2 formats
A 2-year pathway or an accelerated 1-year pathway
4.2 out of 5:
student satisfaction survey graded 4.2 out of 5 for the MSc program experience
Over 3200
Impact finance job openings planned in 2024 in Europe
MSc - Impact Finance and Fintech Management
Full-time study
Esdes Business School
Sustainable Finance, Fintech Strategic Management
Business, management
INTERESTED IN HEARING MORE ABOUT THE PROGRAM – SIGN UP TODAY TO ONE OF OUR WEBINARS HERE
Finance is being rewritten. The question is: who gets to write it?
This MSc-Master of Science program puts you at the intersection of financial expertise, technology, and social responsibility – where the decisions being made today will define how capital flows for the next generation.
You’ll develop the analytical and strategic skills to navigate green banking, ESG analysis, and sustainable financial management – and learn how to apply them in a world where performance and impact are no longer opposites.
You’ll graduate ready to become a force for good inside financial institutions, fintech ventures, or impact-driven organizations – fluent in the language of both profit and purpose.
Study in Lyon – 100% in English, on our historic city-centre campus.
🛂 Post-study work visa: from 6 months up to 2 years to live and work in France after graduation.
MSc in Lyon - France
MSc Impact Finance and Fintech Management
The program start date is mid-September (or deferred entry possible in November).
The programs are open to anyone who can demonstrate a B2 level in English and are available in three formats, offering flexibility to suit different profiles:
• Entry at Bachelor’s +4 level: a 2-year program accessible after completion of a validated Bachelor’s +3 degree or a minimum of 180 ECTS credits.
• Entry at Bachelor’s +5 level: a 1-year program accessible after completion of a validated Bachelor’s +4 degree or a minimum of 240 ECTS credits.
• Entry at Bachelor’s +5 level following professional experience: a 1-year program accessible after completion of a validated Bachelor’s +3 degree or a minimum of 180 ECTS credits, along with at least 5 years of significant professional experience (ideal for professionals undergoing a career transition or change).
The curriculum has been created following the input and guidance from key experts in the financial and fintech sectors who have a first hand view of the competencies and knowledge required. This innovative program will give students a visionary learning experience through practitioner and research led teaching in the fields of impact finance and fintech.
The program has been awarded the MSc label from the Conférence des Grandes Ecoles . See more details for Visa. This certification enables students to extend their student visa in order to work in France for a period of up to 2 years* (*depending on country of origin)
A RESPONSIBLE AND ENGAGED SCHOOL
For the past 30 years, Esdes has been preparing students and professionals, through education and research, to create sustainable value, in order to build a responsible economy in a globalized and digital world. With this commitment, Esdes contributes to the emergence of a responsible economy driven by its employees, partners, alumni and students.
Our 13-month program is taught 100% in English and includes a 4-month internship. If you have validated a sufficient French level, you will be able to do this internship in France, otherwise, it will be in Europe.
Programme highlights: 1 site visit + 2 expert seminars – Carbon audit central project
5 teaching blocks will take students through :
- The analysis, reporting and modelling of financial data for ESG projects
- The conception and commercialisation of a portfolio of impact finance products
- Strategic development of inclusive finance
- Managing the sustainable performance of an organization with Fintech innovation
- Research project
Career opportunities :
Students who follow our MSc in Impact Finance and Fintech Management will be eligible for all investment and asset management professions, including complementary extra-financial expertise linked to the transformation of finance professions in the sector. Such positions include, but are not restricted to :
- Extra-financial analyst
- Impact investor, private equity investor
- Impact finance strategy consultant (in rating agencies or “Big Four”)
- Compliance officer
- Investment and risk manager
- ESG Manager
- ESG investor relations
- Fintech-based fund management
WHY STUDENTS ARE CHOOSING OUR MSc?
The program runs from mid-September each year
THE 4 TEACHING BLOCKS WILL TAKE STUDENTS THROUGH THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES :
| Program | Teaching hours
(exams included) |
| Block 1 : How to develop strategy for impactful financial strategies – 15 ECTS | |
| Climate Change Risk Modelling for Impact Investment | 18 |
| Sustainable Finance landscape | 16 |
| ESG Analysis | 16 |
| Impact Assessment & Investment Management | 24 |
| Eco-Innovation and Design Thinking | 18 |
| Block 2 : Measuring and Controlling Performance of Impact Finance : Rules and Regulations – 15 ECTS | |
| AI and Predictive ESG Modelling | 24 |
| Sustainable Investment Regulation | 12 |
| Sustainable Financial Risk Management | 18 |
| Sustainability Controlling and Management | 24 |
| Choice of 2 Masterclasses : Frugal Innovation, Leadership Skills, Waste Management or Responsible Management | 2×18 |
| Block 3 : Consolidating and Analysing Financial and non Financial Data – 15 ECTS | |
| Advanced Excel Reporting | 22 |
| Financial Programming with Python | 22 |
| Big Data Analytics | 18 |
| Project Management Tools | 12 |
| Building an ESG Portfolio | 12 |
| Carbon Auditing | 18 |
| Block 4 : Managing Fintech and the Sustainable Performance in Companies – 15 ECTS | |
| Fintech Solutions | 14 |
| Advanced RPA Programming in the Financial Sector | 24 |
| Blockchain and Cryptomoney Strategies | 18 |
| Green It | 24 |
| Key Account Management | 18 |
Master of Science
Two-Year MSc Programme
A rigorous and internationally oriented programme designed to prepare responsible leaders capable of navigating complex global environments.
