Episode 64 | 22.1.2025

Game On: How Attain is Transforming Learning in Sustainable Finance

The financial services industry is often criticised for its rigidity in training and development, prioritising compliance over meaningful learning. Nick Reed, COO of Attain and a seasoned veteran of the financial world, is on a mission to change this dynamic. Speaking on The Responsible Edge podcast, Nick shared how Attain’s innovative game-based learning approach is reshaping how financial professionals engage with critical topics like sustainable finance.

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The Problem: Ticking Boxes Instead of Learning

Nick’s extensive career, spanning decades in leadership roles at HSBC and other financial institutions, gave him firsthand insight into how learning has evolved—often for the worse. “Training has become a tick-box exercise,” he explained.

“It’s more about meeting regulatory requirements than fostering true understanding.”

This shift, exacerbated by the rise of mandatory digital training and remote work during COVID-19, has stifled the organic, peer-to-peer learning that once flourished in workplaces. “The water cooler conversations where people ask questions, share experiences, and problem-solve together have largely disappeared,” Nick noted. “We’ve lost that social element of learning.”

 

Attain’s Solution: Learning Through Play

Enter Attain, the game-based learning company Nick co-founded to tackle these issues head-on. At the heart of Attain’s approach is the idea that learning should be engaging, collaborative, and purpose-driven. “Humans learn best when they’re having fun,” Nick said.

“We’ve taken this principle and applied it to sustainable finance, creating an environment where professionals can learn with and from each other.”

The centrepiece of Attain’s programme is a live, facilitated game that immerses participants in a fictional but relatable scenario: managing a bank on the virtual island of Avalon. Teams of five make decisions on lending, savings, and sustainability, grappling with the complexities of balancing profitability, ESG impact, and stakeholder expectations.

“We don’t give participants all the information upfront, just like in the real world,” Nick explained.

“This forces them to work as a team, think critically, and make trade-offs.”

 

Why Games Work

The game-based format is not just a gimmick; it’s a deliberate design choice rooted in cognitive science. “Play is fundamental to how humans learn, especially through making mistakes,” Nick said.

“When people feel safe to experiment, they absorb lessons much more effectively.”

By creating a psychologically safe space, Attain enables participants to challenge assumptions and explore new ideas without fear of judgment. This approach has proven particularly effective in promoting cross-departmental learning. “When marketing people, compliance officers, and relationship managers play together, they gain a deeper appreciation of each other’s challenges,” Nick shared. “That kind of cross-functional understanding is invaluable.”

 

Making Sustainability Relevant

Attain’s focus on sustainable finance is timely and impactful. “Sustainable finance isn’t just about meeting ESG targets; it’s about understanding the trade-offs and risks involved,” Nick said. The game helps participants grasp these nuances by simulating real-world scenarios, such as the reputational risks of greenwashing or the challenges of aligning investor expectations with community needs.

Unexpected events during the game, like a climate-related crisis on Avalon, further deepen the learning experience. “These events force participants to consider the broader implications of their decisions,” Nick explained.

“It’s about connecting day-to-day actions to long-term sustainability outcomes.”

 

The Results: Transforming Learning Cultures

The impact of Attain’s approach is already evident. Financial institutions that have adopted the game report improved engagement and a stronger culture of learning. “People leave the game not only with new knowledge but with the confidence to start critical conversations within their organisations,” Nick said.

One key takeaway for many participants is the importance of collaboration. “The game shows that no single department has all the answers. Solving complex problems like sustainable finance requires input from across the organisation,” Nick noted.

 

A Vision for the Future

Nick sees immense potential for expanding Attain’s model to different focus areas. “The structure of the game is adaptable to other sectors and topics, like cybersecurity or financial crime,” he said.

“It’s the vehicle—the game-based, social learning approach—that’s the magic sauce.”

Looking ahead, Nick is optimistic about the role learning can play in transforming industries. “If we can make learning enjoyable, engaging, and impactful, we can unlock the full potential of our brightest minds,” he concluded.

 

Conclusion: Reigniting Passion for Learning

Nick’s work at Attain is a reminder that meaningful change often starts with how we learn. By prioritising engagement and collaboration, Attain is not just teaching sustainable finance—it’s rebuilding the culture of learning in financial services. As Nick puts it,

“Learning should inspire, not just inform. That’s how we create lasting change.”

 

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© 2025. The Responsible Edge Podcast

© 2025. The Responsible Edge Podcast