Gain a deeper understanding of sustainability and the fundamental aspects of ESG (environmental, social, and governance) considerations for treasury.
The Certificate in Sustainable Finance for Treasury (CertSFT) will equip you with the essential knowledge and practical skills in sustainable finance tailored to today’s treasury demands.
Perfect if you:
- want to understand the role and influence of environmental, social, and governance factors and the broader concept of sustainability in treasury decision-making
- work for an organisation and/or financial institution that supports treasury professionals in areas relating to ESG and sustainability
- are a treasurer at any stage of your career or journey who wants to increase their knowledge and understanding of sustainable finance.
Digital Credentials
On successful completion of the qualification, we’ll issue and send you a link to your digital credentials: a badge and an eCertificate. Digital credentials are a great way to showcase your achievement. They can be easily and safely displayed on your CV or website or shared online via LinkedIn, email signatures, social media, blogs and ePortfolios.
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LEARNING |
Five online units |
3 months study time |
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ASSESSMENTS |
One online exam |
2-hour exam |
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MEMBERSHIP |
You are a Student of the ACT while you study, and once you are qualified, you are eligible to become an Affiliate member. |
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The Certificate in Sustainable Finance for Treasury is made up of the five units below. You will need to complete all five units and sit the assessment for full ACT accreditation.
- Unit 1: ESG & sustainability fundamentals
- Unit 2: Sustainable finance – funding sources
- Unit 3: ESG data, disclosure and reporting
- Unit 4: ESG and sustainability assessments
- Unit 5: Sustainable investments and banking services
At the end of this qualification you will be able to:
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explain the fundamentals of ESG and its impact on treasury
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discuss business responses and strategies, for ESG and sustainable finance, to meet the needs of different stakeholders and the relevance of carbon markets in sustainable finance
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describe the different roles and responsibilities of treasury in relation to ESG
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discuss different borrowing instruments for sustainable finance and explain frameworks and approaches to sustainable finance from the borrower and lender perspectives
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discuss the view of the investor in sustainable investment decision-making
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discuss the challenges for treasury to tackle the potential scepticism that can exist around sustainable finance
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describe the regulatory environment of relevance to treasury in ESG and sustainable finance
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explain international reporting standards in ESG and sustainable finance
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discuss the main ESG and sustainable finance-related data issues of relevance to treasury
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discuss different types of internal and external assessments for ESG and sustainable finance
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explain the different rating agency methodologies in ESG and the considerations when choosing the right external assessor.
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discuss a range of sustainable cash investments and the considerations needed in relation to sustainable products available from financial services organisations
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explain the perspective of banks and their customers in meeting the ESG and sustainability needs of both the banks and their customers.
For a full description of the course content, download the syllabus.
There are no entry requirements for this certificate.
This qualification is delivered online through the ACT Learning study site where you can study at any time. You will have access to the online platform for six months from the date you start your qualification. You will have access to:
- learning material in a variety of formats such as readings and ePub formats, webinars, podcasts and activities
- ACT tutor support throughout your learning. There will be a discussion forum where you, your peers, and your tutor can discuss and answer questions
- one live online Question and Answer (real case story) session with a guest speaker
- one assessment preparation workshop
- an active and supportive learning experience
- access to the Community Hub which provides a space for all ACT members and students to connect, network, and share their wealth of knowledge. Additional resources and wider reading are available via the Community Hub.
April cohort dates:
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Activity |
Date |
Time |
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Start Date |
8 April |
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Welcome evening (online) |
10 April |
16:30 BST |
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Lunch and learn - Unit 1 (online) |
30 April |
12:30 BST |
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Q&A session with guest speaker (online) |
15 May |
16:30 BST |
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Lunch and learn - Unit 2 (online) |
22 May |
12:30 BST |
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Lunch and learn - Unit 3 (online) |
5 June |
13:00 BST |
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Lunch and learn - Unit 4 & 5 (online) |
26 June |
13:00 BST |
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Revision session (online) |
3 July |
13:00 BST |
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Exam date |
22 July |
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Result release |
21 August |
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Resit date |
9 September |
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Resit result release |
2 October |
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September cohort dates:
|
Activity |
Date |
Time |
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Start Date |
2 September |
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Welcome evening (online) |
4 September |
16:30 BST |
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Lunch and learn - Unit 1 (online) |
24 September |
12:30 BST |
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Q&A session with guest speaker (online) |
16 October |
16:30 BST |
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Lunch and learn - Unit 2 (online) |
22 October |
12:30 BST |
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Lunch and learn - Unit 3 (online) |
29 October |
13:00 GMT |
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Lunch and learn - Unit 4 & 5 (online) |
26 November |
13:00 GMT |
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Revision session (online) |
3 December |
16:30 GMT |
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Exam date |
17 December |
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Result release |
22 January 2026 |
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Resit date |
10 February 2026 |
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Resit result release |
5 March 2026 |
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Dates may be subject to change.
The assessment will be delivered online. You can take your assessment from anywhere in the world, wherever you have a reliable internet connection.
You will have a set exam date and resit date, if required. You will have to sit one online exam which will be remotely invigilated. The exam structure is comprised of three sections.
| LENGTH | FORMAT | NOMINAL PASS MARK |
|
120-minute exam |
60 multiple-choice questions and four long-form questions |
50% |
When booking onto the Certificate in Sustainable Finance for Treasury you will need to become a Student of the ACT.
Being a Student gives you access to lots of great things:
- booking your assessment
- access to the online The Treasurer magazine
- careers resources
- events, regional groups and webinars
- policy and technical updates
- mentoring service.
Remember to take advantage of these benefits - they are an opportunity to broaden your knowledge and network. When you have completed the certificate, you will be eligible to become an Affiliate Member. As a member of the ACT, you can then use the designatory letters CertSFT.
These are the internationally recognised letters that go after your name that recruiters and employers look out for, because they show you are a very credible candidate.
Certificate in Sustainable Finance for Treasury learning materials, student registration and assessment fees.
When you start studying, you buy your online learning materials and student registration at the same time.
Your assessment can be booked at a later date, when you feel prepared and ready to sit the exam.
| Course Fees | Members | Non-members |
| Online learning material for CertSFT |
GBP 1,495 |
GBP 1,695 |
| Online assessment | GBP 300 | GBP 300 |
| Student membership CertSFT | GBP 60 | GBP 140 |
Fees are subject to local VAT rate where applicable.
Ready to buy?
In 2025 the cohorts will start in April and September. Bookings are now open for 2025 cohorts. Book by 14 March for the April cohort.
There are 30 spaces available for each cohort, and bookings will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis.
Book your place
First, log in to your ACT Learning account. If you do not have an account, you will be prompted to create one. Have your credit/debit card details to hand; you will be required to make an online payment through Stripe. We accept AMEX, Mastercard and Visa card payments. Upon submission, you will receive an automated summary email. A student registration fee is payable on booking.
Your booking will be processed within three working days.
You will be sent a booking confirmation with information on how to start your studies and at this time you will become a Student of the ACT.
We can also deliver learning to companies with teams that are interested in taking either the full qualification or selected units, and tailor it to your business needs. Find out more about in-company solutions here.