Sustainability is increasingly influencing how businesses invest, manage risks, raise capital and make strategic decisions — creating new career opportunities while transforming existing roles across the financial sector and beyond.
In Singapore, more than 4,000 new sustainable finance jobs are projected to emerge over the next decade, while Southeast Asia is expected to require S$4 trillion to S$5 trillion in sustainable financing over the same period. This is driving demand for professionals who can combine financial expertise with an understanding of sustainability, climate-related risks and transition financing.
To meet this demand, Singapore Management University (SMU) has introduced a new Sustainable Finance track within its Master of Science in Applied Finance (MAF) programme, offered by the Lee Kong Chian School of Business (LKCSB). Commencing in August 2027 for the next intake, the track aims to prepare graduates and working professionals for emerging opportunities and evolving industry demands.
Professor Melvyn Teo, Acting Dean at SMU’s LKCSB said: " As sustainability becomes integral to business strategy and investment decisions, organisations need leaders who can reconcile commercial priorities with environmental imperatives and navigate the complexities of a transitioning global economy. At SMU, we see business education as an important catalyst in shaping this next generation of leaders. The introduction of the Sustainable Finance track reflects our commitment to equipping finance professionals with the strategic perspective, adaptability and judgement to drive meaningful change, while strengthening Singapore’s position as a leading hub for sustainable finance."
Bridging finance and sustainability
As environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations become integral to financial decisions, employers increasingly need professionals who can assess climate-related risks, evaluate sustainable investments and develop financing solutions for the transition to a lower-carbon economy.
Building on the MAF programme's foundation in investment analysis, financial markets, corporate finance and quantitative methods, the new track combines advanced financial training with specialised knowledge in sustainable finance.
Students will take four courses: Sustainable Finance & Impact Investing, Sustainable Finance Instruments, Carbon Markets and Products, and Sectoral Decarbonisation & Transition Finance.
Through SMU-X industry projects and engagement with industry speakers in selected courses, students will apply their learning to real-world business challenges. They may also undertake an internship as part of their programme requirements.
The curriculum will incorporate financial data platforms, analytics and generative artificial intelligence to support financial and ESG analysis, while developing critical thinking, data integrity and responsible decision-making.
Academic Directors Professor Chan Soon Huat and Professor John Sequeira explained:
"Sustainable finance is increasingly embedded in mainstream financial practice, shaping how capital is allocated, risks are managed, and businesses navigate the transition to a low-carbon economy. As climate-related financial risks and decarbonisation challenges grow in significance, investment professionals, bankers, and risk managers must develop the expertise to evaluate emerging risks, understand innovative financial instruments, and support credible transition strategies. Through courses in sustainable and impact investing, sustainable finance instruments, carbon markets, and sectoral decarbonisation and transition finance, this track equips students with the financial knowledge and analytical skills to address complex real-world challenges and contribute to the advancement of sustainable finance."
Preparing professionals for new and evolving careers
Sustainable finance is creating opportunities beyond specialist green jobs, as sustainability responsibilities become embedded in established roles across banking, investment management, corporate finance and risk management.
Designed for graduates and working professionals from finance, business and related disciplines, the track supports career progression and transitions into areas such as sustainable investment management, climate risk analysis, transition finance, impact investing and sustainability advisory. Its capabilities are also relevant to professionals in corporate strategy and other business functions where sustainability increasingly shapes financial decisions.
Extending SMU's existing undergraduate sustainable finance offerings to postgraduate learners, the track strengthens opportunities for professional development as industry needs evolve.
The new track builds on SMU's established MAF programme, ranked 3rd in Asia and 39th globally in the 2027 QS Business Master's Rankings: Finance.
The Sustainable Finance track was introduced from the August 2026 intake onwards. Find out more about SMU's Master of Science in Applied Finance programme.