in the coming years to help fight climate change by funding long-term environmental projects that can make a difference to the planet.
This means there’s a pressing need for business leaders who can combine their scientific, engineering, and financial expertise to measure climate risks while identifying worthy sustainability projects to fund.
So, how can sustainable finance tackle climate change? And what kind of skills do future financial leaders need to lead the green transition?
Renewable energy funding should be the bedrock of sustainable finance
The production of energy is one of the major causes of harmful CO2 emissions in the air.
“This is an area where we will see in the future a tremendous amount of money that is invested to produce renewable energy and change the way we produce energy,” says Gianfranco Gianfrate (pictured), professor of finance at EDHEC Business School.
Renowned for its strengths in finance, EDHEC formed Scientific Beta, an index provider startup, in 2012, offering smart factor and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) solutions to the investment industry. The startup has helped fund ESG and climate investing research at EDHEC.
On the sustainable finance master’s, which is formed in collaboration with French grande école MINES ParisTech, students learn about more efficient ways to finance renewable energy plants and the innovation this area demands.
Students study remotely for two months of the 18-month master’s, with the remaining time spent in Nice and Sophia-Antipolis, France. Students also participate in a four-to-six-month internship abroad.
Through courses like Energy Chain and Climate Change, MSc students learn about why energy production is harmful and accelerates climate issues. In the Climate Aware Investing course students then learn how to leverage different sources of capital like crowdfunding, venture capital, patient capital, and philanthropic donations to fund renewable energy sources.
“One of the main aspects of sustainable finance is making sure that the investments in the global financial system are reflecting in the most accurate way the risks that climate change is posing,” says Gianfranco.
Green investment banking is necessary to tackle climate change
If cities are to meet the Net Zero agenda, then there needs to be increased investment in environmentally friendly infrastructure. This is where green investment banks (GIBs) come in.
Formed by governments, GIBs use private investment to fund low-carbon initiatives like green technology markets or energy-efficient street lighting.
In the transition to a low carbon economy, the world will need to invest around $90 trillion in infrastructure by 2030, according to the World Bank.
On the EDHEC sustainable finance master’s, the Introduction to Portfolio Construction and Analysis course, offered online through Coursera, educates students about building portfolios and indexes that are climate resilient.
Students can then try their hand at investment management, using the programming language Python to analyze and develop portfolio strategies.
“One of the objectives of the master’s is to make sure that students do not feel a part of a niche of the financial market but feel that they are leaders that are able to transform the entire financial market,” says Gianfranco.
Students might enter careers such as financial analyst, sustainable investment portfolio manager, ESG consultant, or even commodity broker.
Sustainable finance can drive a cleantech revolution
Innovation will be crucial to mitigating the environmental crisis. Without financial leaders practicing out-of-the-box thinking, the sector cannot meet the rapidly changing problems that climate change presents.
“Innovation in green finance is going to make the transmission of capital for investments in climate mitigation cheaper and quicker,” says Gianfranco.
One innovative sector that’s working to reduce the way we produce and consume goods and services is clean technology, or cleantech. Cleantech covers products, services, or processes that are environmentally friendly—from electric cars to energy-efficient batteries.
Students learn about the importance of cleantech investing on the EDHEC master’s in sustainable finance in the Financing Cleantech Startups course, which is taught through a mix of guest speakers and case studies.
For students interested in venture capital (VC), the course outlines how to evaluate a business model and value a startup. It also prepares students for the risks of assuming a board member role.
How can financial leaders drive sustainable finance?
To lead the transition to a low-carbon future, financial leaders will need to understand more than just the amount of money that’s needed to fund green finance projects and initiatives.
Leaders in the finance industry will need to understand the science behind climate change, the risks associated with sustainability initiatives, and the leadership skills necessary to drive change in finance.
These are all equally important areas of the EDHEC sustainable finance master’s, explains Gianfranco.
“We aim to help students become advocates for the green transition, becoming leaders who can explain why climate change is happening and how finance can be a part of the solution,” he says.
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I graduated from the BBA program at EDHEC in 2021 and my time there was a mix of highs and lows. On the positive side, the practical experience gained through mandatory internships was invaluable. These opportunities provided real-world experience and helped me build a strong professional network.
The campus facilities are excellent, modern, and well-maintained.
Academically, however, I didn't really like all the subjects but it was still good.
So in general it was great for me and pushed me in my actual professional career.
Azia
Verified
10/06/2024
On Campus
I RECOMMEND!
First, I was quite hesitant at first about my choice of school because I was accepted into most of the good business schools. I first decided to join this school for its national ranking but even more for the ranking of the program which is the first in France. I absolutely do not regret my choice, because I found everything I was looking for without even leaving France. The first thing that interested me the most after joining the school was the diversity of the students and their mix, something that I look for because since I am on the English track there are a lot of international students. Concerning the courses there are some which are not at all interesting and others which are incredible but it all depends on tastes and then the advantage is that the courses are not always the same throughout the semester and years.
Lucas
Verified
10/06/2024
On Campus
Former student of the establishment
I am currently a product engineer at Société Générale after spending 4 years at EDHEC, in asset management and market finance. I have always been passionate about this industry and the finance market, and that is the only reason why I chose this specialization. My years at this school were very productive and very beneficial for my current career, because I made a lot of contacts, which is not surprising in business school. But also, because I was able to learn a lot of things and acquire a lot of skills thanks to those who were taught to us in class. We also had the opportunity to do internships, which meant that I had a lot of experience before launching professionally.
