Building a Green and Sustainable Finance Workforce

5 Global Momentum in Green and Sustainable Finance In recent years, green and sustainable finance (GSF) has evolved from a specialized niche into a core component of global financial systems. This transformation has been driven by intensifying climate risks, evolving regulatory frameworks, and surging investor demand for environmental, social and governance (ESG) accountability. In 2024, the global sustainable finance market was valued at USD 5.87 trillion, with the issuance of green, social, sustainability, and sustainability-linked (GSS+) bonds having reached USD 1.1 trillion.¹ This momentum has continued to accelerate in 2025, supported by stronger climate-related policies, enhanced disclosure standards, and growing recognition of the financial and ethical imperatives of sustainability. As climate adaptation financing and sustainability innovations gain traction, 2025 is widely regarded as a pivotal year for aligning capital with long-term environmental and social objectives. The market is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of nearly 20%,² with ESG assets under management expected to reach USD 34 trillion by 2026.³ Key trends shaping the sector include the rapid expansion of GSS+ instruments, the mainstreaming of ESG integration in investment strategies, and the rise of transition finance and impact investing. With sustained momentum across global markets and increasing alignment between financial systems and sustainability goals, the growth of GSF is expected to accelerate even further in the years ahead. Global Talent Trends in Green and Sustainable Finance As the GSF market expands, so does the demand for skilled professionals capable of navigating its complexity. The global green transition is reshaping labor markets, with sustainability-related roles among the fastest-growing job categories worldwide. Green job postings have grown at an annual rate of 8% globally, outpacing overall job growth.4 According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, climate mitigation and adaptation are now considered two of the most transformative trends impacting business strategies, driving demand for roles such as renewable energy engineers, environmental specialists, and ESG analysts.5 However, the demand for green skills outpaces supply. Between 2022 and 2023, the number of workers acquiring green skills globally rose by 12%, yet job postings requiring at least one green skill increased by nearly 22%.6 To address this gap, governments and businesses are investing in targeted upskilling initiatives. For example, the European Union’s Green Deal7 has allocated billions to train workers in renewable energy and sustainable construction, while companies in sectors like automotive and energy are partnering with universities to create tailored degree programs and apprenticeships. Some economies such as Germany, the Netherlands, and the Nordic states have made significant progress in building a robust GSF talent pipeline through standardized green bond frameworks and strong academic-industry collaboration.8 Singapore and Switzerland are also advancing rapidly, leveraging their financial infrastructure and targeted upskilling programs to close the skills gap. 1. GMI Global Market Insights. (2025, March). Sustainable finance market size, statistics report 2025–2034 . 2. GMI Global Market Insights. (2025, March). Sustainable finance market size, statistics report 2025–2034 . 3. PWC. (2022, October). Asset and Wealth Management Revolution 2022: Exponential Expectations for ESG . 4. World Economic Forum. (2023, April). The future of jobs is green: how climate change is changing labour markets . 5. World Economic Forum. (2025, January). The Future of Jobs Report 2025 . 6. World Economic Forum. (2025, January). The Future of Jobs Report 2025 . 7. European Commission. (n.d.). The European Green Deal . 8. GMI Global Market Insights. (2025, March). Sustainable finance market size, statistics report 2025–2034 .