In alignment with the Irish government’s “Ireland for Finance” strategy, which was introduced in October 2021, Ireland unveiled a Sustainable Finance Roadmap. This comprehensive roadmap consists of 18 actions, with action 1 focusing on the establishment of the Irish Sustainable Finance Centre of Excellence (ISFCOE).
As a pivotal public-private sector collaboration, our primary objective is to serve as a strong advocate for Ireland’s sustainable finance agenda. This underscores our unwavering commitment to play a leading and trusted role within the Irish ecosystem while fostering partnerships both domestically and internationally to achieve superior outcomes.
We function as a global hub, fostering knowledge, innovation, and cooperation at the intersection of finance and sustainability. Our core mission is to facilitate positive change by promoting a deeper comprehension and application of sustainable finance principles. Through our efforts, we aim to instigate a transformation in the financial landscape that harmonises economic prosperity with environmental and social well-being.
At the heart of Ireland’s journey towards a net-zero, nature-positive, and equitable economic transition lies the pivotal role of finance. Finance serves as the lifeblood and driving force of an economy, providing the essential infrastructure supporting this transformative process, from the electricity grid to infrastructure, agriculture, water, and housing.
In the next decade, Ireland is projected to require €150 billion in fresh investments for its net-zero transition alone. Establishing a sustainable financial system is a linchpin in Ireland’s future economic landscape, contributing significantly to job creation, competitiveness, and overall societal well-being.
With a clear vision and drawing on its existing strengths in the financial services sector, Ireland aspires to take the lead in sustainable finance by 2025. This commitment to leadership is evident through various actions from both the public and private sectors, such as the issuance of several Irish Sovereign Green Bonds, the State’s €3 billion climate and nature fund, the Central Bank of Ireland’s public-private sector Climate Forum, active engagement of domestic and international Irish-based banks in sustainable finance, the emergence of a sustainable finance asset management cluster in Dublin and Cork, and the commitment of 60% of Irish-based insurance firms to net-zero goals.
Furthermore, Euronext Dublin stands as the global leader in ESG bonds listing, reflecting Ireland’s dedication to responsible finance practices. Moreover, the efforts of the Skillnet Ireland-supported Sustainable Finance Skillnet have already upskilled over 3,000 finance professionals based in Ireland in the realm of sustainable finance.
Knowledge Hub
ISFCOE is a repository of cutting-edge research, insights, and resources in sustainable finance. We curate, produce, and disseminate knowledge that equips individuals and organizations with the tools they need to make responsible financial decisions. Our knowledge hub covers a wide range of topics, from ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria and impact investing to green bonds, climate risk assessment, and ethical banking.
Knowledge Hub
ISFCOE is a repository of cutting-edge research, insights, and resources in sustainable finance. We curate, produce, and disseminate knowledge that equips individuals and organizations with the tools they need to make responsible financial decisions. Our knowledge hub covers a wide range of topics, from ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria and impact investing to green bonds, climate risk assessment, and ethical banking.
Training and Education
To bridge the gap between theory and practice, ISFCOE offers a suite of training programs and workshops. These programs are designed to empower professionals, students, and organizations with the skills and expertise required to incorporate sustainability into their financial strategies. From introductory courses to advanced certifications, we cater to a diverse audience seeking to enhance their sustainable finance acumen.
Training and Education
To bridge the gap between theory and practice, ISFCOE offers a suite of training programs and workshops. These programs are designed to empower professionals, students, and organizations with the skills and expertise required to incorporate sustainability into their financial strategies. From introductory courses to advanced certifications, we cater to a diverse audience seeking to enhance their sustainable finance acumen.
Thought Leadership
ISFCOE is at the forefront of the sustainable finance conversation. We convene experts, thought leaders, and change-makers to engage in meaningful dialogues, share insights, and shape the future of finance. Our events, webinars, and conferences provide a platform for the exchange of ideas and the development of solutions that drive progress in the field.
Thought Leadership
ISFCOE is at the forefront of the sustainable finance conversation. We convene experts, thought leaders, and change-makers to engage in meaningful dialogues, share insights, and shape the future of finance. Our events, webinars, and conferences provide a platform for the exchange of ideas and the development of solutions that drive progress in the field.
Consulting and Advisory Services
We provide consultancy and advisory services to organizations seeking to align their financial practices with sustainability goals. Our experts work closely with clients to design and implement sustainable finance strategies, ensuring that these strategies are tailored to individual needs and objectives.
Consulting and Advisory Services
We provide consultancy and advisory services to organizations seeking to align their financial practices with sustainability goals. Our experts work closely with clients to design and implement sustainable finance strategies, ensuring that these strategies are tailored to individual needs and objectives.
Research and Innovation
ISFCOE actively engages in research and innovation projects that push the boundaries of sustainable finance. Our research initiatives contribute to the development of new financial instruments, impact measurement methodologies, and strategies to address complex challenges in sustainable finance.
Research and Innovation
ISFCOE actively engages in research and innovation projects that push the boundaries of sustainable finance. Our research initiatives contribute to the development of new financial instruments, impact measurement methodologies, and strategies to address complex challenges in sustainable finance.
The International Sustainable Finance Centre of Excellence (ISFCOE) is a dynamic, collaborative, and solution-oriented institution that recognizes the immense potential for positive change within the world of finance. By engaging with ISFCOE, whether through our knowledge resources, training programs, or thought leadership events, you become part of a global community committed to reshaping finance for a more sustainable and responsible future.
Our Working Groups Chair People
Stephen Nolan
SFCOE – International Sustainable Finance Centre of Excellence
Climate Finance Week Ireland
Mary Whitelaw
Chief Sustainability & Corporate Affairs Officer, AIB
Chair, Sustainable Finance Skillnet Steering Committee
Colette Coogan
ISFCOE – International Sustainable Finance Centre of Excellence
Co-Chair, Sustainable Finance Fintech Steering Committee
Michael Concannon
Head of FPAI Strategy & Development
Co-Chair, Sustainable Finance Fintech Steering Committee
Ada Freaney
Communities of Practice Manager
Radhika Sharma
Sustainable Finance Research Manager
Liz Kearney
Project Manager
Gillian Power
Director of Communications, Marketing & Events
Liz Molloy
Project Manager
Jamie Savage
Sustainable Finance Skillnet Network Executive
Colette Coogan
Director of Programme Development
Stephen Nolan
Managing Director (on secondment)
