Practitioner

  Advisor

  Educator

SAIF Sustainable Development Goals

  • Investigate low-carbon operations and establish an efficient carbon emissions management mechanism to consistently reduce carbon emissions and achieve carbon neutrality objectives.
  • Develop a comprehensive Sustainable Finance curriculum that blends theory with practice to cultivate financial professionals cognizant of their global citizenship responsibilities.
  • Provide academic and thinktank support for national sustainable development strategies and amplify SAIF's societal impact in the realm of sustainability.

News

October 19, 2025

2025 Sustainability Global Leaders Conference Opens with SAIF as Exclusive Academic Partner

On October 16, the 2025 Sustainability Global Leaders Conference commenced in Shanghai, with the Shanghai Advanced Institute of Finance (SAIF) serving as the exclusive academic partner.
May 17, 2025

2025 International Forum for China Impact Investing Convenes in Shanghai

The International Forum for China Impact Investing (IFCII) 2025 convened in Shanghai under the theme "Do More with Less: The Future of Sustainable Finance." The forum brought together leading voices from across China's financial ecosystem to address the e
October 30, 2024

SAIF Spearheads the Release of the 2024 Shanghai ESG Development Report

The Shanghai Advanced Institute of Finance (SAIF) at Shanghai Jiao Tong University has taken the lead in releasing the "Practicing Sustainable Development - 2024 Shanghai ESG Development Report" (the Report) at the 4th ESG Global Leaders Conference. The c
More +

Research

At SAIF, we acknowledge our pivotal role in offering guidance in the realm of sustainable development. We extend our support to faculty members engaged in conducting research on a multitude of these pressing challenges. Through these efforts, we strive to contribute significantly to societal progress and environmental preservation.

  • Academic Research
  • SAIF ThinkTank
  • Research Center

Financial Inclusion via FinTech: From Digital Payments to Platform Investments

Hong, Y., Lu, X., & Pan, J. in press

Management Science,

Environmental regulation and equilibrium unemployment in China: Evidence from a multiple-sector search and matching model

Li, Z., Lyu, P., & Sun, J. 2025

China Economic Review, 89, Article 102336

Negation of Sanctions: The Personal Effect of Political Contributions

Fulmer, S., Knill, A., & Yu, X. 2023

Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis, 58(7), 2783-2819

Environmental regulation and sectoral disparity in labor demand: evidence from a quasi-natural experiment in China

Guan, J., He, D., Zhang, H., & Zhu, Q. 2023

Economic Research-Ekonomska Istrazivanja, 36(1), Article 2179509

Does Concealing Gender Identity Help Women Win the Competition? An Empirical Investigation into Online Video Games

Chen, X., Zeng, X., & Zhang, C. 2023

Marketing Science, 42(3), 551-568
More +

Research Projects

More +

Center for Sustainable Investment In alignment with China's sustainability strategies, SAIF has established the Center for Sustainable Investment (CSI) in collaboration with its global partners. The Center is committed to building a world-class platform for knowledge creation and talent development in the realm of sustainable investment. We aim to foster a sustainable investment ecosystem both within China and globally, thereby enabling companies and institutions to transition towards a future that is less carbon-dependent and greener. Leveraging SAIF's robust research capabilities and academic resources, the Center will forge extensive connections with international institutions and scholars.

 

The Implementation of Sustainable Development-The Shanghai ESG Development Report 2024

The Implementation of Sustainable Development-The Shanghai ESG Development Report 2025

More +

Curriculum & Co-Curricular Activities

SAIF has been at the forefront of sustainable finance education in China. Our comprehensive curricula, live learning projects, and extracurricular activities cohesively integrate sustainable development and social responsibility into finance education. SAIF is committed to equipping students with the essential insights and critical thinking skills necessary to actively contribute to the sustainable development of our environment and society.

