Sustainability plays an increasing role in business decisions. Based on the framework of the 2015 UN Sustainable development Goals (SDGs) and the more recent sustainable finance strategy of the European Union this course will deal with the impact of policies regarding sustainability on finance. Specifically, it will deal with the following topics:

- What does sustainable finance mean?  Which specific goals are associated with sustainable finance?

- Sustainable Finance and institutional investors

- Impact Investing

- Equity instruments

- Bond instruments (green bonds, social impact bonds)

- Sustainable banking

The aim of this course is to introduce students to the effects of sustainability strategies on finance and investment decisions Upon completion of this course, students will 

• have an understanding of the theoretical framework of sustainability
• be able to position recent EU policy regarding sustainable finance in this framework
• be familiar with instruments of sustainable finance
• be able to evaluate the role of different stakeholders in the omplementation of sustainable finance
• utilize theoretical knowledge to analize and solve case studies dealing with decision problems related to sustainable finance

To enhance learning students are expected to participate actively in class. Therefore, attendance of at least 75% of classes is required to get a passing grade of the course. In case of illness/injury preventing a student from taking the final exam, a medical certificate is required as documentary evidence

The course is taught using a combination of lectures, case studies and class discussions. Reading assignments introduce students to specific issues of sustainable finance Students are expected to stay current in their reading assignment preparation before class and regularly attend class and participate in class discussions.

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