Sep 18, 2024

Loan Capital Markets Resources

There seem to be no good resources on loan capital markets. I was lucky to get a little taste of it during my summer internship, and it seems like an interesting gig. My understanding is this: You work for a bank, credit hedge fund, CLO, pension fund, etc., and you buy into tranches of corporate term loans and revolvers. Diligence seems to be similar to what an equity research analyst might do, just with much more emphasis on credit metrics of course, like DSC, FCCR, and so on. I feel like this realm of credit should be talked about more, it is super niche and fascinating (at least to me). Would love to hear your guys' thoughts on LCM and why there might be a lack of resources for students wanting to learn more about this field. Thanks!

4 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights and thoughts on Loan Capital Markets (LCM) and the potential reasons for the lack of resources:

Insights on Loan Capital Markets (LCM):

  1. Work Environment:

    • Professionals in LCM typically work for banks, credit hedge funds, CLOs (Collateralized Loan Obligations), pension funds, etc.
    • The primary role involves buying into tranches of corporate term loans and revolvers.
  2. Diligence Process:

    • The diligence process in LCM is similar to that of an equity research analyst but with a stronger focus on credit metrics.
    • Key credit metrics include Debt Service Coverage (DSC) and Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (FCCR).
  3. Niche and Fascinating Field:

    • LCM is considered a niche area within the broader credit market.
    • It involves detailed analysis and understanding of creditworthiness, making it a specialized and intriguing field for those interested in credit analysis.

Potential Reasons for Lack of Resources:

  1. Specialization:

    • LCM is a highly specialized field, which may limit the availability of general resources.
    • The niche nature means fewer educational materials and courses are developed compared to more mainstream finance topics.
  2. Industry Focus:

    • The focus on credit metrics and specific financial instruments like term loans and revolvers may not appeal to a broader audience.
    • This specialized focus might result in fewer educational institutions and online platforms offering dedicated resources.
  3. Practical Experience:

    • Much of the knowledge in LCM is gained through practical experience, such as internships and on-the-job training.
    • This reliance on hands-on experience can make it challenging to find comprehensive theoretical resources.

Suggestions for Learning More:

  • Internships and Networking:

    • Gaining practical experience through internships in banks, credit hedge funds, or related institutions.
    • Networking with professionals in the field to gain insights and mentorship.
  • Specialized Courses:

    • Seeking out specialized courses or bootcamps that focus on credit analysis and loan capital markets.
    • Platforms like WSO offer various financial modeling and valuation bootcamps that can provide foundational knowledge.
  • Industry Publications:

    • Reading industry publications and reports that focus on credit markets and loan capital markets.
    • Staying updated with market trends and analysis through financial news outlets.

For more detailed resources, you might want to explore the WSO's financial modeling resources, Excel resources, and various interview prep courses available on their platform.

Sources: Why do people care so much about their alma mater?, Former MS M&A / KKR here to field questions, Why is everyone obsessed with equity L/S, Dear Undergrads and Highschoolers, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/systemic-oppression-of-non-target-students?customgpt=1

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 
Most Helpful

"You work for a bank, credit hedge fund, CLO, pension fund etc." - the type of work you do will heavily depend on which seat you're in. If you're at a bank with a BS then you can underwrite across the capital stack (1L, 2L, DDTLs, revolvers etc.) and then syndicate, or in the case of MM/leveraged loans you're likely acting as placement agent. If you're at a CLO manager or credit fund, then you're diligencing/buying said assets and placing them into different funds/vehicles for your LPs and clipping fees. And there your traditional pension funds/FoF that invest into these funds and CLOs etc. that are looking at the underlying collateral as well as the managers to assess risk-adjusted returns.

FWIW I think more people are interested in companies/equities because its more operations-oriented and fundamental (i.e. you're looking at a business rather than a capital structure, unless you're in distressed). Credit folks are generally going to be more interested in protecting downside for consistent 12% returns rather than chasing a 35% IRR, hence the overwhelmingly more resources for PE.

 

Possimus qui eligendi eum architecto ut amet. Eveniet adipisci ut ipsum nobis molestiae maxime. Iure ipsa aut est temporibus consequatur in voluptas. Porro beatae sit sed exercitationem ad natus consectetur cupiditate. Quia ut et quidem sed hic nostrum consequuntur rerum. Qui modi est sit rerum.

Fugiat quas fuga sint quia tenetur et ut. Est accusantium iusto omnis unde facilis quisquam. Corrupti autem molestiae dolor beatae. Architecto est quibusdam nesciunt ut dolores quia doloremque omnis.

Quidem sint non et ut. Necessitatibus quis officia dolorum expedita. Consequuntur beatae quae autem dolor. Fuga facilis aut et non et vitae. Magni voluptatem voluptatem unde veniam ut. Aut laboriosam laudantium quam harum assumenda itaque dolorem. Ea saepe voluptatum omnis qui aperiam.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.2%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.6%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.2%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (43) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (75) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (67) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”