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Master of Leadership in Sustainable Finance - Online
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60 ECTS
The programme
Master the Sustainability Transition with a graduate degree from Frankfurt School.
The Master of Leadership in Sustainable Finance is a post-experience online programme, designed for current and future leaders who are passionate about the contribution finance can make in the key societal challenges of our time.
The programme is designed to build skills and expertise at the intersection of finance, sustainability and economic development. You will combine a grounding in some core areas of finance and leadership with a range of electives from the portfolio of our e-Campus certification courses. The master thesis is the capstone of the programme, in which you can make valuable contributions to real-world business problems. You will follow either the Green Finance Track, focusing on the low-carbon transition in finance, or the Development Finance Track, engaging in growth agendas and inclusive finance.
Throughout your studies, you will engage with our faculty and thesis supervisors who will provide study advice and support. There will also be group work, an optional on-campus module, and our online sustainability sessions will offer plenty of opportunities for networking and charting the next step in your career.
Highlights
- 18 - 24 months/ part-time/ self-study
- Self-paced: Flexibility to study at your convenience
- Customise your degree with two tracks and a choice of several electives
- International: Benefit from a highly diverse class and lecturers who are active all around the world
- Gain insights at the forefront of academic research, market practice and policy
- Networking: Benefit from many opportunities to interact with your peer students and your lecturers
Target Audience
You are the ideal candidate for this master programme if:
- You are a finance professional who seeks to take on a new role related to sustainability or development issues in your organization or industry
- You have prior experience in sustainability or development and seek a more rigorous finance grounding for what you do through academic studies and interaction with policy makers and market participants
- You bring a different background but are looking for a change in your career path
- You are ready to take a leadership position in advocating financial services practices that are aligned with the climate transition, financial inclusion and other sustainability goals
- You wish to follow an excellent, accredited programme alongside a full-time job to achieve your professional goals
- You want to study from home while enjoying the benefits of an international class and interaction with faculty and experts
Requirements
- Undergraduate academic degree (bachelor’s or equivalent) from a recognized university (including diploma and transcript of records)
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
- At least two years of post-undergraduate, relevant work experience (proven by a recommendation letter from your former or current employer)
- Completing the admission interview
Study Fee
Total tuition fee: EUR 21,500
Combinable Discounts:
- Alumni Discount: EUR 1,000
- Early Bird Discount available for complete registrations before:
- 28 February: EUR 3,000
- 15 April: EUR 2,000
- 31 Mai: EUR 1,000
- Group Discount (for 2 or more students): EUR 1,000
The fee amount paid for already completed FSDF e-Campus courses will be deducted.
Master of Leadership in Sustainable Finance - Learning Goals
LG1: Expert Knowledge in Sustainable Finance
Graduates will have developed a deep understanding of how economic growth can be catalyzed by green, equitable and inclusive finance. They will also have expert knowledge about the functional areas within sustainable finance delivered via a broad range of electives, which allow following either a “green finance” or an “inclusive finance” path.
LG2: Analyzing and Problem Solving in a Sustainable Finance Context
Graduates will base their decisions and strategies on critical and multidimensional analysis of empirical phenomena, validated by scientific reflection. They will be able to develop appropriate and sound solutions based on findings from both theory and practice. Graduates will be able to formulate concrete recommendations to support organizational development, in particular in the specific context of developing and emerging economies.
LG3: Effective Communication
Graduates will be effective communicators and will write, present, discuss and defend research-based findings in interdisciplinary fields of research and use. Graduates will have taken different roles in various team assignments.
LG4: Professional and Responsible Leaders (Performance/Behavior)
Graduates will become responsible leaders in sustainable finance institutions, or institutions striving to focus on more sustainable goals, based on critical reflection of their own individual leadership style, as well as their strengths and weaknesses as leaders; their capacity as strategist and change managers, and their ability to exercise moral integrity when taking decisions.
Apply here for the programme.
The programme comprises eight modules and a Master Thesis (total of 60 ECTS). Upon completion of your studies, you will be awarded the degree Master of Arts (MA) of Leadership in Sustainable Finance. You can pick one of two concentrations to specialise in
- “Development Finance”
or
- “Green Finance”
Each concentration will draw on some of our portfolio of over 15 Electives.
*Curriculum subject to change
Development Finance Track
Development Finance & Growth (6 ECTS)
Development Finance & Growth offers a detailed assessment of the key factors driving (and hindering) financial sector development. Through the lens of different macroeconomeic schools of thought, students assess the relevance of (inclusive) financial sector development for economic prosperity and growth.
Accounting, Leadership & Sustainability or Sustainable Finance* (6 ECTS)
The module Accounting, Leadership and Sustainability introduces concepts and theories of financial and managerial accounting. It also deals with the backgrounds and regulation of sustainability reporting and the value relevance of CSR/ESG reporting. It focuses on leadership aspects in accounting. Students will get acquainted with how accounting information is used in decision making and how leadership designs accounting systems and strategically uses the disclosure system to achieve targets. The module covers applied topics of accounting and leadership.