Programme Overview
The MSc develops advanced managerial competencies while integrating ethics, intercultural awareness, governance, and risk management.
Students build strong foundations in finance, including balance sheet analysis, and business data management to support strategic decision-making.
At the end of the programme, each student selects a niche specialisation aligned with their professional ambitions.
Year 1 – Building Strong Foundations in Management & Strategy
During the first year, students acquire a solid grounding in general management and strategic thinking, essential for informed decision-making in complex and evolving environments.
The objective is to develop future managers and decision-makers with a responsible, analytical, and international mindset. This first year provides the intellectual and methodological foundations required to succeed in high-level specialisation programmes.
Key Learning Areas
- Development of a responsible managerial culture
- Complex problem solving and strategic analysis
- Governance and risk management
- International development and global business challenges
- Data consolidation and decision support
This first year provides the intellectual and methodological foundations required to succeed in the MSc high-level specialisation programmes.
Year 2 – Specialisation through MSc with Applied Expertise
Our MSc programmes are structured into five teaching blocks, spanning 13 months and offering approximately 460 hours of face-to-face instruction.
Courses are delivered by experienced academics and industry professionalsusing innovative teaching methods and real-world case studies.
A limited number of merit-based scholarships are available.
Impact finance is the intentional use of financial capital to bring about a measurable and positive social and/or environmental change.
Impact finance includes a range of capital investments, that seek a market-rate financial return alongside a social/environmental impact. The defining features of impact finance are:
- The impact is intentional
- The impact is measured and managed
- The impact is positive
- The impact is additional (Impact is ‘additional’ if it creates change beyond what would have happened anyway).
The need for impact finance is great. There is an estimated $2.6 trillion annual funding gap to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. More than 3 billion people live on less than $2.50/day, and climate change threatens to have catastrophic and irreversible consequences for our planet.
At the same time, with new technologies and global connectivity, there has never been so much potential to find world-changing solutions at scale.
However, it is clear that creative impact investment models and innovative government policies will also be central to paving pathways to scale. And here lies society’s challenge.
Do YOU want to make an impact ? Start now with the MSc in Impact Finance and fintech management!
PROCÉDURE D’ADMISSION
Le candidat doit :
• être en train de finaliser ou avoir déjà obtenu un diplôme en quatre ans (équivalent à 240 ECTS) en France ou à l’étranger ; les candidats doivent avoir suivi un enseignement en fondamentaux de la finance au cours de leur formation de premier cycle.
• avoir au minimum un niveau B2 en anglais (IELTS 5.5)
Les candidatures seront étudiées une fois que tous les documents auront été soumis.
Les candidats seront également invités à un entretien individuel en ligne et en anglais dans le cadre du processus d’admission.
Les candidatures sont évaluées comme suit :
| Admission au MSc | Pondération |
| Dossier de candidature | 10 |
| Anglais | 3 |
| Entretien individuel en anglais | 7 |
| TOTAL | 20 |
Les candidats anglophones natifs ou ayant suivi au moins deux années d’études en anglais sont dispensés de la preuve de niveau d’anglais. Dans ce cas, les candidatures sont évaluées comme suit :
| Admission au MSc | Pondération |
| Dossier de candidature | 10 |
| Entretien individuel en anglais | 10 |
| TOTAL | 20 |
LISTE DES DOCUMENTS POUR LA CANDIDATURE
Documents requis pour votre candidature :
- Dossier de candidature
- Photocopie d’une pièce d’identité
- CV + lettre de motivation
- Photocopie du baccalauréat ou équivalent
- Tous les diplômes obtenus après le baccalauréat
- Tous les relevés de notes obtenus durant les années d’enseignement supérieur
- Preuve d’un niveau d’anglais B2 ou statut d’étudiant anglophone ou 2 années d’études 100 % en anglais
- Lettre de recommandation (professionnelle ou académique)
- Frais de candidature
FRAIS DE SCOLARITÉ
Veuillez noter qu’un tarif Early Bird est disponible pour les étudiants internationaux hors Union européenne. Une réduction de 10 % sur les frais de scolarité annuels s’applique si l’acompte de 3 000 € est payé cinq mois avant la rentrée.
