CESGA® at a glance
Global social and environmental challenges, regulatory and reputational risks, market scandals and new market opportunities make environmental, social and governance information (ESG) a data source of growing importance.
In this context, the integration of ESG information in the investment process chain and in valuation is essential. So far, only a few approaches and even fewer solutions exist that support investment professionals in the integration of ESG. Although considered increasingly relevant for investment decisions, it is estimated that still less than 15% of investment professionals receive some kind of structured ESG training.
This is confirmed by the World Economic Forum, which considers that inadequate education and valuation models of ESG are one of the most important barriers for integrating ESG variables into the mainstream of investment decisions.
The CESGA® programme aims to overcome this challenge by providing the necessary training for the efficient valuation, measurement and integration of ESG issues into investment analysis.
Download the CESGA® Brochure HERE (PDF)
How to become a CESGA® Holder
Step 1:
Enrol on the CESGA® Programme offered by an accredited EFFAS National Member Society (NMS). If you are located in a country without a NMS please visit effas-academy.
Prerequisite: none
Step 2:
- Pass the CESGA® exam organised by an accredited EFFAS National Member Society.
- Alternatively pass the CESGA® Common Exam organised by EFFAS.
Programme objective
In general, the objective is to make clear to participants the importance of ESG issues in investment processes. On completing the program students should be able to know and understand:
üSystematization of different ESG investment approaches and strategies
üUnderstanding the market drivers for further ESG integration
üEmbedding ESG across the whole in the investment process chain
üIntegration of ESG factors in valuation models
üResponsible Investing across asset classes
üSystematically assessing different ESG Reporting standards
To whom is it intended (Potential candidates)
Programme overview & Syllabus
Part I
The first part is an introduction for capital market participants with ESG experience that would like to build up or refresh the fundamentals of ESG as well as for those with no or little experience in ESG investment.
vModule 1: ESG - an Introduction
The objective of this module is to draw the participants’ attention to the state of the art of ESG. What are the recent market trends and strategies? It reviews the similarities and differences between ESG, RI, SI, SRI, impact, engagement, non-financial terms and the additional financial terms necessary for application in investment management.
vModule 2: Recent Developments of ESG integration
The conceptual framework is tested to work ESG aspects into making investment decisions. This module describes the reasons and barriers for using ESG, its implications, the regulatory framework and key ESG market drivers. We also discuss how to prove that ESG factors are important.
vModule 3: Responsible investing across asset classes
The aim of this module is to describe approaches to ESG from the perspective of portfolio management, analysing ESG in different asset classes with a focus on bonds and impact investment.
vModule 4: ESG Reporting
This module focuses on corporate ESG reporting. It will discuss the difference between mandatory and voluntary disclosure as well as difference reporting frameworks (e.g. EFFAS, GRI, TCFD, Integrated Reporting).
vModule 5: Investment Process Chain
The ESG integration process described in the investment process is essential for understanding the integration of ESG in the valuation process. We discuss methodologies for the development of investment policies, allocation and asset selection, the process of monitoring and reporting.
Part II
This part is tailor-made for advanced ESG users.
vModule 6: Approaches of data analysis: data availability, quality and usage
This module will identify the general challenge of different data sources and the identification of material data in combination with the identification and measurement of ESG data.
vModule 7: ESG Integration in Analysis
Here we present the measurement of the different components of E, S and G. We will analyse sector-specific characteristics and highlight the consistency with the business model.
vModule 8: ESG Integration in Valuation
Participants study, through practical examples, the integration of ESG in the process of evaluation of investments, identifying value drivers’ impact on cash flows, beta, external costs, etc. We will study and investigate the integration of KPIs in pricing models like DCF and multiples.
vModule 9: Investment decisions in the context of the investment process chain
This module makes an in-depth analysis of the investment decisions in the process chain, which builds on the basics of the investment process chain in Module 5. Especially, we will discuss Asset Allocation, the Security Selection process, Portfolio construction and the final Investment decision.
vModule 10: Case study
The case study will integrate all the knowledge and skills the students have attained in the other modules to enhance the usefulness of the programme for their daily work.
Download the complete CESGA® Syllabus HERE (PDF)
Download the EFFAS CESGA® Expert Team (PDF) HERE (PDF)
How to register
Testimonials

Jan Westring CEFA, CESGA®
Senior Portfolio Manager, The Swedish Pensions Agency

Marita Björk CEFA, CESGA®
Senior advisor, Group Communication ELLOS GROUP
Nina Mattsson, CESGA®
Senior Product Manager
Nordea | Asset Management | Denmark

Geraldine Leagwater CESGA®
CEO ABN AMRO Pensioenfonds
Member Board of Trustees ABP

Anthony Cheung FRSA CESGA®
Managing Director, Head of ESG and Sustainable Investing
Hamon Asset Management