In the face of climate breakdown, biodiversity loss and rising inequalities, there is a need for deep transitions towards a resilient, just and regenerative economy. Finance is both part of the problem and a key part of the solution. 

Unless and until the financial system is realigned with the Paris Agreement targets and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it seems unlikely that those globally agreed targets will be realised. The consequences of this will not only be catastrophic for people and the planet but will significantly threaten the future of the financial system as we know it. Therefore, it is in the self-interest of those in the financial services industry to fulfil their duties as active stewards to uphold market integrity and to scrutinise the macro-environment, particularly the existing international financial architecture that shapes financial decision making so that it serves long-term resilience and prosperity for all.

Macro stewardship involves actively engaging governments, policymakers, regulators and supervisors of finance, as well as non-governmental organisations, academics and other key influencers to correct material market failures connected to sustainability issues. It involves using the latent influence of the finance industry on sustainability issues, going beyond change within individual organisations to build the enabling conditions that can deliver the Paris Agreement targets and the SDGs. It means changing the finance system and its underpinnings.  This ambition depends on a sufficient number of banks and insurers and investors stepping up to drive change.  It requires action on multiple levers and will depend on mobilisation of diverse change actors playing complementary roles.  But financial sector players are not generally well-tooled in systems change and how to drive it.  We will need to think differently, work with complexity and learn fast.

We want to catalyse a movement for change with the power to deliver this ambition, and we are inviting you to be part of it!

What you’ll learn

To launch this movement, we are inviting you to participate in the first ever cohort of the School of System Change in Finance, launched by Aviva Investors in partnership with Forum for the Future and the School of System Change. With over thirty other ambitious change-makers in finance, this is an opportunity to:

• Develop your understanding of systems change and systems dynamics and how they apply to finance
• Learn a selection of system change tools and frameworks, and practice applying them to complex macro finance challenges
• Refine your own role as a changemaker, identifying where and how you and your organisation can exert influence for most impact
• Meet amazing participants and guest speakers, and seed a movement with the power to make change possible

Is it for you? 

We are looking for inspired and ambitious leaders from across the finance system who are keen to contribute to wider change in the finance industry and to build their own capacity to drive deep change for sustainability.  We seek a mixed cohort of players involved in finance -  from banking, investment, insurance, regulation, policy, or advisory.  

We expect you will have a strategic role with decision-making capacity within your organisation and professional context so that you are well placed to directly and promptly apply your learning, and to feasibly implement strategic changes and influence.

We assume a strong level of understanding of the finance system - you work in it or on it.  And a good understanding of sustainability (defined broadly as social and environmental issues in today’s world), as we do not include any introduction or specific knowledge on this as part of the course. We expect that our participants will have varied backgrounds and contexts and this is fine (and in fact desired), while sharing a curiosity about how systems change and  ambition  to use your position to make a difference within the finance system.

You must have a strong command of the English language, written and spoken, to participate.

Last but not least, participants must commit to participating in the in-person kick-off and all of the online sessions and contributing constructively to peer group learning. You need not be based in Europe but will need to be able to join all the sessions on the dates and times listed above. 

Schedule

Meet your facilitators 

Course fees 

Participants are expected to enrol into the full course. The fees for this course are covered by Aviva Investors. Places are limited, and the course is expected to be filled quickly. Places will be allocated to ensure a diverse cohort of attendees. We encourage you to apply soon. 

Apply now to secure your place!