Welcome to the
International Sustainable Finance Centre of Excellence
We are Ireland’s platform designed to facilitate the development of technical knowledge, research, skills and product development in sustainable finance across the full spectrum of international financial services sectors
New Release: Sustainable Finance Legal and Regulatory Study 2024
The ISFCOE-commissioned report supported by Skillnet Ireland and prepared by Matheson LLP, provides an overview of the global legal and regulatory landscape, updates on European and Irish developments since 2021, and outlines future prospects for sustainable finance. It examines Ireland’s opportunities and challenges as a sustainable finance hub, reviews progress on previous recommendations, and identifies next steps to enhance Ireland’s leadership in this field.
Welcome to the International Sustainable Finance Centre of Excellence (ISFCOE)
A not-for-profit established as a central outcome of the Ireland for Finance Strategy (2021), ISFCOE advances sustainable finance through expertise and impact. Our core activities focus on research, capacity building, and convening. We provide expert insights and evidence-based solutions to inform public discourse and policymaking on sustainable finance. Additionally, we proactively address skills gaps within the international financial services sector in Ireland, designing and delivering tailored training solutions. Leveraging our network, ISFCOE annually hosts Sustainable Finance Week Ireland (formerly Climate Finance Week Ireland), bringing together international thought leaders. We also maintain a keen awareness of global sustainability initiatives, acting as a knowledge and learning hub. Maintaining neutrality, ISFCOE prioritises offering clear analyses of complex policy matters, ensuring our research reaches diverse audiences.
Welcome to the International Sustainable Finance Centre of Excellence (ISFCOE)
As a central outcome of the Ireland for Finance Strategy (2021), ISFCOE is dedicated to advancing sustainable finance through expertise and impact.
Our core activities revolve around three pillars: research, capacity building, and convening. We specialise in providing expert insights and evidence-based solutions to inform public discourse and policymaking on sustainable finance and related issues. Additionally, ISFCOE takes proactive steps to identify and address skills gaps within the international financial services sector in Ireland, designing and organising tailored training solutions to meet these needs. Leveraging our convening power, we annually host Climate Finance Week Ireland in Dublin, bringing together esteemed thought leaders from around the world to exchange insights and perspectives. We also run an ongoing programme of leadership activities around the year.
In addition to these core pillars, ISFCOE maintains a keen awareness of global sustainability initiatives, positioning ourselves as a knowledge and learning hub for the broader community. While upholding our expert profile and neutrality, ISFCOE refrains from advocacy or campaigning activities. Instead, we prioritise offering accessible and understandable analyses of complex policy matters, ensuring our research and expertise reaches diverse audiences.
1
WE WORK WITH FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
to address barriers to climate action and sustainable finance. Our focus includes accelerating ESG integration and financing for nature-related initiatives. Through international insights, we help ensure Ireland’s leadership in sustainable finance is globally recognised.
2
WE CONDUCT LEADING RESEARCH
3
WE DEVELOP AND STAGE
a unique programme of events that focus on sustainable finance and Ireland’s global role and peer to peer insights, including the annual Sustainable Finance Week Ireland series.
4
WE PRIORITISE TALENT DEVELOPMENT
Key Achievements
Since its establishment, the ISFCOE and its predecessor SFI have successfully delivered a broad suite of initiatives across all Irish Sustainable Finance Roadmap goals – namely in Talent Development, Industry Readiness, Leveraging Digital, Enabling Environment and Promotional Activities.
Sustainable Finance Roadmap
We developed Ireland’s 2021 Sustainable Finance Roadmap and are responsible for its delivery. It was updated in 2023.
Research
We lead and co-ordinate a wide variety of research. Recently covering the skills gap, nature finance and net-zero transition. In 2023 alone we produced 8 world-leading research pieces.
Climate Finance Week
Hosted Climate Finance Weeks 2018-2023, the most recent of which was attended by 11,500 people with 8 million online impressions.
About Our Work
Who We Are
Who We Are
The International Sustainable Finance Centre of Excellence works to position Ireland as a leader in sustainable finance. All activities are aligned with the government’s Ireland for Finance strategy and help to deliver on annual action plans. The International Sustainable Finance Centre of Excellence is responsible for coordinating the delivery of the national Sustainable Finance Roadmap launched at Climate Finance Week Ireland 2021 and updated at Climate Finance Week Ireland 2023.
View moreOur Vision
Our Vision
The vision of ISFCOE is a transformed economy for a sustainable world. That Ireland’s financial sector is a leader in sustainable finance, contributing to a sustainable and prosperous economy at home and abroad. Headquartered in Dublin, the Centre has been developed in partnership with Skillnet Ireland, the UNDP Financial Centres for Sustainability (FC4S) Network, EU Climate-KIC and leading domestic and international private sector actors
View moreOur Purpose
Our Purpose
The purpose of the Centre of Excellence is to accelerate the mobilisation of capital in support of a net zero, nature positive and just economic transition. To achieve this we work to provide insight on best practice in sustainable finance, innovate new sustainable finance product solutions, provide suite of ESG qualifications and training to support upskilling and deliver key industry events including our flagship event, Climate Finance Week Ireland
View moreWho We Are
Who We Are
The International Sustainable Finance Centre of Excellence works to position Ireland as a leader in sustainable finance. All activities are aligned with the government’s Ireland for Finance strategy and help to deliver on annual action plans. The International Sustainable Finance Centre of Excellence is responsible for coordinating the delivery of the national Sustainable Finance Roadmap launched at Climate Finance Week Ireland 2021 and updated at Climate Finance Week Ireland 2023.
View moreOur Vision
Our Vision
The vision of ISFCOE is a transformed economy for a sustainable world. That Ireland’s financial sector is a leader in sustainable finance, contributing to a sustainable and prosperous economy at home and abroad. Headquartered in Dublin, the Centre has been developed in partnership with Skillnet Ireland, the UNDP Financial Centres for Sustainability (FC4S) Network, EU Climate-KIC and leading domestic and international private sector actors
View moreOur Purpose
Our Purpose
The purpose of the Centre of Excellence is to accelerate the mobilisation of capital in support of a net zero, nature positive and just economic transition. To achieve this we work to provide insight on best practice in sustainable finance, innovate new sustainable finance product solutions, provide suite of ESG qualifications and training to support upskilling and deliver key industry events including our flagship event, Climate Finance Week Ireland
View more
In 2023, Sustainable Finance Ireland became the
International Sustainable Finance Centre of Excellence
Leading Sustainable Finance Centre by 2025
In 2023, Sustainable Finance Ireland became the International Sustainable Finance Centre of Excellence (ISFCOE) In order to support the goal of Ireland becoming a leading sustainable finance centre by 2025.
Sustainable Finance Roadmap and Climate Action Plan 2022
Aligned with government policy outlined in Ireland for Finance Strategy 2025, Irish National Sustainable Finance Roadmap and Climate Action Plan 2022, the establishment of the Centre of Excellence is Action 1 of Ireland’s Sustainable Finance roadmap
Climate Finance Week 2023
Climate Finance Week Ireland is a world-leading annual event that brings together experts, policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders in the area of sustainable finance. It provides a platform for discussions and collaborations aimed at addressing the Environmental, Social and Governance agenda.
Participants have the opportunity to engage in informative sessions, share insights, and explore innovative strategies to mobilise funding for a sustainable and resilient future.