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There are 4 modules in this course
This course offers a comprehensive and practice-oriented introduction to advanced credit analysis and fixed income risk management. Designed for professionals aiming to deepen their expertise in credit markets, it combines technical rigor with practical application across key areas such as bond pricing, credit derivatives, regulatory frameworks, and portfolio-level risk mitigation. Learners will explore how tools like yield curve analysis, CDS contracts, and Basel guidelines are used to build effective credit strategies and assess risk in real-world financial environments.
Through expert instruction, hands-on exercises, and real-world case studies, learners will develop the ability to evaluate credit risk, apply structured financial instruments, and navigate evolving regulatory landscapes. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped to manage institutional credit exposure and fixed income investments with confidence, precision, and compliance-focused insight.
This course is designed for finance professionals aiming to deepen their expertise in credit risk assessment and fixed income investing. Whether you're a financial analyst, fixed income trader, portfolio manager, or credit risk specialist at a bank or rating agency, the content is tailored to equip you with practical, industry-relevant skills. Investors looking to better understand the bond market will also benefit from its structured approach and real-world applications.
To get the most out of this course, participants should have a basic understanding of financial concepts such as time value of money, interest rates, and financial statements. Familiarity with Excel and basic quantitative skills will be helpful for completing hands-on exercises. While no prior experience in credit analysis or fixed income markets is required, those with a background in finance, accounting, or investment will find the course especially rewarding.
By the end of this course, participants will be able to evaluate bond pricing, yields, and credit spreads for sound investment decisions, implement credit derivatives for risk management, apply Basel regulatory frameworks and stress testing methodologies, and execute comprehensive credit portfolio management strategies across varying market conditions. These skills will enable professionals to navigate complex credit markets with greater confidence, compliance, and strategic insight.
In this module, you’ll learn how to evaluate fixed income investments by mastering bond pricing, yield analysis, and credit spread interpretation. You’ll explore how market conditions, credit risk, and interest rate changes impact bond valuation through yield curves and spread dynamics. With expert-led videos, real-world case studies, Excel-based exercises, and interactive assessments, you’ll build the skills to accurately price bonds, identify mispricing risks, and make sound investment decisions in credit markets.
Case Study: Bond Pricing in Different Economic Conditions •5 minutes
Common Mistakes in Bond Valuation •6 minutes
2 readings•Total 10 minutes
Welcome to the Course: Course Overview •5 minutes
What Is Credit Analysis? How It Works With Evaluating Risk•5 minutes
1 assignment•Total 20 minutes
Bond Pricing, Yields, and Spreads •20 minutes
1 peer review•Total 10 minutes
Hands-On-Learning: Calculating Bond Prices and Yields•10 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 5 minutes
Analyzing Sudden Bond Price Drops: Identifying the Cause and Response•5 minutes
Credit Derivatives and Credit Default Swaps (CDS)
Module 2•1 hour to complete
Module details
In this module, you’ll explore the structure, mechanics, and applications of credit derivatives, with a focus on Credit Default Swaps (CDS). You’ll learn how CDS contracts are priced, how they’re used for hedging and speculation, and how their market dynamics impact credit spreads and systemic risk. Through real-world case studies, regulatory insights, and hands-on analysis of CDS contracts, you’ll develop the ability to assess the strategic and ethical implications of using credit derivatives in modern credit risk management.
Credit Derivatives and Credit Default Swaps (CDS) •20 minutes
1 peer review•Total 10 minutes
Hands-On-Learning: Analyzing a CDS Contract •10 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 5 minutes
Evaluating Loan Structures: Secured vs. Unsecured•5 minutes
Basel Regulations and Credit Risk Management
Module 3•1 hour to complete
Module details
In this module, you’ll demystify Basel I–III and their impact on credit risk management. You’ll translate capital rules into practical steps: calculating risk-weighted assets (RWA), comparing Standardized vs. Internal Ratings-Based (IRB) approaches, and linking Pillars 1–3 to real lending decisions. A case study and a hands-on compliance review, you’ll connect regulatory ratios and buffers to pricing, limits, and portfolio strategy, while scanning the horizon for “Basel III endgame” updates.
The Standardized vs. Internal Ratings-Based Approach•7 minutes
Impact of Basel III on Lending and Credit Risk •6 minutes
Case Study: Basel III Implementation in a Bank •6 minutes
Future of Banking Regulations •5 minutes
1 reading•Total 5 minutes
Basel III: International Regulatory Framework•5 minutes
1 assignment•Total 20 minutes
Basel Regulations and Credit Risk Management•20 minutes
1 peer review•Total 10 minutes
Hands-On-Learning: Analyzing a Basel III Compliance Report•10 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 10 minutes
Balancing Risk and Return: The Impact of Capital Requirements on Lending•10 minutes
Credit Portfolio Management and Risk Mitigation
Module 4•2 hours to complete
Module details
In this module, you’ll manage credit exposure at the portfolio level. You’ll design diversification and limit frameworks, quantify concentration and correlation risk, and deploy hedges (e.g., single-name CDS, index CDS, insurance, and structured transfers). A case study and an Excel-based exercise connect risk metrics (EL/UL, VaR, RAROC, tracking error) to practical actions—rebalancing, hedging, and capital allocation.
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What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.