  • Courses
  • Co-Curricular Activities

SAIF continually refines and enhances its curriculum to address the growing demand for future business leaders capable of tackling sustainability challenges. Since 2013, we have offered courses in the field of sustainability, ensuring that all SAIF graduates possess a heightened understanding of the pivotal role finance plays in driving the transition towards a more sustainable future. Currently, SAIF is in the process of developing a robust curriculum system that features "Sustainable Finance" as a key track. Our goal is to solidify our position as a trailblazer in sustainable finance education within China.

 

Sustainability-focused courses in our educational programs include:

  • Financial Ethics

  • Impact Investing

  • Sustainable Finance

  • ESG and Corporate Social Responsibility

  • Corporate ESG: Cases and Practices

  • Clean Energy and Carbon Emission Reduction – Technology, Market and Investment

  • Sustainability Live Learning Projects

  • More +

SAIF provides students with access to a wealth of sustainability resources and opportunities, facilitated through a diverse array of student clubs and volunteer activities. These initiatives serve to empower students in their pursuit of impactful careers, while also enabling them to demonstrate their unwavering commitment to the sustainable development of society.

Student Club Engagement More +

  • The Rongyi Public Welfare Club

    The Rongyi Public Welfare Club, founded in 2016, aims to support the healthy development of underprivileged children. It focuses on improving education and living conditions for left-behind children and abandoned orphans. The club raises funds through city walks for abandoned infants, donates resources to children in impoverished mountainous areas, provides financial aid, and sponsors educational trips to Shanghai.

  • The Responsible Financier Club

    The Responsible Financier Club is dedicated to the practice of personal and corporate social responsibility, as well as the promotion of societal progress. Guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the club unites alumni and finance professionals who share a commitment to social responsibility, leadership, and innovation. The club advocates the principle of "Finance for Good, Responsibility for Empowerment" and aims to cultivate a platform for dialogue focused on social value innovation and sustainable development.

  • The ESG Investment Club

    Leveraging SAIF's financial research capabilities and alumni expertise, the ESG Investment Club explores the implementation of ESG investment cases, standards, and evaluation systems tailored to the Chinese market. Since 2021, the club has organized numerous activities, including lectures on China's carbon trading market, sustainable finance forums, climate investment seminars, salons on ESG data and public fund practices. Through these initiatives, the club aims to foster a deeper understanding of ESG principles and drive the growth of sustainable investing practices in China.

Student Volunteer Activities More +

Charity Initiative in Guizhou Xima Town

SAIF club awarded scholarships to several local primary schools, and conducted home visits to low-income students' families to distribute educational aid.

"One Egg" Charity Walkathon

The Rongyi Public Welfare club planned and carried out the “One Egg” charity walkathon to raise awareness across society about the nutritional status of children in impoverished areas and to further support their healthy development.

Minsheng Trust - SAIF 2020 Language Bridge Charitable Trust (Phase I) Established

The "Language Bridge Charitable Trust" is the first charitable trust focusing on the language and culture of the deaf in China, and the funds raised in the first phase mainly come from the SAIF EMBA16 students. The funds are primarily used to support outstanding deaf high school graduates to study in universities, as well as to recruit, train, dispatch, and sponsor sign language teachers (both deaf and hearing) to teach in special education schools in Liangshan, Sichuan Province; and Lijiang, Yunnan Province.

Guizhou Outstanding Impoverished Students’ Study Tour to Shanghai

The SAIF Rongyi Public Welfare Club organized a 5-day study tour to Shanghai for outstanding impoverished students from Longli, Guizhou Province. SAIF volunteers accompanied the children to visit various famous scenic spots in Shanghai, university campuses, oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation, and other financial institutions in Shanghai. Volunteers also organized sharing exchanges between SAIF staff and the children.

FQ Public Welfare Class for Elementary Students

SAIF MF holds the "Financial Quotient Public Welfare Class "jointly with elementary schools, in which MF students deliver lectures to enlighten students on financial knowledge and inspire their interest. The lecture is synchronized with ethical education and is popular among students, teachers, and parents.