* Sustainable Finance module only for students with proven strong background in accounting.
The Sustainable Finance module starts with an introduction to the world of sustainability, going through important sustainability concepts and global initiatives, while also looking into planetary boundaries and the science of climate change. Next, the participants familiarise themselves with the financial system, involved stakeholders and their interplay in collectively driving the change towards a sustainable finance system. After this broad introduction, the course concentrates on sustainability financial actors. In this block, the importance of regulation and policy for sustainable finance is explained first, complemented by a deep dive into the EU / European policy and regulatory framework. After that, the role of sustainable finance for financial institutions’ strategy lays the ground for assessing risk, impacts, and opportunities through the sustainable finance lens in the following units. Three different institutional perspectives on sustainable finance, namely banking, institutional investors, and insurance are provided before the course concludes with a re-cap and outlook on the current sustainable finance situation.
Choose One Elective (3 ECTS)
Microfinance
This course provides a detailed introduction into the topic of microfinance. It not only presents international trends and best practices with respect to microcredits, microsavings and microinsurance, but also dwells into the challenges and complexity of managing a microfinance institution. Most MFIs operate in an increasingly competitive environment that is quickly changing (e.g. through mobile banking), where both social and financial performance need to be closely monitored to correctly influence management decisions. Participants will thus learn how to cope with the specific challenges that microfinance institutions face today.
Islamic Microfinance
According to CGAP an overwhelming proportion of people without access to finance are from Muslim-majority countries, as formal financial markets often fail to provide access to credit or savings that are compliant with the Muslim faith. Islamic microfinance has the potential to fill that gap through the provision of Sharia-compliant microfinance products, already reaching millions with an estimated USD 1 billion global industry loan portfolio. Professionals in this field are motivated and at times challenged by the dual nature of the required skillset, combining proven microfinance practice with the principles of Islamic finance.
Sustainable Agricultural Finance
Sustainable agriculture matters a lot for everyone on this planet: it provides affordable and healthy food, jobs and incomes for millions of people; its development is essential for environmental protection, poverty alleviation and in the context of climate change.
Therefore, agricultural finance is a significant part of the finance sector. Farmers and agro-enterprises need loans, insurance, leasing and many other financial services to do well. Financial institutions seek qualified employees who understand the financial needs of farmers and agribusinesses, the dynamics of the agricultural sector and the role of finance in agricultural value chains.
Strategy & Innovation (6 ECTS)
The aim of this course on Strategy & Innovation is relay the main theoretical and applied themes in strategy and innovation in a dynamic environment. Using literature and case studies as background material, students have the chance to work in-depth on a topic and gain profound expertise in the field of strategy and innovation.
The first part, “Strategy Tools” is devoted to the foundations of strategy and industry analysis. The second part, “Business-Level Strategies” deals with resources and capabilities and the nature and sources of competitive advantage. The third part, “Innovation and Growth” focuses on innovation cycles and strategic change and on technology based industries and innovation management. The fourth and final part, “Corporate-Level Strategies” covers selected topics such as joint ventures and strategic alliances, global strategies and structures, and strategic human resource management (HRM).
Risk Management, Corporate Governance & Compliance (6 ECTS)
Risk management is about coping with the challenges of growth, complexity and competition in a sustainable manner. This module provides a comprehensive overview about the risks which financial institutions face (including credit, market, liquidity and operational risk) with a special emphasis on the particular requirements of emerging and developing markets. It provides students with tools to measure risks and devise appropriate risk-taking and mitigation strategies that give financial institutions the competitive edge in delivering inclusive financial services in a rapidly evolving environment.
Choose One Elective (6 ECTS)
ESG & Impact Investing
Environment Social and Governance criteria (ESG) and Impact Investing have gained a lot of traction in recent years and will continue to do so in the (post-) Corona world. Calls for a green and socially equitable re-start are very prominent. The EU’s Green New Deal (“Green Deal”) and the UN`s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are good examples of how ESG criteria and ideas of Impact Investing are being incorporated into policy objectives.
Microinsurance
The microinsurance sector is an evolving sector, which is impacting how low-income individuals and MSMEs protect themselves against everyday risks. Nevertheless, due to microinsurance’s emerging role in microfinance, research is relatively new and few institutions offer executive training in the field. Insurance, microfinance and bank specialists can benefit greatly from learning about the current trends in the microinsurance market and the unique demands of this sector, including product development, marketing, distribution or customer and sales relationship management.
SME Finance
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are important engines of growth, jobs and social cohesion. However, the creation, survival and growth of SMEs is often hampered by access to finance. Thus, access to SME finance has become a key priority in developing and transition countries. Since the early nineties, Frankfurt School of Finance & Management is combining advisory work, training, and policy advice with applied research. Our goal is to support financial institutions in developing and transition countries establish good practices in Micro and SME finance.