Vous avez des questions sur l’offre Early Bird ? Contactez notre équipe : join@esdes.fr
FLYWIRE, RÉSEAU MONDIAL DE PAIEMENT SÉCURISÉ
Flywire est le choix de confiance de millions d’étudiants et de milliers d’institutions dans le monde. C’est le moyen le plus sûr et le plus pratique de régler vos frais de scolarité à l’Esdes Business School.
Pourquoi utiliser Flywire ?
- Utilisez des options de paiement sécurisées et flexibles depuis 240 pays et territoires, dans plus de 140 devises
- Choisissez parmi des méthodes de paiement locales pratiques : virements bancaires, cartes de crédit, portefeuilles électroniques et bien plus
- Bénéficiez de la garantie du meilleur prix de Flywire pour les virements bancaires locaux
- Suivez votre paiement à chaque étape grâce aux notifications par e-mail, application mobile ou SMS
- Accédez à une assistance multilingue disponible 24h/24 via le centre d’aide, par e-mail, téléphone ou chat en ligne
Payez facilement vos frais de scolarité dès maintenant !
Disponible pour les étudiants internationaux hors Union européenne :
En savoir plus
Bourses disponibles :
cliquez ici pour obtenir une bourse
Vous avez une question sur l’ESDES ? Contactez-nous !
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En savoir plus ?
What is the Esdes 2-year MSc – Master of Science program?
The Esdes 2-year MSc – Master of Science program is taught entirely in English and is accessible after a 3-year degree (or 180 validated ECTS credits). It is structured in two stages: a first year focused on a common managerial foundation, followed by a second year of specialisation in one of three available tracks — Circular Economy & Sustainable Innovation, Impact Finance & Fintech, or Sustainable Tourism & Event Management. The program leads to a Bac+5 level degree accredited by the Conférence des Grandes Écoles.
What is the difference between the 1-year and the 2-year MSc?
The format depends on the entry level. The 2-year MSc program is accessible after a validated 3-year degree (minimum 180 ECTS), while the 1-year MSc requires a validated 4-year degree (minimum 240 ECTS). A third 1-year format is also available for professionals holding a 3-year degree and at least 5 years of significant work experience.
What specialisations are available in the 2-year MSc?
Esdes offers three MSc programs delivered in Lyon: the MSc Circular Economy & Sustainable Innovation, the MSc Impact Finance & Fintech Management, and the MSc Sustainable Tourism & Event Management. All are taught entirely in English and designed in close collaboration with market needs.
How are the two years of the program structured?
The first year focuses on building a responsible managerial mindset, strategic analysis, governance, international trade issues, and decision-making. The second year corresponds to the MSc specialisation, organised into five teaching blocks spread over 13 months, representing approximately 460 hours of in-person classes, complemented by a 4-month professional internship.
Is the Esdes MSc program recognised by the state and internationally?
The MSc program is accredited by the Conférence des Grandes Écoles (CGE). Esdes is also AACSB-accredited, a globally recognised mark of academic excellence that guarantees the international value of the degree and its recognition among employers.
What are the admission requirements for the 2-year MSc?
Applicants must be in the process of completing or have already obtained a 3-year degree (minimum 180 ECTS), and must demonstrate at least a B2 level in English (IELTS 5.5 or equivalent). The application file includes a CV, a cover letter, academic transcripts, a letter of recommendation, and proof of English proficiency. Admission also includes an individual online interview conducted in English.
Is the program really 100% taught in English?
Yes. The program is taught entirely in English, providing full language immersion and strengthening fluency in an international professional environment. This is one of the defining features of the Esdes MSc programs, designed for profiles with an international ambition.
What career opportunities are available after the 2-year Esdes MSc?
Depending on the specialisation, graduates access positions in sustainable development strategy, responsible financial management, tourism management, or innovation project leadership. The Esdes alumni network and strong ties with partner companies facilitate professional integration both in France and internationally.
Is an internship included in the program?
Yes. The program combines academic coursework, applied projects, and a professional internship of at least 4 months, allowing students to gain hands-on experience directly related to their chosen specialisation.
Is the program open to international students?
Yes, Esdes MSc programs are open to students from all over the world. A limited number of merit-based scholarships are also available.
Where does the 2-year MSc program take place?
The program is delivered at the Saint-Paul campus in Lyon (10, place des Archives, 69002 Lyon), in the heart of one of France’s most attractive cities for students and businesses alike.
Key information about impact Finance
$2.3 trillion were being invested for impact in 2020, ie. about 2% of global AUM. A small market niche but one that is attracting growing interest.
Impact investing in private markets could be as large as $2.1 trillion in assets under management, but only a quarter of that, $505 billion, is clearly measured for its impact.
The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework sets a clear mandate for private financial flows to align with the 2050 Vision of “Living in harmony with Nature”, providing the finance sector with a landmark agreement for biodiversity-related financial-decision making.
References
Crédit Agricole Centre-Est
Raphaël APPERT
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