SFI Master Classes

This SFI Master Class is offered in cooperation with the Zürcher Bankenverband (ZBV)

Bank lending to corporates is essential for driving economic growth, enabling businesses to invest, expand, and innovate. Syndicated loans provide companies with access to significant funding while spreading risk among multiple lenders. The Swiss syndicated loan market is unique, with domestic banks, including cantonal and regional banks, actively participating as "asset takers". Their primary focus is on placing liquidity and diversifying loan portfolios, which traditionally emphasize real estate and regional lending. In contrast, international banks focus on the large-cap segment and often pursue cross-selling opportunities alongside lending. They are more selective and demanding, acting opportunistically if side business targets are unmet. This mix of domestic and international players creates a competitive and unique lending environment for corporates in Switzerland.

Objectives

This Master Class is designed for banking professionals seeking a comprehensive understanding of corporate loan syndication, with an emphasis on current market trends and evolving practices in syndicated finance. The session offers practical insights into managing syndicated lending effectively, with a focus on the latest market dynamics and lending structures. Specific objectives include understanding the differences between bilateral and syndicated loans; exploring the different forms of syndication including club deals, underwriting, and best-efforts syndications, and their relevance in various market contexts; understanding the syndication process, from the initial borrower discussions to fund disbursement, with a step-by-step breakdown of key stages and stakeholder involvement; negotiating conditions and terms, providing insights into the key financial and legal terms, such as pricing, covenants, security packages, and repayment structures, and how these are tailored to meet the needs of both borrowers and lenders. Overall, the Master Class will provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of syndicated lending, providing them with a deep understanding of corporate loans in today’s competitive market.

SFI Master Class Features and Target Audience

SFI Master Classes offer seasoned banking and finance professionals a unique opportunity to exchange knowledge and share their professional views with top-level academics and industry experts in an interactive learning environment. Master Classes incorporate hands-on group work and opportunities for discussion. An on-site networking event will follow this Master Class.

This Master Class is designed for professionals in the financial industry who want to expand their expertise and enhance their understanding of corporate lending. It is particularly beneficial for professionals interested in the transactional aspects of corporate banking, offering valuable insights into the key challenges of structuring debt and syndicating loans in the market.

SAQ Recertification

This SFI Master Class is an acknowledged SAQ recertification measure and comprises four learning hours for the following SAQ profiles: 

• Wealth Management Advisor CWMA
• Advisor Affluent Clients
• Certified Corporate Banker CCoB
• Advisor SME Clients

This SFI Master Class covers the aspect "industry knowledge."