About ESG (Environment, Social and Governance)
Changes in the environmental, social and governance construct are occurring at an unstoppable pace. Climate change, demographic evolution and the technological revolution are transforming our world as we know it. ESG and technology are the main drivers of this change, but their relevance is even greater because of the interaction with other sectors. The significant impact of climate change has generated an urgent need to create content that encompasses sustainability, the circular economy and international regulatory implications.
Our Qualifications
IASE, in consultation with its global stakeholders, establishes and enforces compliance with the highest global professional and ethical standards for sustainability practitioners as well as certification requirements for those aspiring to professional levels.
IASE’s role is more relevant than ever, being the first and only association worldwide that aspires to certify the entire population pyramid in terms of ESG with a global approach with three levels of certification within our International Sustainable Finance ISF® and International Sustainable Business ISB®.
The ISF® degree is intended for professionals in all areas working in the financial sector such as: asset management, capital markets, banking, insurance, pension funds, microfinance, wealth management, accounting and treasury management.
The ISB® degree is ideal for professionals in any other company, business or sector that are not related to finance; whether these are dedicated to ESG and Sustainability or not.
Each IASE designation recognizes 3 levels of proficiency. Thus, the levels represent a career progression path for ESG and sustainability practitioners with Level 1 representing Foundational Level, Level 2 representing Intermediate Level and Level 3 representing the Expert Level.
Methodology & Standards
IASE qualifications and designations are designed in consultation with experienced sector practitioners. All IASE qualifications are quality-assured and supported by relevant learning outcomes.
IASE designations are flexible, allowing you to create a learning pathway to suit your needs.
Only individuals who meet our internationally benchmarked 4-E certification standards are awarded these designations. Our 4-E standards include:
- Education (relevant qualification)
- Examination (pass a Professional Competency Exam/Board Exam set by IASE)
- Sustainable | Economy
- Ethics (agree to abide by IASE’s Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility)
All our members are required to adhere to our Code of Ethics, a set of principles ensuring we maintain high standards of integrity, probity and ethical fair dealing.
Ethics are a cornerstone of professionalism, and ethical behaviour is crucial to secure public trust and confidence in the profession and to build a reputation which people value. Failure to comply with the Code may result in disciplinary action against the member and risk adverse publicity for the member and their organisation
After successfully meeting the 4E standards above and being awarded either of these designations, holders must also demonstrate annually that they meet the following additional professional requirements:
- Continuous Professional Development (commitment to lifelong learning)
- Continued adherence to IASE’s Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility
IASE Code of Ethics
Professional IASE certificate holders fulfill a number of important functions in all the sectors: on the basis of high-quality training and designations, as well as of widely accepted codes of professional conduct, our organization can build on a solid foundation of ethical behaviour, competence and technical skills in all the markets. A central goal of IASE is to promote the development and dissemination of such international professional standards in order to contribute towards the highest level of quality in the professional practice of ESG matters.
IASE is convinced that every ESG certificate holder is defined by two main features: professional integrity and professional designations. Ethics and skills are the two dimensions by which every ESG professional should be measured. After all, potential clients must be able to trust the integrated International ESG market and its major actors.
The IASE Principles seek to ensure the highest ethical conduct of its certificate holders. Primarily, these principles are directed at IASE certificate holders, but they also aim at setting standards for everyone in the profession, thus contributing to the integrity of International ESG markets as a whole.
IASE is best equipped to provide its members and any other person in the profession with the acquisition of the necessary skills to provide appropriate advice to clients. The diversity of national and regional approaches in different societies is aimed at enriching the profession and creating a cross-fertilization of ideas; while the approach to ethical conduct tends to become standard across all nations and across all markets, a number of details still remain subject to local laws and customs. All certificate holders must comply with the following Code of Ethics according to the IASE Qualification Standards. In cases where the Code of Ethics is broken the Ethics Committee of each country has the right to suspend or withdraw the certification which will have the effect of disallowing the individual to advertise that he/she is an IASE member.
Fundamental Principles & Key Principles which have been defined as standards that each national association is recommended to adopt for its members so as to give practical effect to each Specific Fundamental Principle.
Testimonials
Javier Bello. ISF Advisor
BBVA Spain Talent Manager
”Having joined IASE a few months ago I am delighted to have completed my first IASE designation. I consider it as a stepping-stone in achieving more @iase designations and progressing in the #ESG field. This will allow me to respond to the ESG knowledge needs of professionals, especially in the financial sector, and to be at the forefront of a new certification model, both in terms of content and processes, guaranteeing me a first class upskill to address the reality of our environment with a complete vision of sustainable development.”
Paul van Brenkelen, ISB® Specialist, Clean Energy Associates, General Manager & Director, ESG and Traceability
Teddy Chau, ISB Advisor Candidate, JAZWARES HK Limited, Senior Director
Julia Hoffmann, ISF Advisor, Fundraising | Philanthropy
Marcel Reyers, ISF Advisor, Finakons - Finanz Konsillium GmbH Manager
Marie Abel, ISF Advisor, Marketing and Business Development Manager
Martha Herrera, ISB Advisor, Global Director of social impact Cemex
