Global investment professional association CFA Institute announced today the launch of a new Climate Risk, Valuation, and Investing Certificate, aimed at providing financial professionals with climate-related investment expertise, and to integrate climate considerations into valuation and portfolio construction processes.

According to CFA Institute, the new certificate is being launched to meet the growing market demand by investment firms for staff with climate analysis skills, in order to adapt to the risks associated with climate change, and as investors increasingly seek to account for climate-related factors in their investment decision-making processes.

The certificate require approximately 100 hours of learning, and will cover five courses, including Climate Science, Risks, and Regulations, Transition Finance, Climate and Valuation: Listed Equity and Debt, Climate and Valuation: Alternatives, and Portfolio Management and Stewardship for Climate Risk. Each course will include a test, and the curriculum will focus on applying relevant tools for analyzing equity, fixed income, and alternatives.

According to CFA Institute, the certificate will focus on real-world application, with curriculum and supporting activities based on models and case studies received directly from industry professionals and subject-matter experts. The organization added that it will follow a cohort approach, allowing for greater interaction between learners, and encouraging community and shared learning among investment practitioners.

Richard Fernand, Head of Certificate Management at CFA Institute, said:

“Our new Climate Risk, Valuation, and Investing Certificate will be be insightful, practical, and address the needs of those investment professionals looking to apply climate analysis to investments. Uniquely, this certificate looks at climate risks from an investment practitioner-oriented viewpoint, addressing the practical application of climate factors in investment decisions.”

Registrations for the new certificate are scheduled to open on 30 November.