starweaver-logo
LOG INGET STARTED
LOG INGET STARTED
  • Browse
  • Doing

  • On Air
  • Channels
  • Career Paths
  • LEARNING

  • Courses
  • Certifications
  • Journeys
  • Test Prep
  • CONNECTING

  • How It Works
  • Community
  • Techbytes
  • Podcasts
  • Leaderboards
  • SUPPORT

  • Support & FAQs
  • Starweaver for Business
  • Starweaver for Campus
  • Teach with Starweaver
footer-brand-logo
  • COMPANY
  • About Us
  • Support and Knowledge Base
  • Policies & Terms
  • Contact
  • CONTENT
  • Courses
  • Certifications
  • Journeys
  • Test Prep
  • Meet the Gurus
  • Techbytes
  • FOR ORGANIZATIONS
  • Starweaver for Business
  • Starweaver for Campus
  • Catalogue
  • Pricing
  • Private Classes
  • PARTNER WITH US
  • Instructors & Teachers
  • Books, Writing & Publishing
  • FOLLOW US
    • facebook
    • twitter
    • linkedin
    • pinterest
    • instagram
    • youtube
Our trademarks include Starweaver®, Make genius happen™, Education you can bank on®, People are your most important assets!®, Body of Knowledge™, StarLabs™, LiveLabs™, Journeys™
© Starweaver Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
  1. Courses
  2. >
  3. Foundations of Credit Analysis and Fixed Income Securities

Foundations of Credit Analysis and Fixed Income Securities

Gain a strategic foundation in credit analysis and fixed income investing. Learn to assess credit risk, evaluate bonds, and apply analytical frameworks to make informed investment decisions in real-world market scenarios.

Michael McDonald
Michael McDonald
Finance | intermediate | 6 hours 40 minutes |   Published: Oct 2025

    Discussions

Overview

1.2kSTUDENTS*
97.8%RECOMMEND*

This course includes:

  • On-demand videos
  • Practice assessments
  • Multiple hands-on learning activities
  • Exposure to a real-world project
  • 100% self-paced learning opportunities
  • Certification of completion

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.

Skills You Will Gain

Fixed Income Securities
Credit Analysis
Foundations of Cybersecurity
Mining Foundations and Principles
Fixed Income Markets

Learning Outcomes (At The End Of This Program, You Will Be Able To...)

  • Evaluate bond pricing, yields, and credit spreads for investment decision-making.
  • Implement credit derivatives and structured products for risk management.
  • Apply Basel regulatory frameworks and stress testing methodologies.
  • Execute comprehensive credit portfolio management strategies.

Prerequisites

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.

Who Should Attend

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.

Curriculum

Instructors

*Where courses have been offered multiple times, the “# Students” includes all students who have enrolled. The “%Recommended” shown is also based on this data.
1Chapter 1: Credit Analysis Fundamentals
2Chapter 2: Fixed Income Securities Overview
3Chapter 3: Credit Ratings and Risk Assessment
4Chapter 4: Financial Statement Analysis for Credit Risk

You need to enroll in this course to access the curriculum. Click 'Enroll' to get started!

Segment 00: Reading - Welcome to the Course: Course Overvieweading -

Segment 01: What is Credit Analysis

Segment 02: The Role of Credit Analysts

Segment 03: Key Drivers of Credit Risk

Segment 04: Credit Analysis vs. Equity Analysis

Segment 05: Credit Risk in Different Markets_

Segment 06: Common Credit Analysis Mistakes

Segemnt 07: Reading - What Is Credit Analysis: A Guide

Segment 08: Hands-On-Learning - Calculate Basic Financial Ratios

Segment 09: Quiz - Credit Analysis Fundamentals

You need to enroll in this course to access the curriculum. Click 'Enroll' to get started!

Segment 10: Overview of Fixed Income Securities-

Segment 11: Government vs. Corporate Bonds

Segment 12: Structured Products and Asset-Backed Securities

Segment 13: Bond Maturity and Coupon Structures

Segment 14: Risks Associated with Fixed Income

Segment 15: Market Trends in Fixed Income Investing-

Segment 16: Reading - 5 Types of Fixed-Income Investments

Segment 17: Hands-On-Learning - Identify Key Bond Features Using Real Market Data

Segment 18: Quiz - Fixed Income Securities Overview

Michael McDonald

Michael McDonald

With over a decade of expertise in finance and economics, supported by a PhD in Finance and extensive teaching experience at Fairfield University, he is committed to delivering in-depth insights into financial accounting, analysis, and business valuation. His academic journey is distinguished by numerous publications on topics ranging from stock returns to bond market dynamics, reflecting a profound understanding of global financial markets. Renowned for his dynamic teaching style, he seamlessly blends theoretical concepts with real-world applications. He has taught a diverse range of courses, from foundational investments to advanced project analysis and factor-based investing, consistently crafting tailored coursework to enhance student learning outcomes. His professional background as a municipal bond trader and senior editor at Seeking Alpha brings practical insights and industry relevance to his instruction. This unique blend of academic rigor and real-world expertise equips students with critical analytical skills, empowering them to navigate today’s complex financial landscape with confidence. Passionate about knowledge dissemination, he excels in both traditional and e-learning environments, fostering an engaging and transformative learning experience. His courses are meticulously designed to make complex financial concepts accessible and actionable, bridging the gap between theory and practice. With a dedication to inspiring the next generation of finance professionals, he remains a trusted mentor and thought leader in the field.
VIEW MY CHANNEL

You need to enroll in this course to access the curriculum. Click 'Enroll' to get started!

Segment 19: Introduction to Credit Ratings

Segment 20: Credit Rating Methodologies

Segment 21: Investment-Grade vs. High-Yield Ratings - Update

Segment 22: Case Study Corporate Credit Ratings

Segment 23: Credit Downgrades and Upgrades

Segment 24: Criticisms of Credit Rating Agencies

Segment 25: Reading - Understanding Credit Ratings: Their Importance and Impact

Segment 26: Hands-On-Learning - Analyzing Credit Ratings and Their Implications

Segment 27: Quiz - Credit Ratings and Risk Assessment

You need to enroll in this course to access the curriculum. Click 'Enroll' to get started!

Segment 28: Overview of Financial Statements

Segment 29: Key Financial Ratios for Credit Analysis

Segment 30: Evaluating Earnings Quality

Segment 31: Cash Flow Analysis in Credit Risk - Update

Segment 32: Case Study Credit Risk Using Financial Statements

Segment 33: Red Flags in Financial Statements

Segment 34: Reading - Comprehensive Guide to Financial Statement Analysis

Segment 35: Hands-On-Learning - Reviewing and Interpreting Financial Data for Credit Risk

Segment 36: Quiz - Financial Statement Analysis for Credit Risk

Segment 37: Project - Corporate Credit Risk Analysis Mini-Challenge