Financial Inclusion Policy
This course provides a broad understanding of the designing and implementation of financial regulatory frameworks. It covers in detail the following financial inclusion policy areas – proportionate application of global standards, consumer education and empowerment, national strategies that ensure a coordinate approach to financial inclusion, measuring impact of financial inclusion. It also focuses on three core components that drive financial inclusion – financing of micro, small and medium enterprises, microfinance and microinsurance and taking the digital route to financial inclusion.
Digital Finance
Digital finance offers a transformational solution for financial inclusion. Powered by the mobile phone, new data and technological innovations, it has become affordable and convenient for unbanked customers to access and use formal banking services. While new technological developments and financial players bring tremendous opportunities, the emerging landscape is also becoming more complex and is putting increasing pressure on traditional providers to go digital.
Leadership & Change Management for Sustainability (Online or On-campus) (6 ECTS)
This course examines leadership theories and practices through a sustainability lens. Students explore concepts like ESG assessment, organizational culture and values-based approaches. A simulation experience immerses them as CEOs transforming a business model for greater impact. Key frameworks are analyzed for translating strategic vision into stakeholder motivation and driving innovative, sustainable solutions. The goal is to equip participants with analytical skills and insights useful for advancing sustainability principles within their own leadership roles and organizations. For more experiential learning a leadership simulation game immerses them as CEOs transforming a business model for greater impact.
One can also choose this programme on-campus (two weeks programme at additional costs + course assignment).
Choose One Elective (6 ECTS)
Climate & Renewable Energy Finance
The Paris Agreement marks the beginning of a new era with the focus shifting from finding a consensus on the common goals to realising jointly agreed goals. “Making finance flows consistent with a pathway towards low greenhouse gas emissions and climate-resilient development” (Article 2 c of the Paris Agreement) will require a significant increase in funding – with new instruments and approaches required to mobilize a broad range of investors and to achieve scalability in financing climate action. Financing the global energy transition will be one key building block.
Climate Adaptation Finance
Climate change presents a risk to the global economy and consequently the finance sector. However, it also presents an opportunity for innovative financing to increase the economic and social resilience to climate impacts.
As facilitators of the economy, financial institutions have a central role in the transformation to low carbon and climate-resilient development. Their responsibility is twofold: greening their portfolios towards Paris compatible financing and investments, and reflecting and integrating climate-related risks into their risk management processes.
Sustainable Finance
Reflecting sustainability criteria, especially climate change, in financial markets is increasingly gaining attention as opportunities and risks arising in this context are changing business practices. The course will prepare participants to understand major drivers and constraints of transforming the financial system to a more sustainable one. Furthermore, it will familiarize participants with the business, regulatory and technical perspective of sustainable finance and will acquaint them to take an active part in the discussion around the topic. The course aims to enable financial professionals to integrate Sustainable Finance related aspects into their work through new knowledge and tools for advising their clients and business partners.
ESG & Impact Investing
Environment Social and Governance criteria (ESG) and Impact Investing have gained a lot of traction in recent years and will continue to do so in the (post-) Corona world. Calls for a green and socially equitable re-start are very prominent. The EU’s Green New Deal (“Green Deal”) and the UN`s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are good examples of how ESG criteria and ideas of Impact Investing are being incorporated into policy objectives.
Financial Inclusion Policy
This course provides a broad understanding of the designing and implementation of financial regulatory frameworks. It covers in detail the following financial inclusion policy areas – proportionate application of global standards, consumer education and empowerment, national strategies that ensure a coordinate approach to financial inclusion, measuring impact of financial inclusion. It also focuses on three core components that drive financial inclusion – financing of micro, small and medium enterprises, microfinance and microinsurance and taking the digital route to financial inclusion.
Microinsurance
The microinsurance sector is an evolving sector, which is impacting how low-income individuals and MSMEs protect themselves against everyday risks. Nevertheless, due to microinsurance’s emerging role in microfinance, research is relatively new and few institutions offer executive training in the field. Insurance, microfinance and bank specialists can benefit greatly from learning about the current trends in the microinsurance market and the unique demands of this sector, including product development, marketing, distribution or customer and sales relationship management.
SME Finance
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are important engines of growth, jobs and social cohesion. However, the creation, survival and growth of SMEs is often hampered by access to finance. Thus, access to SME finance has become a key priority in developing and transition countries. Since the early nineties, Frankfurt School of Finance & Management is combining advisory work, training, and policy advice with applied research. Our goal is to support financial institutions in developing and transition countries establish good practices in Micro and SME finance.
Digital Finance
Digital finance offers a transformational solution for financial inclusion. Powered by the mobile phone, new data and technological innovations, it has become affordable and convenient for unbanked customers to access and use formal banking services. While new technological developments and financial players bring tremendous opportunities, the emerging landscape is also becoming more complex and is putting increasing pressure on traditional providers to go digital.
