The Strata Debt Structuring Association is a credit-focused finance club at Queen's University. We exist because over 60% of a typical capital structure is debt — and most finance education treats it as an afterthought.
Realistic debt scenarios from acquisition financing to distressed credit. Teams build models, present to industry judges, and defend every assumption under pressure — developing the skills that matter from day one in leveraged finance.
Sessions covering credit agreements, covenant structuring, leverage ratios, EBITDA adjustments, and downside modelling. We build the technical foundation for credit-focused careers through structured, hands-on learning.
Our blog features exploratory deep dives into emerging credit topics — from NAV lending to lesser-known debt strategies. Members research, write, and publish under their own name, building a body of work they can point to.
A growing library covering debt fundamentals, instrument mechanics, and capital structure analysis. Open to everyone — designed so members can learn at their own pace and build a real foundation before diving into case work.
Most clubs teach you things. We think the better model is giving you a platform to prove what you know. SDSA members don't just attend sessions — they specialize in areas they're interested in, create original content, and publish it on this site for anyone to see.
That means when you're networking with a credit professional or sitting in an interview, you're not just talking about what you've learned. You can show them. A journal piece you wrote on covenant-lite trends. A case analysis you built from scratch. Work that has your name on it and lives somewhere real.
We think the best way to learn something is to try explaining it to someone else — and the best way to stand out is to have something worth pointing to.
SDSA is open to all Queen's students interested in credit and debt markets. We're looking for people who are committed to learning beyond the classroom. If you want to get a head start, explore our learning materials or reach out to one of our members to learn more.
Any Queen's student with an interest in credit markets, debt structuring, or related career paths. No prior experience required.
Applications open at the start of each semester. Follow us on social media or check back here for announcements.
Members are expected to attend seminars and contribute to at least one project — whether that's a journal piece, case prep, or learning material — per semester.