Continuing Education
Sustainable finance in Geneva: issues, regulation and continuing education - Interview with Edouard Cuendet
September 25, 2025
On the occasion of the 6ᵉ edition of Building Bridges in Geneva, Édouard Cuendet, Director of the Fondation Genève Place Financière (FGPF), looks back at the major challenges of sustainable finance. Between regulation, investment opportunities and the key role of continuing education, he explains how Geneva's financial center is positioning itself to meet the challenges of a rapidly transforming sector and strengthen its skills through practical, multidisciplinary programs.
Edouard Cuendet, you are Director of the Fondation Genève Place Financière (FGPF). The FGPF is a founding member of Building Bridges, which held its 6th edition from September 30 to October 2 in Geneva. What were the main themes of this year's event?
This 6th edition highlighted innovative solutions as well as the opportunities and risks of investing in sustainable finance. Over three days, the numerous participants from a wide range of backgrounds, including finance, governmental and non-governmental organizations and academia, had the opportunity to engage in dialogue with experts and political figures. Federal Councillor Martin Pfister and former US Secretary of State John Kerry were among the prestigious speakers at the Summit, which opened this major event in the field of sustainability.
This conference has the merit of shaking things up by actively involving the public in order to find solutions and contribute to the implementation of concrete actions. With this in mind, the GFC, together with the Swiss Bankers Association (SBA) and the Asset Management Association Switzerland (AMAS), organized an interactive workshop on September 30 on the theme of financing nature.
What are the main sustainable finance challenges facing financial institutions today?
First of all, I'd like to point out that sustainability remains an important issue, according to the GFC's annual survey of banks, asset managers and other financial intermediaries.
In this area, regulation plays a decisive role. Switzerland relies on self-regulation, which calls for close cooperation between all stakeholders. The SBA and AMAS have led the way, codifying clear standards for the integration of ESG criteria. In spring 2024, their guidelines were strengthened to combat greenwashing more effectively. This pragmatic approach, built on trust and collaboration, was welcomed by the Federal Council. In fact, the Federal Council has decided not to draw up state regulations at this stage.
And the figures bear out the relevance of this approach. At the end of 2024, the volume of sustainability-related investments amounted to CHF 1,881 billion. 83% of market players use at least three sustainable investment strategies, with a preference for results-oriented strategies such as thematic sustainable investments.
In fact, to achieve carbon neutrality in Switzerland by 2050, the SBA and the Boston Consulting Group have identified a financing requirement of CHF 387.2 billion. Banking institutions will be able to finance 83% of the required investments through mortgages and corporate loans. The Swiss capital market, state funds, mixed financing and public-private partnerships will cover the remaining 17%. This shows that the financial sector is a powerful lever for the green transition.
The ISFB Certificate in Sustainable Finance will start soon (November 2025). How does this program provide concrete solutions, and what do you think are the strengths and specific features that make it so rich and valuable?
This certificate meets the needs of Geneva's financial center to keep up with the challenges and expectations of its customers in terms of sustainable finance. It provides concrete solutions by offering a multi-disciplinary toolbox - research, legal framework, investment strategies and impact measurement - directly applicable in professional practice.
Generally speaking, the strength of the programs offered by ISFB lies in the rich exchanges between lecturers, practitioners from our ecosystem, and participants with varied backgrounds, which give a highly operational and stimulating dimension to the courses. Being able to count on this cutting-edge training in Geneva is a real opportunity to strengthen our competitiveness.
Why do you think it's essential for finance professionals to keep up to date and informed about sustainability?
It is essential to remember that know-how is one of Geneva's major assets as a financial center. Ongoing training is a key element here, playing a dual role. Firstly, it helps to update the knowledge of banking staff so that their expertise meets the ever-changing demands of regulation, fintech and, of course, sustainability. Secondly, it enables employees to play an active role in their professional development, i.e. their ability to obtain a new job, move independently in the job market, retain a position and progress in their career.