NPL Management & Investment
Following the current recession caused by the COVID-19 outbreak, banks, regulators and investors will need to tackle record amounts of private sector debt, and a fresh wave of non-performing loans (NPLs). Once state support comes to an end, this could present an even more serious challenge for banks than in past crises, as the present recession extends across most sectors and economies.
This course will equip you with all necessary skills to manage private sector debt workouts and loan defaults. You will learn to recognise debt distress among households and enterprises, to design best-practice restructuring solutions that return borrowers to financial viability, and to navigate an insolvency process where this becomes inevitable.
Climate Risk Management
The primary objective of this course is to develop climate risk management professionals who can identify, assess, and mitigate climate-related risks in financial institutions. Participants will gain a basic understanding of the scientific basis for climate change scenarios, before we delve into regulatory frameworks, risk management methodologies, and the integration of sustainable practices into business strategies. By the end of the course, participants will be capable of developing and implementing robust climate risk management frameworks that align with international best practices and regulatory standards.
Master Thesis (Project Work) (15 ECTS)
The project work aims to provide students an opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge gained during the program. Our master thesis focuses on practical application. Students have three options for the thesis format:
Consulting Project (CP): Students work with a client organization to define an agreed strategy or management problem, conduct research, and work directly with the client to deliver consultancy recommendations.
Entrepreneurial Business Plan (EBP): Students identify a business opportunity and create a comprehensive plan to launch a new for-profit or non-profit enterprise from inception to start-up across competitive, operational, and financial aspects.
Traditional Research Thesis (TRT): Students independently explore an application-oriented issue about a topic of interest for the sustainable finance community, which will have direct applications in market practice, regulation, or development policy.
Economics of Climate Change (6 ECTS)
The goal of this module “Economics of Climate Change” is to provide the foundation for all more focused topics that will be covered in the green finance track of the Master Programme by introducing and explaining the economic characteristics of an environmental problem before applying that perspective to climate change. The module covers: introduction to the global climate diplomacy of the UN climate process of UNFCCC, and reflecting the impact of climate change; different climate impact responses by individual countries (climate-economy-links, e.g., mitigation, adaptation) providing insight through both economic theory and actual real life cases where this theory has been applied; the concept of the “social optimum” and what that means for climate policy in practice is explained thoroughly through the standard model, an approach to calculate the optimal provision of environmental quality; the broad spectrum of policy instruments used to solve environmental problems with respect to efficiency, achievement of least abatement cost and effectiveness based on categorization in command-and-control (CAC) policies such as different standards and Market-based instruments (MBIs) such as Price-based instruments and Quantity-based instruments. Among other aspect, the course go through the approaches for finding efficient pricing of carbon e.g., trough Emission Trading Schemes (ETS), different Feed-in-Tariff systems, Auctions and taxes but also the importance of supporting development of alternative energy sources through new technologies; The course conclude with an outlook of the topic of climate and environment in the context of finance and development, introducing key concepts of sustainable finance while bringing up the latest political discourses of the ongoing global climate change battle, e.g., through the Paris Agreement implementation targets commitments such as net-zero GHG emission goals.
Accounting, Leadership & Sustainability or Sustainable Finance (6 ECTS)
The module Accounting, Leadership and Sustainability introduces concepts and theories of financial and managerial accounting. It also deals with the backgrounds and regulation of sustainability reporting and the value relevance of CSR/ESG reporting. It focuses on leadership aspects in accounting. Students will get acquainted with how accounting information is used in decision making and how leadership designs accounting systems and strategically uses the disclosure system to achieve targets. The module covers applied topics of accounting and leadership.
* Sustainable Finance module only for students with proven strong background in accounting.
The Sustainable Finance module starts with an introduction to the world of sustainability, going through important sustainability concepts and global initiatives, while also looking into planetary boundaries and the science of climate change. Next, the participants familiarise themselves with the financial system, involved stakeholders and their interplay in collectively driving the change towards a sustainable finance system. After this broad introduction, the course concentrates on sustainability financial actors. In this block, the importance of regulation and policy for sustainable finance is explained first, complemented by a deep dive into the EU / European policy and regulatory framework. After that, the role of sustainable finance for financial institutions’ strategy lays the ground for assessing risk, impacts, and opportunities through the sustainable finance lens in the following units. Three different institutional perspectives on sustainable finance, namely banking, institutional investors, and insurance are provided before the course concludes with a re-cap and outlook on the current sustainable finance situation.
Choose One Elective (3 ECTS)
NDC Strategy and Finance
This course aims to comprehensively understand Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) within the broader context of international climate change negotiations and the Paris Agreement. By exploring the fundamentals of climate science, response strategies, and sustainable finance, participants will gain insights into the origins, contents, and evolution of NDCs, and the challenges and opportunities associated with their implementation at the country level. A special focus will lie on the role of financing, translating strategies into tangible and sustainable investments that enable ambitious climate action in the long term. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical case studies, participants will be equipped to critically assess NDCs, identify gaps in ambition, and evaluate strategies for enhancing climate action towards achieving the goals outlined in the Paris Agreement.
