The CFA Institute will rename its Certificate in ESG Investing to the Sustainable Investing Certificate from 8 April 2025, reflecting a shift in industry terminology.
Explaining the decision, the CFA Institute stated, “Since the certificate first launched, the concept of ESG investing has evolved and has, at times, had varied meanings in different markets. The term ‘sustainable investing’ now more accurately captures the broader, long-term impact and investing goals that the certificate aims to support.”
The rebranding comes four years after the certificate’s introduction. However, the curriculum will remain unchanged, continuing to cover “the wide variety of factors within each of the environmental, social, and governance areas of ESG investing.”
As part of the transition, the CFA Institute confirmed that digital certificates and badges earned by candidates who passed the ESG Investing exam will be updated to reflect the new name from April 2025.
The move has drawn criticism, with some arguing that ESG and sustainability are not interchangeable terms. Critics point out that ESG investing encompasses a broader scope beyond environmental concerns, a distinction highlighted within the certificate’s own curriculum.
