Project finance - introduction

This intensive three day course aims to provide an overall view of the concepts and approach used in structuring and arranging project finance transactions for major infrastructure schemes in the UK and overseas. The course takes participants through risk analysis and risk management techniques, develops a project appraisal methodology, demystifies the language and approach of financiers and transfers an understanding of the drivers, approaches and concerns of the key players involved in creating and financing major projects. No prior knowledge of project finance is assumed.

 This course will be of benefit to those working within, or intending to move into, project development or project finance areas. Previous participants have included engineers, bankers, accountants, lawyers and middle/senior managers in utility companies, commercial banks and law firms.

• An overview of the concepts and approach used in structuring and arranging project finance transactions for major infrastructure schemes in the UK and overseas.
• An understanding of risk analysis and risk management techniques.
• A project appraisal methodology.
• Insight into the drivers, approaches and concerns of the key players involved in creating and financing major projects.

Victor Smith has over 25 years’ experience in capital project and programme development and finance. Victor currently runs a small specialist consultancy working with public agencies, public sponsors, contractors and banks. Formerly he was head of project finance at Sakura Bank and before that at Paribas, after an initial career in construction with John Laing.

• Overview of background factors
• What is project finance?
• Why use project finance structures?
• Lending principles.
• Sources of project finance.
• What can we learn from successful projects?
• Understanding project risks.
• Key areas of project risk.
• Project appraisals.
• Cash flow analysis.
• Commercial documentation.
• Loan documents.
• Security and support documentation.

No prior knowledge of project finance is assumed.

18 CPD hours (where applicable)