Sustainable Agricultural Finance
Agriculture matters a lot for everyone on this planet: it provides affordable and healthy food, jobs and incomes for millions of people; its development is essential for environmental protection, poverty alleviation and in the context of climate change.
Therefore, agriculture finance is a significant part of the finance sector. Farmers and agro-enterprises need loans, insurance, leasing and many other financial services to do well. Financial institutions seek qualified employees who understand the financial needs of farmers and agribusinesses, the dynamics of the agricultural sector and the role of finance in agricultural value chains.
Biodiversity Finance
Biodiversity underpins life on Earth. Healthy ecosystems provide ecosystem services essential to human well-being and economic activities. Scientists estimate that one million of the world’s estimated 8 million species of plants and animals are on the verge of extinction, and this could curtail our ability to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and limit global warming to 1.5 degrees.
Why should financial institutions care? In today's world, financial institutions play a pivotal role in managing financial resources and contributing to the conservation of our planet's invaluable biodiversity. They impact biodiversity through their lending or investment decisions. At the same time, they are exposed to physical, reputational, systemic, and transitional risks due to biodiversity loss. Hence, the disruption of biodiversity poses significant yet often overlooked risks to financial stability. The financial sector is increasingly acknowledging the financial risks associated with biodiversity loss and the integral role it could play in preserving the delicate balance of life on Earth. According to UNEP, if the world is to achieve its climate change, biodiversity, and land degradation objectives, investments in nature must triple by 2030.
Find out more.
Strategy & Innovation (6 ECTS)
The aim of this course on Strategy & Innovation is relay the main theoretical and applied themes in strategy and innovation in a dynamic environment. Using literature and case studies as background material, students have the chance to work in-depth on a topic and gain profound expertise in the field of strategy and innovation.
The first part, “Strategy Tools” is devoted to the foundations of strategy and industry analysis. The second part, “Business-Level Strategies” deals with resources and capabilities and the nature and sources of competitive advantage. The third part, “Innovation and Growth” focuses on innovation cycles and strategic change and on technology based industries and innovation management. The fourth and final part, “Corporate-Level Strategies” covers selected topics such as joint ventures and strategic alliances, global strategies and structures, and strategic human resource management (HRM).
Risk Management, Corporate Governance & Compliance (6 ECTS)
Risk management is about coping with the challenges of growth, complexity and competition in a sustainable manner. This module provides a comprehensive overview about the risks which financial institutions face (including credit, market, liquidity and operational risk) with a special emphasis on the particular requirements of emerging and developing markets. It provides students with tools to measure risks and devise appropriate risk-taking and mitigation strategies that give financial institutions the competitive edge in delivering inclusive financial services in a rapidly evolving environment.
Choose One Elective (6 ECTS)
ESG & Impact Investing
Environment Social and Governance criteria (ESG) and Impact Investing have gained a lot of traction in recent years and will continue to do so in the (post-) Corona world. Calls for a green and socially equitable re-start are very prominent. The EU’s Green New Deal (“Green Deal”) and the UN`s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are good examples of how ESG criteria and ideas of Impact Investing are being incorporated into policy objectives.
Sustainable Finance
Reflecting sustainability criteria, especially climate change, in financial markets is increasingly gaining attention as opportunities and risks arising in this context are changing business practices. The course will prepare participants to understand major drivers and constraints of transforming the financial system to a more sustainable one. Furthermore, it will familiarize participants with the business, regulatory and technical perspective of sustainable finance and will acquaint them to take an active part in the discussion around the topic. The course aims to enable financial professionals to integrate Sustainable Finance related aspects into their work through new knowledge and tools for advising their clients and business partners.
Climate Adaptation Finance
Climate change presents a risk to the global economy and consequently the finance sector. However, it also presents an opportunity for innovative financing to increase the economic and social resilience to climate impacts.
As facilitators of the economy, financial institutions have a central role in the transformation to low carbon and climate-resilient development. Their responsibility is twofold: greening their portfolios towards Paris compatible financing and investments, and reflecting and integrating climate-related risks into their risk management processes.
Climate & Renewable Energy Finance
The Paris Agreement marks the beginning of a new era with the focus shifting from finding a consensus on the common goals to realising jointly agreed goals. “Making finance flows consistent with a pathway towards low greenhouse gas emissions and climate-resilient development” (Article 2 c of the Paris Agreement) will require a significant increase in funding – with new instruments and approaches required to mobilize a broad range of investors and to achieve scalability in financing climate action. Financing the global energy transition will be one key building block.
Leadership & Change Management for Sustainability (Online or On-campus) (6 ECTS)
This course examines leadership theories and practices through a sustainability lens. Students explore concepts like ESG assessment, organizational culture and values-based approaches. A simulation experience immerses them as CEOs transforming a business model for greater impact. Key frameworks are analyzed for translating strategic vision into stakeholder motivation and driving innovative, sustainable solutions. The goal is to equip participants with analytical skills and insights useful for advancing sustainability principles within their own leadership roles and organizations.For more experiential learning a leadership simulation game immerses them as CEOs transforming a business model for greater impact.
