Introduction to Stressed and Distressed Investing

‍Why This Course Matters

Distressed assets present both significant risks and high potential rewards, but navigating them requires a deep understanding of debt structures, creditor priorities, and applicable legal frameworks. Professionals must be able to identify early signs of financial distress, evaluate maturing debt options, and structure interventions that protect value while complying with U.S. and European legal systems. This course provides the practical knowledge and technical vocabulary essential to avoid common pitfalls, maximize recoveries, and confidently manage distressed situations.

Course Overview

The program is divided into 24 lessons that cover the full spectrum of distressed asset analysis and corporate restructuring. Participants begin with foundational principles, learning the causes and indicators of financial distress and exploring different types of subordination and debt structures. The course then examines the mechanics of maturing debt, the zone of insolvency, and the interplay between creditor rights and debtor obligations.

Learners will gain a practical understanding of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and relevant European legal systems, applying valuation methods such as the multiple approach and discounted cash flow (DCF) approach. Real-world case studies and concrete examples guide participants through the step-by-step process of analyzing distressed situations, from initial assessment to strategic decision-making.

What You Will Take Away

By the end of the course, participants will be able to identify and assess the causes of corporate distress, analyze complex debt and subordination structures, and evaluate maturing debt options within the framework of U.S. and European law. They will be equipped to apply practical valuation techniques, navigate insolvency zones, and structure interventions that maximize recoveries. Additionally, learners will acquire the specialized terminology and technical knowledge necessary to avoid common pitfalls, manage distressed assets effectively, and capitalize on opportunities in the leveraged finance market.

Who the Course Is For

This course is suitable for financial professionals, legal practitioners, analysts, and investors who engage with distressed debt or corporate restructuring. It is ideal for junior to senior-level practitioners seeking to develop both foundational understanding and practical skills for analyzing distressed situations, managing risk, and making informed investment decisions in complex, high-stakes environments.