ESG & Sustainable Finance: The Growing Talent Gap You Need to Prepare For
Introduction
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) may have taken a back seat in some spheres since Trump’s arrival in the White House, but rest assured that it remains a key concern.
ESG has evolved from a reporting requirement to a strategic driver of value, risk, and investor confidence. But as demand grows, so does the challenge: the market is facing a shortage of finance professionals with the right blend of ESG understanding, regulatory insight, and commercial acumen. The talent gap is real — and it’s widening.
Why ESG Fluency Is Now Essential in Finance
Whether managing climate-related risks, navigating new disclosure rules, or embedding ESG into investment decisions, finance professionals are expected to do more than just report. They’re expected to lead. ESG now sits at the heart of capital allocation, risk modelling, and long-term value creation, particularly in listed businesses, financial institutions, and PE-backed companies under increased LP scrutiny.
Finance leaders who integrate ESG into commercial strategy are becoming highly sought after. The problem? The market hasn’t caught up. Many finance professionals — even at senior levels — are still on the learning curve.
Where the Talent Gap Is Most Acute
The gap is sharpest in mid-to-senior roles: finance professionals with strong technical and commercial skills who can also speak confidently on ESG issues, advise the board, and lead cross-functional change. Individuals who can translate evolving regulatory frameworks (such as the ISSB standards or EU taxonomy) into meaningful strategy are few and far between.
In high-growth and PE-backed businesses, the need is even more urgent. ESG is increasingly a core part of due diligence and value creation — but few internal teams have the depth of knowledge to manage it in-house. This creates a clear competitive advantage for firms who act early and build capability now.
Why Traditional Hiring Strategies Aren’t Working
Hiring for ESG-related roles often fails because job specs are unclear or unrealistic. Some roles require deep sustainability expertise, while others need finance-first professionals who can upskill. Trying to find both in one person can limit your pool unnecessarily. The key is clarity: what does the business actually need? And can it be developed internally, or should you go to market?
Relying on the same candidate networks won’t solve the problem. Firms that are serious about closing the gap are working with partners who understand both finance and ESG — and can spot potential, not just credentials.
Preparing Now for What’s Next
This isn’t a trend — it’s a structural shift. ESG isn’t going away, and neither is the demand for finance professionals who understand its impact. The firms that prepare now — by identifying internal talent to develop, bringing in external expertise where needed, and creating clear hiring strategies — will be better positioned to lead in a more sustainable, regulated, and investor-conscious future.
The ESG talent gap in finance is growing — and ignoring it is no longer an option. The best organisations aren’t waiting for the perfect candidate to appear. They’re acting now to define what they need, invest in potential, and build finance teams equipped for a more sustainable, accountable future.
If you’re an ESG or infrastructure-focused finance professional then please get in touch with us to discuss a range of exciting opportunities.