One can also choose this programme on-campus (two weeks programme at additional costs + course assignment).
Choose One Elective (6 ECTS)
Climate & Renewable Energy Finance
The Paris Agreement marks the beginning of a new era with the focus shifting from finding a consensus on the common goals to realising jointly agreed goals. “Making finance flows consistent with a pathway towards low greenhouse gas emissions and climate-resilient development” (Article 2 c of the Paris Agreement) will require a significant increase in funding – with new instruments and approaches required to mobilize a broad range of investors and to achieve scalability in financing climate action. Financing the global energy transition will be one key building block.
Climate Adaptation Finance
Climate change presents a risk to the global economy and consequently the finance sector. However, it also presents an opportunity for innovative financing to increase the economic and social resilience to climate impacts.
As facilitators of the economy, financial institutions have a central role in the transformation to low carbon and climate-resilient development. Their responsibility is twofold: greening their portfolios towards Paris compatible financing and investments, and reflecting and integrating climate-related risks into their risk management processes.
This gradual process involves harmonising short-term business cycles and investment horizons with systemic and long-term thinking by all actors from the financial sector (e.g. banks, asset managers, insurers, pension funds, investment consultants, regulators, rating agencies). This process is supported by public actors who moderate the structural change required for a transition to climate-resilient economies.
Sustainable Finance
Reflecting sustainability criteria, especially climate change, in financial markets is increasingly gaining attention as opportunities and risks arising in this context are changing business practices. The course will prepare participants to understand major drivers and constraints of transforming the financial system to a more sustainable one. Furthermore, it will familiarize participants with the business, regulatory and technical perspective of sustainable finance and will acquaint them to take an active part in the discussion around the topic. The course aims to enable financial professionals to integrate Sustainable Finance related aspects into their work through new knowledge and tools for advising their clients and business partners.
ESG & Impact Investing
Environment Social and Governance criteria (ESG) and Impact Investing have gained a lot of traction in recent years and will continue to do so in the (post-) Corona world. Calls for a green and socially equitable re-start are very prominent. The EU’s Green New Deal (“Green Deal”) and the UN`s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are good examples of how ESG criteria and ideas of Impact Investing are being incorporated into policy objectives.
Financial Inclusion Policy
This course provides a broad understanding of the designing and implementation of financial regulatory frameworks. It covers in detail the following financial inclusion policy areas – proportionate application of global standards, consumer education and empowerment, national strategies that ensure a coordinate approach to financial inclusion, measuring impact of financial inclusion. It also focuses on three core components that drive financial inclusion – financing of micro, small and medium enterprises, microfinance and microinsurance and taking the digital route to financial inclusion.
Microinsurance
The microinsurance sector is an evolving sector, which is impacting how low-income individuals and MSMEs protect themselves against everyday risks. Nevertheless, due to microinsurance’s emerging role in microfinance, research is relatively new and few institutions offer executive training in the field. Insurance, microfinance and bank specialists can benefit greatly from learning about the current trends in the microinsurance market and the unique demands of this sector, including product development, marketing, distribution or customer and sales relationship management.
SME Finance
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are important engines of growth, jobs and social cohesion. However, the creation, survival and growth of SMEs is often hampered by access to finance. Thus, access to SME finance has become a key priority in developing and transition countries. Since the early nineties, Frankfurt School of Finance & Management is combining advisory work, training, and policy advice with applied research. Our goal is to support financial institutions in developing and transition countries establish good practices in Micro and SME finance.
Digital Finance
Digital finance offers a transformational solution for financial inclusion. Powered by the mobile phone, new data and technological innovations, it has become affordable and convenient for unbanked customers to access and use formal banking services. While new technological developments and financial players bring tremendous opportunities, the emerging landscape is also becoming more complex and is putting increasing pressure on traditional providers to go digital.
NPL Management & Investment
Following the current recession caused by the COVID-19 outbreak, banks, regulators and investors will need to tackle record amounts of private sector debt, and a fresh wave of non-performing loans (NPLs). Once state support comes to an end, this could present an even more serious challenge for banks than in past crises, as the present recession extends across most sectors and economies.
This course will equip you with all necessary skills to manage private sector debt workouts and loan defaults. You will learn to recognise debt distress among households and enterprises, to design best-practice restructuring solutions that return borrowers to financial viability, and to navigate an insolvency process where this becomes inevitable.
Climate Risk Management
The primary objective of this course is to develop climate risk management professionals who can identify, assess, and mitigate climate-related risks in financial institutions. Participants will gain a basic understanding of the scientific basis for climate change scenarios, before we delve into regulatory frameworks, risk management methodologies, and the integration of sustainable practices into business strategies. By the end of the course, participants will be capable of developing and implementing robust climate risk management frameworks that align with international best practices and regulatory standards.
