The academy, which officially launches on September 28, 2021, is an online platform which is CPD-accredited and acts as an ESG learning resource.
It is now open for registrations and is free to Pimfa members.
Pimfa said the academy was not a traditional online class, and instead, participants can learn at their own pace and in their own time, with access to a library of ESG content that they can engage and interact with on any device.
Liz Field, chief executive of Pimfa, said: “It is clear that ESG considerations play a significant role in investment decisions.
"There is an opportunity to be seized here both for investors and companies alike as new technologies are developed and as attitudes change, some of which has been accelerated by the Covid pandemic.
“It is with these factors in mind that Pimfa, in partnership with MSCI, Fidelity and Farrer & Co, has launched the ESG academy for wealth managers.
“We want to ensure that our members, and through them their clients, are provided with the latest information and support, equipping them with everything they need to understand, and if appropriate, embrace the future of ESG in investment strategies.”
Participants will learn how to recognise and meet their clients’ demand for ESG investing and be able to explain clearly what qualifies as an ESG investment and what does not.
They will also learn about the regulatory framework governing ESG investments, as well as how to use tools and portals to identify suitable ESG investment paths for their clients.
In October last year, Field announced the launch of the academy as a way to provide a solid foundation for advisers who will have to have a process in place for clients interested in ESG investments
In today's update (September 7), Pimfa said the academy simplifies the latest information and language around ESG, while also delivering the latest regulatory guidance.
The online course will be split into three modules designed to provide wealth managers with a greater knowledge and understanding of ESG.
It will be led by experts in the field, including, SRI Services & Fund EcoMarket founding director Julia Dreblow, and Larry Lawrence, head of ESG products, wealth management at MSCI.
Jenn-Hui Tan, global head of stewardship and sustainable Investing at Fidelity International and Mya Erceg, senior policy adviser will also be leading.
Kowal said: “The rise of ESG as a new wealth investing paradigm presents new responsibilities for the wealth management community. Managed effectively, it also provides the chance to deepen client relationships via understanding and implementing ESG-related goals and preferences.”
Tan added: “The rise of sustainable investing has been one of the most significant changes in the investment industry in a generation. At Fidelity, we fundamentally believe - and have research to demonstrate - that sustainability factors have the potential to materially impact the short and long-term value of companies.
“Thus, investing in companies with high standards of sustainability can protect and enhance investment returns.
“But, defining what is and what is not truly ‘sustainable’ is difficult and can mean different things to different stakeholders. Working collectively as an industry and supporting initiatives such as Pimfa’s ESG academy, we can advance sustainable investing more broadly, and ultimately, better serve our clients financial and non-financial objectives.”
Yesterday the regulator launched the second phase of its digital sandbox, focusing on firms developing tools around ESG disclosure.
sonia.rach@ft.com
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