Quentin
Verified
14/06/2024
On Campus
quality program
To begin with, I would like to say that since I joined I have greatly appreciated this school. My level in English, mainly in addition to certain languages, has evolved considerably on the one hand thanks to our program in which we have hybrid subjects between English and French and then thanks to the students who come from so many different places and with whom Discussions are also like exercises. I also learned new things about a lot of culture, without even leaving my native country, and speaking of moving, the school offers a lot of opportunities, exchanges which are incredible, but which are on the other hand dependent on our educational level. For example, I had the chance to do an exchange in Sweden, a country I had never visited and the experience was memorable. And then, of course, I don't often dwell on it, but the materials are very good too, very homogeneous and well balanced.
Student
Verified
21/09/2024
On Campus
How EDHEC is Shaping My Future
Leaving Accra for Paris, I sought a world-class education that would prepare me for the global stage. EDHEC has exceeded my expectations, fostering a unique blend of practical expertise and international insight. Through hands-on learning and interactions with fellow students from diverse backgrounds, I've developed a sharper mind and a broader perspective, ready to tackle challenges in today's interconnected world
Yoann
Verified
17/03/2025
On Campus
How EDHEC helps me Relocate and Find Job in France
I am a Fall 2023 intake student at EDHEC Business School, pursuing an MSc in Marketing Management under the Business Management track. As a Chinese student with DALF C1-level French proficiency, I had high expectations for my business school experience—and EDHEC has met them all.
One of the highlights of my time at EDHEC has been its exceptional Career Service. Nearly every week, companies come to campus for networking events, recruitment sessions, and industry talks. Since I am particularly interested in the luxury industry, I was thrilled to see companies like Chanel, Porsche, and Louis Vuitton actively engaging with students. These opportunities played a crucial role in my job search, and I am grateful that I was able to secure a job in France after graduation, aligning perfectly with my initial career goals.
Beyond academics and career development, my EDHEC experience has been incredibly rewarding on a personal level. I have made wonderful friends from around the world, and one of my European classmates even invited me to celebrate Christmas with her family—a truly heartwarming experience.
Overall, EDHEC has provided me with a top-tier business education, strong career support, and a vibrant international community. I am truly grateful for this journey!
Ndeye Arame
Verified
18/03/2025
Online
Navigating EDHEC: Lessons, Growth, and Career
Reflecting on my time at EDHEC, my Master's experience has been a transformative journey that has shaped both my technical skills and my professional aspirations.
Pursuing an MSc in Financial Engineering has provided me with a rigorous academic foundation, practical exposure, and invaluable networking opportunities that have significantly contributed to my career development.
One of the most rewarding experiences during my time at EDHEC was the London Learning Expedition. This immersive experience allowed me to gain first-hand insights into the global financial markets and engage with industry professionals at some of the world's most renowned financial institutions. The sessions at J.P. Morgan, Société Générale, and S&P Global, among others, broadened my perspective on quantitative investment strategies, global markets and how to shape my career. The opportunity to interact with professionals and EDHEC alumni gave me a clearer understanding of career paths within market finance and reinforced my motivation to pursue a front-office role.
Another highlight of my academic journey was the lectures delivered by Professor Dominic O’Kane. His expertise in quantitative finance and Machine Learning provided deep insights into the complexities of financial markets. His ability to make complex concepts more accessible and engaging was particularly impactful.
Additionally, the hands-on approach in the program, particularly the assessments and projects in Python, significantly enhanced my technical skills. Being able to apply quantitative finance theories through coding not only strengthened my programming proficiency but also helped me develop a problem-solving mindset crucial for roles in trading, quantitative research, and structuring.
The alumni sessions were another aspect of the program that I truly valued. Engaging with former EDHEC students who have successfully navigated careers in market finance was inspiring. Their insights into industry trends, recruitment processes, and career progression provided me with a realistic outlook on what to expect post-graduation and how to position myself strategically in a competitive job market.
Overall, my time at EDHEC has been an enriching experience that has reinforced my passion for financial markets and quantitative finance. The combination of academic rigor, practical exposure, and professional networking has prepared me well for the next phase of my career. While challenges such as navigating a highly competitive environment and facing industry biases have been present, they have also strengthened my resilience and determination to succeed in market finance.
I leave EDHEC with a solid skill set, valuable industry insights, and a clear vision for my future career.
Pranav
Verified
25/03/2025
On Campus
Ideal Stepping Stone For Business Students
I joined EDHEC as a Grande Ecole student (Masters in Management) in 2021 opting for the gap year to enrich my work experience in Europe.
The EDHEC Alumni network is strong & diverse within Europe, allowing you to get a foot in the door of any industry you desire to enter. Personally, EDHEC alumni enlightened me on interesting professional opportunities that I couldn't have found scouring through job boards.
Another highlight of the BS is EDHEC Career's Centre, run by Florence Da Costa. The whole team of the Career Centre is highly engaged in maintaining an active relationship with the students, and have years of experience in helping students find professional opportunities in Europe. I used the help of the EDHEC Career Centre to help tweak my application package when I wasn't getting any interviews and evaluating the contract for my job offer when I did receive one.
Lastly, I enjoyed the practical focus of courses at EDHEC Business School. Every course had a practical component - be it analyzing a financial statement of a company or building a marketing strategy for a consumer goods giant's dishwashing tablets. No course is swamped by technical depth irrelevant to professional opportunities. Although you won't finish a course being a specialist, you will be a very handy generalist. I believe that's what most companies look for here.
Student
Verified
25/04/2025
On Campus
Very practical and inspiring
The courses are quite intense, providing both theoretical and practical knowledge to well prepare students for finance careers. The professors are all from academia and industries, offering valuable insights into finance industry.