Sustainable Campus

SAIF acknowledges that sustainability lies at the core of China's new development philosophy. As an educational institution, SAIF has embarked on its path toward green development and considers the construction of a low-carbon campus a key long-term objective.

SAIF Carbon Footprint Report

With a commitment to addressing environmental challenges, SAIF launched its "Carbon Footprint Accounting and Decarbonization Target Planning Report" in 2023. This report represents a significant step taken by SAIF toward a green economy and low-carbon emissions. In 2024, SAIF released a new Carbon Neutrality Action Report for the previous year as part of its ongoing efforts to achieve its carbon reduction goals.

 

Low-Carbon Initiatives

Over the years, SAIF has actively worked to improve the efficient utilization of resources within its buildings. Some successful initiatives, leading to real impact on our campus, are listed below.

Energy Saving →

Equipment Retrofit →

Concept Promotion →

Co-Curricular Activities

Charity Initiative in Guizhou Xima Town

SAIF club awarded scholarships to several local primary schools, and conducted home visits to low-income students' families to distribute educational aid.

"One Egg" Charity Walkathon

The Rongyi Public Welfare club planned and carried out the “One Egg” charity walkathon to raise awareness across society about the nutritional status of children in impoverished areas and to further support their healthy development.

Minsheng Trust - SAIF 2020 Language Bridge Charitable Trust (Phase I) Established

The "Language Bridge Charitable Trust" is the first charitable trust focusing on the language and culture of the deaf in China, and the funds raised in the first phase mainly come from the SAIF EMBA16 students. The funds are primarily used to support outstanding deaf high school graduates to study in universities, as well as to recruit, train, dispatch, and sponsor sign language teachers (both deaf and hearing) to teach in special education schools in Liangshan, Sichuan Province; and Lijiang, Yunnan Province.

Guizhou Outstanding Impoverished Students’ Study Tour to Shanghai

The SAIF Rongyi Public Welfare Club organized a 5-day study tour to Shanghai for outstanding impoverished students from Longli, Guizhou Province. SAIF volunteers accompanied the children to visit various famous scenic spots in Shanghai, university campuses, oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation, and other financial institutions in Shanghai. Volunteers also organized sharing exchanges between SAIF staff and the children.

FQ Public Welfare Class for Elementary Students

SAIF MF holds the "Financial Quotient Public Welfare Class "jointly with elementary schools, in which MF students deliver lectures to enlighten students on financial knowledge and inspire their interest. The lecture is synchronized with ethical education and is popular among students, teachers, and parents.

学生俱乐部

  • The Rongyi Public Welfare Club

    The Rongyi Public Welfare Club, founded in 2016, aims to support the healthy development of underprivileged children. It focuses on improving education and living conditions for left-behind children and abandoned orphans. The club raises funds through city walks for abandoned infants, donates resources to children in impoverished mountainous areas, provides financial aid, and sponsors educational trips to Shanghai.

  • The Responsible Financier Club

    The Responsible Financier Club is dedicated to the practice of personal and corporate social responsibility, as well as the promotion of societal progress. Guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the club unites alumni and finance professionals who share a commitment to social responsibility, leadership, and innovation. The club advocates the principle of "Finance for Good, Responsibility for Empowerment" and aims to cultivate a platform for dialogue focused on social value innovation and sustainable development.

  • The ESG Investment Club

    Leveraging SAIF's financial research capabilities and alumni expertise, the ESG Investment Club explores the implementation of ESG investment cases, standards, and evaluation systems tailored to the Chinese market. Since 2021, the club has organized numerous activities, including lectures on China's carbon trading market, sustainable finance forums, climate investment seminars, salons on ESG data and public fund practices. Through these initiatives, the club aims to foster a deeper understanding of ESG principles and drive the growth of sustainable investing practices in China.

