PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
In a market where the cost, availability, and terms of capital can shift quickly, debt structuring has moved from a treasury function to a core strategic lever. This executive session examines how CFOs, treasurers, and senior finance leaders can design funding strategies that balance cost, flexibility, and risk while supporting growth, M&A, and shareholder return priorities.
Participants will explore the full spectrum of funding options, from investment-grade bonds and syndicated loans to private credit, convertibles, asset-based facilities, and structured solutions. The session addresses how to choose among them based on business profile, rating objectives, and market conditions. Discussion will cover covenant design, maturity and refinancing strategy, interest rate and currency risk management, and the growing role of private credit as an alternative to traditional bank and public market financing.
Through practical frameworks and real-world case examples, attendees will leave with a sharper approach to evaluating trade-offs, negotiating with lenders, communicating with rating agencies and investors, and positioning the balance sheet to withstand volatility while preserving strategic optionality.
Who should attend: CFOs, treasurers, VPs of finance, heads of capital markets, and corporate development leaders involved in capital allocation and financing decisions.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Align capital structure with strategy, not just cost. The cheapest instrument is rarely the best one. Match tenor, flexibility, and covenant package to the company’s growth plans, cash flow profile, and risk tolerance.
- Diversify funding sources before you need them. Maintaining relationships across banks, public markets, and private credit providers creates leverage in negotiations and resilience when one channel tightens.
- Treat the maturity wall as a standing agenda item. Staggered maturities and proactive refinancing reduce exposure to unfavorable windows and keep you from negotiating under pressure.
- Covenants shape flexibility as much as pricing does. Negotiate definitions, headroom, cure rights, and baskets with the same rigor as the spread. Terms that look minor at signing can constrain M&A, buybacks, or restructuring later.
- Private credit is a strategic option, not just a fallback. It can offer speed, certainty of execution, and bespoke structures, usually at a premium. Know when that trade-off is worth it.
- Integrate hedging into the funding decision. Fixed versus floating mix, currency exposure, and hedge timing should be set alongside the debt structure rather than after it.
- Rating agency and investor communication is part of the funding strategy. Clear leverage targets, a credible deleveraging path, and consistent messaging protect access and pricing.
- Build liquidity buffers and stress-test the plan. Scenario analysis on earnings, rates, and market access shows how much room the structure really has before covenants or ratings come into play.
- Governance matters. Board-approved financing policies, defined leverage and liquidity thresholds, and clear decision rights allow faster, more confident action when opportunities or disruptions arise.
SPEAKERS
Speakers will be announced soon!
EVENT POLICIES AND RESOURCES
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SPONSOR PARTNERS
Thank you to our valued Sponsor Partners. This event is open to members, sponsors, and special guests.