Master Thesis (Project Work) (15 ECTS)
The project work aims to provide students an opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge gained during the program. Our master thesis focuses on practical application. Students have three options for the thesis format:
Consulting Project (CP): Students work with a client organization to define an agreed strategy or management problem, conduct research, and work directly with the client to deliver consultancy recommendations.
Entrepreneurial Business Plan (EBP): Students identify a business opportunity and create a comprehensive plan to launch a new for-profit or non-profit enterprise from inception to start-up across competitive, operational, and financial aspects.
Traditional Research Thesis (TRT): Students independently explore an application-oriented issue about a topic of interest for the sustainable finance community, which will have direct applications in market practice, regulation, or development policy.
Learning Approach
Self-Study Training Approach
The programme is flexible but structured. The self-study concept allows you to fit studies into your professional & private schedule, comfortably distributing the load within the week or over the weekends. A few deadlines to keep in mind: the live-sessions, submission deadlines, and final exam dates.
Workload
The average workload mostly depends on you: Your pre-experience in the different courses & subjects, as well as your learning style. As a very rough estimation you should expect around 15-20 hours study time per week over the 24 months duration of the programme.
Training material
- Scripts
- Video Lectures
- Online Tests
- Case Studies
- Further Readings
- Discussion Forum
Application Process
Requirements
To apply, applicants must meet the following requirements.
- Undergraduate academic degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) from an internationally recognized university
- Excellent written and spoken English
- At least two years of post-undergraduate, relevant work experience
1. Online Application
The first step of your application process is to complete the online application form. You will need to upload the supporting documents listed below.
Successful applicants will be invited for the second step: the admission interview.
2. Admission Interview
The interview will be held through a video call. The purpose of the interview is to gain a better understanding of your professional and academic experience and discuss your motivation and goals.
3. Result
In a third step a final decision on your application will be made. For admitted students the admission documents will be sent out.
Required Documents
- CV or resume
- Transcript of records and diploma from your undergraduate studies
- Employee Reference Letter
FSDF e-Campus Alumni
Recognition of your e-learning courses
If you have already been certified in one of Frankfurt School’s Development Finance e-Campus courses, that course will be recognised in our Master Programme, which means you will not need to repeat it.
Also, the price you paid for that course will be deducted from your final tuition fee. Additionally, you will benefit from an EUR 1,000 Alumni Discount.
Example
You completed the Microfinance and the SME Finance certification courses:
Should you choose the Development Finance Track, this means that during the first semester you can concentrate on the following units:
- Development Finance & Growth
- Accounting & Leadership
During the second semester you can focus on:
- Risk, Corporate Governance & Compliance
- Strategy & Innovation
The third semester will be, in this case, a regular one.
On the financial side, your tuition fee will be reduced by EUR 1,000 (Alumni Discount) and then we will deduct max. EUR 2,450 (in case you paid the full tuition fee of EUR 900 CEMF and EUR 1,550 CESF without any discounts) as well.
The Master’s Program gave me the knowledge of common language in the ESG field and a network of classmates who work in the field.
It was a practical and affordable program for working professionals with family obligations. The curriculum is flexible with the right amount of live lectures. I especially enjoyed the two week long on-site experience in which I got to spend time with senior management professionals and classmates learning about sustainable leadership. Much appreciation for the networking opportunities after having worked for over 15 years.
The program has provided opportunities to grow my professional network, and has informed my work in leading and commissioning an organisational climate displacement strategy to guide humanitarian programs.
My experience studying online was excellent. As an Australian student, working full-time, the online course delivery and structure of the MA program was really well suited to help me learn new topics, interact with other students and explore my own interests in Development Finance.
MLSF is a well curated programme for working professionals like me. The course has benefited me in many ways to advance my mid-career in Climate Risk domain. There is a flexibility to choose study topics based on my interest from a wide range of options throughout the course. It is an intensive programme that not only imparts knowledge on Sustainable Finance but focuses on forming the foundation of an individual towards gaining a holistic perspective of the Sustainable Finance industry. The programme has few mandatory courses that are important for any leadership role such as change management, accountancy, and strategy and innovation. Additionally, the programme has provided me with a great platform to grow my network in Climate Change and Sustainable finance and the opportunity to be a part of the sustainable community and the alumni of the institute.
Through its complementary modules, the program has provided me with a well-rounded understanding of markets, enabling me to engage in global issues at both micro and macro levels. I now have greater confidence in having tough macroeconomic (public policy) and corporate-level conversations with public officials, investors, lenders, company founders, and senior directors about global challenges. This confidence allows me to work on private and public (micro- and macroeconomic) initiatives that drive positive change and sustainable practices across economies.
The thesis has also helped me to better undertake market review and analysis and confidently form opinions. Moreover, my leadership skills and understanding have been deepened through the Leadership and Change Management module, FLIGBY, and Strategy and Innovation.
