Sagar Asapur MSc

The course

Why did you choose to study at the University of Edinburgh Business School (UEBS)?

I chose the University of Edinburgh Business School because of its strong reputation in climate finance. The UK is a global leader in sustainability and green finance, and Edinburgh's practical, industry-focused programme was perfectly aligned with my career ambitions.

What was it about the degree programme that particularly attracted you?

What drew me to the MSc in Carbon Finance programme was its practical approach - integrating financial analysis with climate change strategies. The chance to use cutting-edge tools, undertake real-world consultancy projects, and gain skills directly applicable to industry was very appealing.

Your career

Can you tell us about your career before and after graduating?

Before joining the programme, I was a Senior Consultant at PwC India, working on climate mitigation projects. After graduating, I took on a leadership role as Head of Sustainable Finance at Climate Risk Horizons, where I now lead influential research on climate-related financial risks in India.

How did your degree prepare you for your career?

My degree equipped me with analytical, financial, and communication skills crucial for my current role. It taught me to apply rigorous academic insights directly to real-world issues, enabling me to effectively engage policymakers, regulators, and financial institutions in India.

My work helps shape how India’s financial institutions and regulators approach sustainability.

Masters of Change

What notable changes has your degree enabled you to make in your professional or personal life?

In my professional life, it has empowered me to lead ground-breaking research that has influenced India’s financial sector, driving national conversations on climate risks and sustainable finance. My work involves conducting climate-risk assessments for Indian banks and asset managers, developing stress-testing frameworks aligned with global standards, conducting capacity-building workshops, and engaging with Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to integrate climate considerations into financial regulation.

On a personal level, the experience increased my resilience, adaptability, and confidence - especially after navigating the uncertainty of studying abroad during a global pandemic.

What are the changes you have been able to make in your chosen field, of which you are most proud?

My work is directly influencing the approach taken by regulatory and financial institutions towards sustainability in India. I’m particularly proud of researching and publishing a first-of-its-kind report: ‘Unprepared: India’s big banks score poorly on climate challenge’. This was the first comprehensive assessment of climate-risk exposure in Indian banks and received wide coverage in media and policy circles. It is now referenced by academic and regulatory stakeholders and has since evolved into the ‘Unprepared’ series, an annual assessment tracking banks’ preparedness for climate-related financial risks.

How did your studies at the Business School help you to make those changes?

The Business School’s emphasis on practical research, stakeholder engagement, and strategic communication prepared me perfectly. My dissertation research on aligning an investment portfolio with climate goals also gave me invaluable experience in driving institutional change.

What key things that you learnt at the Business School do you still rely on today?

I frequently draw on skills in strategic communication, analytical thinking, and using financial tools (like Bloomberg Terminal and Eikon). The ability to translate complex financial concepts into accessible insights also remains critical in my daily work.

Course highlights and advice

What are your best memories on the programme?

Presenting my dissertation findings which led to tangible policy change was a standout moment. Also memorable was representing Edinburgh at the UK Climate Investment Challenge semi-finals, connecting with peers passionate about sustainability.

What one piece of advice would you give to current students and recent graduates?

Be willing to embrace uncertainty and step outside of your comfort zone. The risks you take today, especially those driven by genuine passion and curiosity, often open the most rewarding career opportunities.