IOB launches ESG micro-credential programme as part of Europe-wide MiCreS initiative

Fatma Dirkes, President of the European Banking & Financial Services Training Association (EBTN), Mary O’Dea, CEO, IOB & Peter Calleya, President of IFS Malta, pictured (l-r) at the launch of a new Professional Certificate in ESG in Financial Services.

IOB has today launched the Professional Certificate in ESG in Financial Services, a new micro-credential designed to equip financial professionals with critical Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) competencies. This programme is the first to contain a micro-credential developed as part of the MiCreS project, a European Union co-funded initiative to develop a blockchain-based ecosystem for micro-credentials in financial services. 

Ireland is the first country to pilot the micro-credential, which will also launch in Malta later this year. Developed in collaboration with international partners and coordinated by the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management, MiCreS aims to revolutionise professional qualifications by enhancing the transparency and verification of skills and standards across Europe.  

The Professional Certificate in ESG in Financial Services, accredited by University College Dublin (UCD), is a NFQ Level 7 (EQF level 5) qualification and also includes European Banking & Financial Services Training Association (EBTN) accreditation, enhancing recognition through its members in multiple countries including the UK, Germany, Spain, Malta, India, and Egypt. 

Commenting on the launch, Mary O’Dea, CEO of IOB, said: “This programme marks a significant step in our commitment to developing future-ready skills in the financial sector. By integrating ESG principles into core financial services education and leveraging innovative technologies like blockchain for credentialing, we are setting a new standard for professional development and mobility within the industry.” 

Fatma Dirkes, President of the European Banking & Financial Services Training Association (EBTN) said: “The launch of this micro-credential is a key milestone for MiCreS, demonstrating how innovative, sector-driven qualifications can support the evolving needs of financial services. As the first credential developed within the MiCreS ecosystem, it reflects our shared commitment to advancing sustainable finance education and improving the transparency and portability of professional skills across Europe. On behalf of Frankfurt School and EBTN, I would like to express my heartfelt congratulations to IOB on this launch. We look forward to continued collaboration with IOB and all partners shaping the future of micro-credentials in Sustainable Finance and beyond.” 

Participants in the MiCreS project pictured at IOB's offices in Dublin, June 2025.

The programme focuses on the intersection of ESG with key financial areas such as credit, risk, and investment, providing professionals with the knowledge to assess ESG risks and opportunities effectively. It is delivered entirely online over one trimester, offering flexibility for working professionals. 

The launch of this micro-credential aligns with the European Commission’s goals for forward-looking education initiatives, aiming to foster a more skilled and adaptable workforce for the future of finance. The MiCreS project also includes the development of a digital wallet prototype for individuals to store, and share verified credentials, enhancing the transparency and efficiency of professional qualifications.