Overview

The Core Foundations series introduces the fundamental concepts every aspiring credit professional needs to master. These lessons cover the building blocks of debt markets—from understanding why companies use debt to navigating career pathways in leveraged finance.

Whether you're preparing for case competitions, interviews, or simply want to understand how debt fits into corporate finance, these materials provide the technical foundation and market context you need to succeed.

Lessons

01

Introduction to Debt

Explore the fundamental role of debt in corporate finance. Learn why companies choose debt financing, how it differs from equity, and the key characteristics that make debt a critical component of capital structure.

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02

Introduction to the Capital Structure

Understand how debt and equity work together in a company's capital structure. Master the concept of the capital stack, priority of claims, and how different securities fit into the financing hierarchy.

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03

Financial Foundations of Debt

Build your technical toolkit with the financial metrics and analysis frameworks essential to credit work. Cover leverage ratios, coverage metrics, and the key financial concepts used to evaluate creditworthiness.

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04

Career Pathways

Navigate the landscape of credit-focused careers in finance. Explore roles in leveraged finance, private credit, distressed debt, and credit investing—understanding what each role entails and how to position yourself for success.

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