教授观点

05/25

私募基金绿色投资的数据挑战

目前私募基金绿色投资相关的投向和规模数据都极为欠缺，其中固然有些与国内绿色金融体系建构有关，但另一些则与监管制度、主体动机等有关。

05/25

私募基金绿色投资的数据挑战

目前私募基金绿色投资相关的投向和规模数据都极为欠缺，其中固然有些与国内绿色金融体系建构有关，但另一些则与监管制度、主体动机等有关。

05/25

私募基金绿色投资的数据挑战

目前私募基金绿色投资相关的投向和规模数据都极为欠缺，其中固然有些与国内绿色金融体系建构有关，但另一些则与监管制度、主体动机等有关。

05/25

私募基金绿色投资的数据挑战

目前私募基金绿色投资相关的投向和规模数据都极为欠缺，其中固然有些与国内绿色金融体系建构有关，但另一些则与监管制度、主体动机等有关。

News

Academic Research

Hong, Y., Lu, X., & Pan, J. (in press). Financial Inclusion via FinTech: From Digital Payments to Platform Investments. Management Science . https://doi.org/10.3386/w28063

Li, Z., Lyu, P., & Sun, J. (2025). Environmental regulation and equilibrium unemployment in China: Evidence from a multiple-sector search and matching model. China Economic Review , 89, Article 102336. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chieco.2024.102336

Fulmer, S., Knill, A., & Yu, X. (2023). Negation of Sanctions: The Personal Effect of Political Contributions. Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis , 58(7), 2783-2819. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0022109022000977

Guan, J., He, D., Zhang, H., & Zhu, Q. (2023). Environmental regulation and sectoral disparity in labor demand: evidence from a quasi-natural experiment in China. Economic Research-Ekonomska Istrazivanja , 36(1), Article 2179509. https://doi.org/10.1080/1331677X.2023.2179509

Chen, X., Zeng, X., & Zhang, C. (2023). Does Concealing Gender Identity Help Women Win the Competition? An Empirical Investigation into Online Video Games. Marketing Science , 42(3), 551-568. https://doi.org/10.1287/mksc.2022.1393

Wu, F., Yu, J., Zhao, Y., & Zhou, D. (2022). Interim CEO and corporate long-term investment: evidence from China. Accounting and Finance , 62(1), 369-415. https://doi.org/10.1111/acfi.12793

Courses

  • Financial Ethics

    Course Code: ECON6616
    This course serves as an introduction to the conceptual foundation of ethical issues within the financial sector, primarily adopting a meso-perspective. It presents a comprehensive framework for ethical decision-making in investment scenarios. The course centers around Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations in investment, encompassing topics such as carbon divestment and social justice, the ethical implications of green products, and governance issues related to family firms and State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) in the financial market, the potential and limits of sustainable investment, and environmental challenges faced by financial institutions. The course will also explore the ESG spill-over effect along the global supply chain, referencing an academic paper from the Journal of Financial Economics. In addition, the course will provide an in-depth analysis of several products and cases, including the MSCI KLD 400 Social Index, the MSCI Catholic Value Index, the MSCI ESG Universal Index, the MSCI Climate Indices, First Green Bank’s contentious loan applications, the University of Michigan’s divestment decision, and Morgan Stanley’s strategic positioning as a leader in sustainability finance.

  • Impact Investing

    CHIU, Tzu-Kuan

    Course Code: ECON8647

    The course covers 12 sessions, both theoretical and practical. 

    Session 1: Financial Positioning of Impact Investing

    Section 2: Basic Concepts of Impact Investing

    Sessions 3-4: Key Actors in the Investment Landscape: Market Size, Investor Types, and Capital Structures

    Session 5: Impact Risk Capital

    Session 6: Impact Measurement Methods at the Project Level

    Session 7: Impact Measurement Methods at the Enterprise Level (Including the use of impact-weighted financial accounts)

    Session 8: Interaction of Impact Funds with Cutting-Edge Issues, Communities, and Investments Targets

    Session 9: Return Spectrum of Impact Investing and Conditions for Concessionary Returns

