As climate change and biodiversity loss increasingly shape global priorities, financial institutions are under growing pressure to respond with clarity, innovation, and accountability. The financial sector is no longer just a passive observer but an active driver in the transition to a low-carbon and nature-positive economy. As regulators, investors, and clients demand greater transparency and alignment with sustainability goals, we must rethink risk frameworks, governance structures, and investment strategies. In this track, we will explore how financial institutions can lead the way in building a resilient and environmentally sustainable future — one that aligns profitability with long-term impact.
We will dive into key topics such as carbon accounting, climate risk management, climate stress testing, and transition planning, while gaining insights into innovative financial products that support the low-carbon transition. We’ll also examine sustainability disclosure and ESG reporting, along with the growing challenges of ESG litigation — focusing on transparency, accountability, and evolving regulatory frameworks.
Through hands-on exercises and collaborative group work, we will develop practical strategies for embedding sustainability into core financial operations, supporting global efforts to combat climate change, halt nature loss, and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals.
On the afternoon of Wednesday 2 July, participants will get the chance to visit a German instituion for an external site visit. The site visit offers a more practical perspective on some of the industry's most pressing challenges.
The trend elective opens up the whole Summer Academy for all participants. Network and engage with participants from other tracks while taking a deeper dive into further topics that matter to you, outside of your selected track.
Dr. Christine Gruening
In her role as director of FS' UNEP Collaborating Centre for Climate & Sustainable Energy Finance she combines applied research on policy-relevant topics in climate finance and policy with an orientation towards practical application and final implementation. Her current fields of research are the economics of climate change, barriers on investment in mitigation and adaptation finance, market imperfections, and results-based climate finance. She has been crucial for the success of the annual report “Global Trends in Renewable Energy Finance” in cooperation with Bloomberg New Energy Finance and UN Environment over the last 12 years and the development and implementation of the Certified Expert of Climate Adaptation Finance, Certified Expert of Climate & Renewable Energy Finance and the Adaptation Finance Fellowship Programme (AFFP). Between 1999 and 2004 she studied International Business Administration at the European University Viadrina Frankfurt (Oder). She holds a Bachelor Degree in Financial Studies from Manchester Metropolitan University (UK) and a Maestria de Dirección de Empresas (MBA) from the Universidad Católica de Códoba (Argentina). Subsequently she joined the Chair of Public Finance and Environmental Economics at the European University Viadrina Frankfurt (Oder) and received a doctoral degree in 2010.
Karl H. Richter
Founder of EngagedX, which is a consultancy specialising in impact investing, thought leadership, data and tech development, advocacy and policy work. Karl works internationally across private, public, and social sectors. He lectures at the Frankfurt School of Finance and Management.
Karl's previous experiences include a 12 month assignment as Head of Research and Knowledge for the UNDP SDG Impact Finance initiative (UNSIF), where he led research to improve the analytical framework for social impact investing; membership of Groupe d'Experts de la Commission sur l'Entrepreneuriat Social (GECES) of the European Commission to advise on its Social Business Initiative; part of the OECD expert group on social impact investing. Karl is currently Senior Fellow of the Finance Innovation Lab; and adviser to several organisations, including the China Alliance for Social Value Investment.
Sebastian Rink
Sebastian is a green and sustainable finance expert and researcher at the Frankfurt School – UNEP Collaborating Centre. He is, among other topics, analysing the question how banks can facilitate the transformation of SMEs’ business models. Additionally, Sebastian is an associate in the Net Zero Banking Alliance Germany by the Green and Sustainable Finance Cluster Germany. His prior work includes co-developing the EU Taxonomy, policy advisory, advisory in the private financial sector, transaction management, and provision of training and education.
This track is designed for finance professionals from:
- Commercial banks, microfinance institutions, and asset management firms
- Central banks, supervisory bodies, and government institutions
- Development organisations, donor agencies, and impact investors
It is particularly relevant for retail bankers, financial advisors, asset and risk managers, and others across the financial sector who are working on — or aiming to advance — sustainability strategies within their institutions.
The tuition fee for the training is EUR 5,700*, and it covers all training materials, catering as well as transportation for any site visits**.
The Summer Academies are fully tuition-based and not sponsored. Accordingly, participants are required to cover the full costs of the training or find a sponsor.
Special Packages for Groups: Special packages, for example, including accommodation, airport transfers, other logistical support, etc., can be provided upon request for group registrations.
**Subject to change
Discounts
There are several combinable discounts (max. Two discounts per participant) for the Summer Academy:
15% Non-OECD Discount* for all participants with nationality and residency in non-OECD countries.
*Non-OECD discounts can be combined with a maximum of two other discounts per participant; the total discount cannot exceed 40%. To qualify for the Non-OECD discount, a copy of an ID or other relevant documents must be submitted proactively to verify nationality and residency.
Location
The Summer Academy will be held at the Frankfurt School campus. Being one of the leading business schools in Germany and Europe, Frankfurt School offers modern facilities for an interactive senior training program. Our training rooms are equipped with the newest technology and the newest media to provide flexibility and quality in our training courses.
We have a strong focus on the wellbeing of our guests and course participants, a good training environment, air quality and modern equipment.
Language
The language of instruction will be English and no translation will be provided.