SFI Master Class: Natural Capital - Opportunities and Challenges for Swiss Banks
With Prof. Alexander Wagner on 8 April 2026
In the financial sector, nature‑related risks are emerging as a critical complement to established climate considerations. While climate issues have been a major focus for some time, challenges such as biodiversity loss, ecosystem degradation, and resource scarcity are now receiving growing attention. With new frameworks like the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), and FINMA’s guidance on nature‑based financial risks, Swiss banks increasingly need to understand how nature affects their business models and risk profiles.
The Swiss Finance Institute (SFI) Master Class «Natural Capital: Opportunities and Challenges for Swiss Banks» shows how Swiss banks can build an initial understanding of natural capital and apply key concepts, methods, and practical approaches to address nature‑related risks and opportunities in their operations.
- Date: Wednesday, 8 April 2026, 13:00 - 17:00
- Location: Zunfthaus zur Schmiden, Zurich
- Language: English
- Registration: https://industry.sfi.ch/en/sfi-master-classes?event=2184
Objectives of this Master Class
Among others, the following objectives are pursued:
-
Build a foundational understanding of natural capital and how to turn key concepts into practical strategies for Swiss banks
-
Learn essential methods for measuring and disclosing nature‑related impacts and dependencies
-
Develop hands‑on approaches to assessing natural capital through collaborative exercises, helping banks address nature‑related risks and opportunities
-
Explore the idea of “nature positive” and its relevance for new products, services, and innovative financial solutions
In addition to expert inputs, the course emphasizes interactive learning formats, break‑out sessions, practical examples, and peer exchange.
What you can expect in this Master Class
The Master Class is co-led by Prof. Alexander F. Wagner (SFI Senior Chair, University of Zurich), Judson Berkey (Managing Director, Chief Sustainability Office, UBS), and Sasha Cisar (Specialist for Sustainable Investments, Nest Collective Foundation).
- Recognition: The event is accredited as a four‑hour SAQ recertification; participants receive a certificate
- Collaboration: The event is part of the cooperation between the SFI and the University of Zurich
- Participation: Attendance is free of charge for employees of SBA member institutions as well as staff from FINMA and the SNB
- Networking: Participants are invited to a subsequent networking aperitif