    Session 10: Local Case Studies Using Impact Measurement

    Session 11: Regulatory Support for Creative Finance in Impact Investing

    Session 12: Regulatory and Tool Innovations: Future Prospects and Challenges of Impact Investing

  • Sustainable Finance

    Course Code: ECON8665

    This course provides a comprehensive exploration of essential topics that align with contemporary trends in the field of sustainable finance. The curriculum encompasses the fundamental concepts and infrastructure of sustainable finance, the theoretical reconfiguration of Modern Portfolio Theory (MPT), economic challenges associated with climate change, ESG investment strategies and their returns, the efficacy of carbon pricing mechanisms, and the role of carbon financial instruments.

    The course materials are designed to offer a holistic learning experience, incorporating academic papers for a deeper conceptual understanding, industry reports that reflect current market conditions, Harvard case studies, and detailed descriptions of financial products to facilitate a thorough analysis of sustainable finance practices.

  • ESG and Corporate Social Responsibility

    Course Code: ECON8695

    This course offers a comprehensive understanding of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and provides a framework to guide organizational stakeholders in making ethically sound decisions from a mid-level management perspective. The curriculum emphasizes voluntary practices at the organizational level and delves into the three dimensions of ESG that are currently of global significance.

    Topics covered in this course include the economic foundations of ESG, practical implementation of ESG initiatives, ethical considerations, ESG-related disclosure standards, motivations for disclosure, and associated costs. 

  • Corporate ESG: Cases and Practices

    Course Code: ECON8727

    This course delves into the realm of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) cases and practices at the firm level. It explores the intricate processes through which ESG operates within various organizations, as well as analyzes the economic outcomes of these firm-level ESG practices. The extent to which firms can positively or negatively impact societal welfare has garnered increasing attention from diverse stakeholders. In recent decades, companies have not only acknowledged the significance of ESG but have also developed various strategies to integrate ESG practices seamlessly into their operations.

    The course employs a blend of lectures and an MBA-style applied case method approach to familiarize students with ESG practices at the firm level. By the end of the course, students will have acquired practical knowledge through exposure to concrete real-world business scenarios. Additionally, they will gain insights into the different strategies that firms employ to enhance their ESG performance and how these approaches contribute to long-term value creation for both the companies and society as a whole.

  • Clean Energy and Carbon Emission Reduction – Technology, Market and Investment

    Course Code: ECON8713

    This course provides an overview of the scientific evidence establishing the relationship between global climate change and carbon emissions. Students will acquire knowledge about the core technical reserves of zero-carbon energy sources and examine the technological approaches and business models employed to promote zero-carbon energy solutions. The course will explore the policy and market environments facilitating the transition to new energy sources, analyzing development trends, market investment opportunities, investment strategies, and key financial instruments within the new energy industry.

  • Sustainability Live Learning Projects

    The SAIF Live Learning Center (LLC) has integrated consulting projects focused on sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into its curriculum. Through these projects, students develop a comprehensive understanding of the critical importance of sustainability for communities and gain confidence in their ability to drive positive change in addressing these issues.

    Since 2021, the following sustainability projects have been successfully undertaken:

    – The Global Competence Model of SJTU

    – Research on the ESG Current Status and Future Plans of Technology Enterprises Planning to Go Public in the Zhizhu National High-Tech Industrial Development Park.

    – Analysis of the Impact of Climate Change on Investment in Financial Institutions and the Necessary Solutions from a Carbon Neutrality Perspective

    – Empirical Analysis of the ESG Performance of Listed Companies in the Shanghai Shenzhen 300 Index, Based on the Current ESG Status of Listed Companies in a Zhizhu National High-Tech Industrial Development Park

    – Exploration of the Methods and Challenges of Constructing a Localized Climate Index in China

    – Analysis of the ESG of Enterprises in the Zhizhu National High-Tech Industrial Development Park

    – Impact Investing in China: Opportunities and Investment Strategies

    – Application of AI Semantic Analysis Models such as GPT in ESG Ratings

    – ESG Practices of Shenergy Group Finance Co., Ltd

    – Exploration of Climate Risk Stress Testing Model

    – Enhancing Cultural Soft Power: Orient Securities Strengthens ESG Management to Help Build a Sustainable Future.

