Frankfurt School of Finance & Management
Promoted by Frankfurt School of Finance & Management

Explore finance for impact at the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management

If you want to be a leader, it’s time to decide the legacy you want to leave — one that shapes the future or leaves it behind. If given the power, would you fund cutting-edge green technology that could reduce carbon emissions by 30% or support a traditional, high-carbon business model that promises faster returns? 

Your decision could change the trajectory of an entire industry and create a ripple effect that touches millions of lives. It could essentially heal or harm the planet. This is the power of a leader in sustainable finance — especially since the financial sector is now less about returns and more about responsibility. Global statistics explain why. 

According to the World Economic Forum, climate change is the number one global risk in terms of impact. Yet trillions of dollars flow each year into industries that continue to degrade the environment. Bloomberg predicts the sustainable investment market will reach $US53 trillion by 2025. The United Nations estimates that US$5-7 trillion is needed annually for global investments to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. 

These numbers are also why universities worldwide are revamping their offerings, fusing financial expertise with environmental stewardship. The Frankfurt School of Finance & Management is one of them. They developed their online Master of Leadership in Sustainable Finance programme to nurture the next generation of responsible leaders. 

If you’re passionate about the role finance plays in addressing today’s societal challenges — whether that’s tackling climate change, fostering inclusive economic growth, or integrating sustainability into financial strategies — this is the foundation to start with. Over the course of 18-24 months, it can give you a deeper understanding of the intersection between finance, sustainability, and economic development.

Frankfurt School’s student body currently represents over 100 countries. Source: Frankfurt School of Finance & Management

The programme is structured with a modular approach, allowing you to take individual modules before fully committing to the entire programme. This means you will be able to explore the content, test it out, and decide if it’s the right fit for you before moving forward.

Once you’re sure, you can choose from various elective courses and enjoy the flexibility of tailoring your studies to match your specific interests. The Green Finance Track focuses on the low-carbon transition in finance, while the Development Finance Track covers areas like inclusive finance and growth agendas aimed at fostering sustainable development worldwide.

 Both routes are designed to be hands-on and practical, meaning regardless of your path, you will not just learn theory but apply your knowledge in real-world contexts. From group work and case studies to real-world business problems, you’ll engage in learning that has immediate relevance to the financial landscape. 

“The programme broadened my perspective and closed many gaps in terms of sustainability and investing knowledge,” says graduate Anton Nikitin, who began the programme in 2021 while beginning his career journey as a Portfolio Manager. 

After all, a standout feature of the Master of Leadership in Sustainable Finance is its flexibility. Since it’s delivered entirely online, you will have the freedom to study at your own pace while balancing work and personal commitments — just as Nikitin did.

Frankfurt School’s Adickesallee campus is centrally located in Frankfurt’s Nordend district. Source: Frankfurt School of Finance & Management

Still, networking opportunities are a vital component of the experience. While learning virtually, expect to engage with an international class and interact with experienced faculty with global perspectives on sustainable finance. Online sustainability sessions ensure you grow a network filled with industry leaders, policymakers, and fellow students. 

These connections can be strengthened on campus, too, since the programme offers one in-person module to students on either track: the Leadership and Changement Management for Sustainability course. Introduced in Semester 3, this module covers leadership theories and practices through a sustainability lens, encouraging students to explore concepts like ESG assessment, organisational culture and values-based approaches. It even features a simulation that sees students stepping into the CEO role to transform a business model and achieve greater sustainability impact. 

Indeed, the Master of Leadership in Sustainable Finance is one of the most well-rounded career accelerators around. “Thanks to this master’s, I have complemented my technical education as an engineer with a well-structured study programme at the crossroads of ESG and finance,” says Manrique Ortiz, who has spent the last four years specialising in Sustainability Services at Deloitte, then PwC Deutschland.  

“The theoretical knowledge I gained has made me better prepared to deal with a wide range of topics that were unknown to me before.”

The qualification is just as accessible as it is transformative. Frankfurt School offers scholarships of up to 30%, allowing you to invest in your future while keeping financial commitment manageable. Explore your options today

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