This course offers a concise, practice-oriented path into advanced credit analysis and fixed-income risk management. Aimed at professionals, it pairs rigor with application across loan structuring and collateral, covenants, stress testing and scenarios, Basel III capital, high-yield/distressed debt, portfolio risk mitigation (including CDS), and ESG—using tools like collateral/recovery modeling, Excel-based scenarios, CDS pricing basics, RWA calculations, and structured risk transfer.

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Credit Analysis in Action: Economic and Industry Essentials
This course is part of Credit Analyst Academy Specialization


Instructors: Michael McDonald
Included with
Recommended experience
What you'll learn
Analyze macroeconomic and industry factors affecting credit risk across market cycles.
Evaluate specialized credit markets including high-yield and distressed debt.
Integrate ESG factors into comprehensive credit risk assessments.
Execute complete credit analysis projects using professional methodologies.
Skills you'll gain
- Environmental Social And Corporate Governance (ESG)
- Structural Analysis
- Compliance Management
- Financial Regulations
- Excel Formulas
- Loans
- Business Valuation
- Risk Analysis
- Derivatives
- Financial Modeling
- Economics
- Financial Analysis
- Market Dynamics
- Financial Statement Analysis
- Business Modeling
- Risk Mitigation
- Risk Management
- Portfolio Management
- Credit Risk
Details to know

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September 2025
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There are 6 modules in this course
In this course, you’ll learn how to assess credit risk and manage fixed-income investments using advanced tools like bond pricing models, credit derivatives, and regulatory frameworks. You’ll focus on real-world applications such as yield curve analysis, CDS evaluation, collateral and covenant review, stress testing, and Basel III compliance to build strategic, risk-aware portfolios. Through expert instruction, hands-on exercises, and case studies, you’ll gain the skills to implement effective credit strategies—including ESG integration—navigate regulations, and confidently manage institutional credit exposure in dynamic markets.
What's included
1 reading
In this module, you’ll examine the influence of macroeconomic factors on credit risk, focusing on how variables like inflation, interest rates, and economic cycles shape credit markets. You’ll explore sector-specific vulnerabilities, global risks, and the interplay between economic conditions and default probabilities. Through case studies and hands-on analysis using real data sources, you’ll learn to evaluate how shifting macroeconomic conditions impact credit quality and risk assessment strategies.
What's included
6 videos1 reading1 assignment1 peer review
In this module, you’ll navigate high-yield and distressed debt markets, from pricing speculative-grade bonds to analyzing restructuring paths. You’ll compare HY vs. IG risk/return, size recovery-driven trades, and use Excel to model IRR/MOIC under varied default, timing, and recovery scenarios. A case study and a hands-on build, you’ll translate capital-structure, covenant, and liquidity insights into actionable investment theses with clear risk controls.
What's included
6 videos1 reading1 assignment1 peer review1 discussion prompt
In this module, you’ll assess collateral and loan structures within credit agreements. You’ll compare secured vs. unsecured lending, interpret covenant packages, and apply practical collateral valuation and recovery techniques. Through short videos, doc reviews, and a hands-on exercise, you’ll identify structural weaknesses and translate findings into lender-ready recommendations.
What's included
6 videos1 reading1 assignment1 peer review
In this module, you’ll turn ESG signals into credit-relevant insights. You’ll map environmental (transition and physical), social, and governance risks to cash flows, leverage, refinancing, and collateral—then link them to PD/LGD/EAD and pricing. A case study and a document-review exercise help you extract red flags from sustainability disclosures and rating notes, convert findings into covenants/limits, and account for data gaps and greenwashing risk.
What's included
6 videos1 reading1 assignment1 peer review1 discussion prompt
In this module, you’ll build and interpret stress tests to gauge portfolio resilience under adverse conditions. You’ll craft scenarios, run Excel-based sensitivities, and read key metrics (PD, LGD, EAD, loss/coverage) in a regulatory context. Short videos, a hands-on model, and a quiz help you translate results into risk limits, capital plans, and action-ready recommendations—while acknowledging model limits and uncertainty.
What's included
6 videos1 reading1 assignment2 peer reviews
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