    – Climate Transition Pathway in China

    – Carbon Asset Management Boosts ESG Enhancement Research – A Case Study of Inner Mongolia Energy Limited of State Power Investment Corporation

    – Research on the Differences and Influencing Factors of Financial Literacy Among Young People in Shenzhen

Low-Carbon Initiatives

Energy Saving →

Classroom Lighting

Measures：Turn off lights after class to avoid energy waste.

Energy Savings：Saves 5% electricity daily in classrooms.

Using energy seasonally

Measures：Provide hot water in restrooms only during winter, minimizing summer heat loss.

Energy Savings：Saves about 10% annual electricity.

Paper Consumption

Measures：Set copiers to default double-sided printing and use mobile check-in and electronic materials at meetings and events to reduce paper consumption and waste.

Energy Savings：Reduces paper use and waste by 50%.

Recycled Materials

Measures：Promote renewable materials for disposable products; promote sustainable practices in the customization of SAIF-branded gifts.

Energy Savings：Use Eco-friendly consumables like recycled paper cups and towels; all gift packaging is made from 100% recyclable materials.

Low-Carbon Office Supplies

Measures：Introduce low-carbon office supplies such as rechargeable batteries, erasable notebooks, and carbon-neutral pens.

Energy Savings：Disposable battery consumption reduced by 75%.

Equipment Retrofit →

Building Automation System

Measures: Automated system for controlling and regulating lighting, HVAC, etc. Automated system for controlling and regulating lighting, air conditioner, etc. to enhance energy efficiency., timing, fault monitoring, data analysis.

Lighting

Measures: Use energy-efficient, long-lasting LED fixtures to enhance energy conservation.

Energy Savings: Reduces electricity consumption by about 30%.

Microphone Battery

Measures: Upgrade classroom microphones to rechargeable lithium batteries, reducing dry battery use.

Energy Savings: Reduces dry battery consumption by about 40% monthly.

Air Conditioning

Measures: A spray water curtain system has been added to the air conditioning units to improve the operating conditions during extremely high-temperature weather, achieving energy-saving purposes.

Energy Savings: Air conditioning energy consumption in summer decreased by about 17% compared to the same period last year.

Intelligent Sensor Hand Towels

Measures: Through intelligent monitoring in the backend, the utilization rate of hand towels is improved and paper consumption has been reduced.

Energy Savings: Hand towel consumption reduced by approximately 25%.

Fast Charging Stations

Measures: Install new fast charging stations at the SAIF parking lot to encourage employees to use new energy vehicles.

School Vehicles and Parking

Measures: Replace the School’s long-term rental car from traditional fuel models to plug-in hybrids; add 2 fast chargers in the School parking lot to facilitate use by the rental car and staff EVs.

Waste Utilization

Measures: Establish a "One-Meter Garden" on the rooftop, using coffee grounds as organic fertilizer.

Energy Savings: Achieved reuse of organic waste.

Concept Promotion →

Concept Advocacy

Measures: Advocate environmental protection knowledge and management system through class meetings, and promotional materials.

Energy Savings: The energy saving and emission reduction management system has been introduced to the students, and has been promoted through materials in class meetings and other occasions.

Green Commuting

Measures: Encourage staff and students to use green transportation to reduce emissions.

Energy Savings: The number of business taxi rides reduced by approximately 12.4% in the first half of 2024.

Knowledge and Learning

Measures: Continually encourage our staff to pursue sustainability-related learning and fund them to take relevant certification exams. Currently, 100% of employees who took the CFA Sustainability Investing exam have passed the exam and obtained the certificate.

Top