I could go on, but suffice it to say, I am proud to have chosen this program!
The Master of Leadership and Sustainable Finance program has been an invaluable academic opportunity. The program has far surpassed my expectations and has played a crucial role in shaping my professional journey. The course structure and content are in line with current trends and highly relevant in today's dynamic business landscape. One of the highlights of this program has been the opportunity to interact with a diverse group of international students. Learning from their experiences and perspectives has broadened my understanding of global sustainable finance and leadership practices.
Through this program, I gained new professional opportunities and clients in the climate finance space. The program also provided me with a greater understanding of sustainable finance broadly and its application within the climate finance sector for Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
Thanks to MLSF I gained useful knowledge of current trends on EU climate policy and actions, which helped me to develop my expertise and drive the strategy process in the company I work.
This programme gave me the tools to align my financial expertise with meaningful impact. The academic and practical insights have directly contributed to my role and prepared me for a modern leadership environment. The program’s flexibility allowed me to keep working full-time while building the knowledge and skills I needed to lead with purpose.
Financing your Studies
Your degree is an investment in your professional future. As a business school of international standing, we not only offer you ideal conditions for gaining/obtaining a degree – we also offer you excellent career prospects.
Explore the following section for supplemental details on funding your studies. Students are accountable for securing finances for their tuition fees. Additionally, consider engaging in a conversation with your employer regarding potential financial assistance, as numerous students receive support from their employers.
Fee and Example
The total tuition fee of the programme is EUR 21,500. If you have completed the e-Campus courses in SME Finance and Microfinance and applied on 1 February, your total tuition fee will be:
| Total Fee | EUR 21,500 | |
| - 1st Early Bird Discount | - | EUR 3,000 |
| - Alumni Discount | - | EUR 1,000 |
| = | EUR 17,500 | |
| -Tuition fee paid for completed SME Finance course | - | EUR 1,550 |
| -Tuition fee paid for completed Microfinance course (early bird) | - | EUR 700 |
| -Total fee | - | EUR 15250 |
Instalments
We offer the option of paying the tuition fee in instalments throughout your studies. Contact us for details at onlinemaster@fs.de.
The MLSF Scholarship Programme
This scholarship programme aims to support highly talented candidates with financial needs who have the potential to make an impact. This scholarship is meant for students that otherwise are not able to finance their studies.
Selection criteria include
- financial needs (to be proven by payslips)
- academic achievements (grade of undergraduate degree)
- performance during the Frankfurt School selection procedure
- candidates’ personal achievements (professional and international experience, extracurricular activities, social commitment, and intercultural skills)
- motivation,
- potential impact
Scholarships will cover a max. of 30% of your tuition fees.
Scholarship Application
You can apply for a MLSF scholarship during your online application for the Master of Leadership in Sustainable Finance. Your scholarship application should include the following:
A statement for our scholarship committee showing what makes an outstanding student of you and why you should be granted a scholarship.
Acceptable formats:
- Short video (max 2 minutes) - preferred
- PowerPoint presentation (max. 5 slides) or
- An essay (max. 500 words)
Your last 3 months salary slips showing your monthly income. The scholarship is meant for students with financial needs that otherwise cannot afford the master programme. Therefore, your monthly income will be compared to the costs of living in your area of residence. Should you be self-employed you will need to submit the last 3 month of your bank account statement.
Statement on how you are planning financing the remaining part of the tuition fee (keep in mind that the partial scholarship might be less than 30%).
Please note that funds for this scholarship are limited.
A scholarship committee will review your scholarship application only if and once you are admitted to the master's programme online. The final decision on the scholarship amount lies with the scholarship committee. The scholarship committee’s decision is final and candidates have no legal entitlement to a scholarship.
We award scholarships on a “first come first serve” basis. Therefore, we recommend that you apply as soon as possible.
Deutschlandstipendium
Students admitted to the Master of Leadership in Sustainable Finance are entitled to apply for a Deutschlandstipendium starting from May 2024.
The annual scholarship is paid out in an amount of 300 euros per month and is awarded as a (non-repayable) grant. Payment is conditional upon the scholarship holder being enrolled at Frankfurt School.
To learn more click here.
Country Specific Funding
Many countries offer subsidized student loans that also cover online programmes. Please check for local governmental programmes and special student loan programmes in your country. Frankfurt School can support the loan application process by providing information needed from the university.
Example of national student loan providers:
USA - US Financial Aid
Canada - Ontario Student Assistance Program
Mexico - FIDERH
Germany - KfW Studienkredite
Class of 2024 - Profile
Gender
Origin of Students
Master contributes to UN SDGs
This master's programme will enhance your knowledge in the following SDGs. Frankfurt School offers professional and executive courses dedicated to the advancement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Master addresses almost all SDGs, however, the below 8 feature prominently.
Contact
Andrea Beiter
Programme Manager
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