Students

ECFS886 – Debt Capital Markets

2015 – AFC Term 3 MB

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor / Lecturer
James Waddell
Contact via Email
Lecturer
Michael Malone
Contact via Email
Lecturer
Andrew Palmer
Contact via Email
Credit points Credit points
2
Prerequisites Prerequisites
(Admission to MAppFin or PGCertAppFin or GradDipAppFin) and (AFCP801 or ECFS865) and ECFS867
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit applies the principles outlined ECFS865 and ECFS867 to the process of debt capital raising in Australian, US and Asian markets. The unit aims to provide the student with a perspective on the development of debt capital markets, a theoretical understanding of the issues and a sense of the practical aspects and mechanics of executing a debt capital market transaction. This unit covers all short and term debt markets, securitisation and credit derivatives.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • Explain the different debt markets in Australia, USA, Europe and Asia, including key players, issues and trends.
  • Compare the major types of debt capital transactions, including short and long term debt, securitization and credit derivatives.
  • Analyse a company’s requirements and determine appropriate debt capital markets funding options in light of internal (including issuer’s motivation) and external (including current market conditions) considerations.
  • Describe all major types of debt capital transactions covered in the Unit, by demonstrating an understanding of all related requirements including rating agency process, legal documentation, pricing and settlement mechanisms and post issue risk management.
  • Describe the process of securitization and explain its use in a contemporary context.
  • Describe a credit derivative and explain the various uses of this instrument.

General Assessment Information

To pass this unit (requires a Standardised Numerical Grade of 50 or better) the student must pass the final examination.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Due
Class Participation 15% Ongoing
Assignment 25% Refer to iLearn
Final Exam 60% Refer to Timetable

Class Participation

Due: Ongoing
Weighting: 15%

Summary of Assessment Task

Individual / Group: Individual / Group

Due Date: Class participation only

Grading Method: Refer to 'Standards Required to Complete the Unit Satisfactorily' section

Submission Method: In class

Duration: 20 hours

Extension Requests: 

  • No extensions are permitted.
  • Late submission will result in zero marks, unless special consideration is approved by the Director of Studies under the University’s Disruption to Studies Policy.

On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Analyse a company’s requirements and determine appropriate debt capital markets funding options in light of internal (including issuer’s motivation) and external (including current market conditions) considerations.

Assignment

Due: Refer to iLearn
Weighting: 25%

Summary of Assessment Task

Individual / Group: Individual

Due Date: Refer to the Unit's iLearn site

Grading Method: Refer to 'Standards Required to Complete the Unit Satisfactorily' section

Submission Method: Online via Turnitin on the Unit's iLearn site

Duration: Refer to Assignment Coversheet

Extension Requests: 

  • If you have extenuating circumstances that prevent you from submitting your assignment by the due date, please make arrangements with your Lecturer prior to the due date.
  • Unless prior arrangements have been made, any late submission of assignments will automatically be penalised. In the absence of special circumstances, the penalty will be 10% of the available marks for the assessment for each business day (or part thereof) they are late.

Other Information: 

  • Assignment requires the Student to show an understanding of the key capital raising alternatives in relation to practical examples.
  • Both standard corporate and securitised structures will be covered.
  • Assignment is included in the Unit notes and further details will be provided on the first lecture.

On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Explain the different debt markets in Australia, USA, Europe and Asia, including key players, issues and trends.
  • Compare the major types of debt capital transactions, including short and long term debt, securitization and credit derivatives.
  • Analyse a company’s requirements and determine appropriate debt capital markets funding options in light of internal (including issuer’s motivation) and external (including current market conditions) considerations.
  • Describe all major types of debt capital transactions covered in the Unit, by demonstrating an understanding of all related requirements including rating agency process, legal documentation, pricing and settlement mechanisms and post issue risk management.
  • Describe the process of securitization and explain its use in a contemporary context.

Final Exam

Due: Refer to Timetable
Weighting: 60%

Summary of Assessment Task

Individual / Group: Individual

Due Date: Refer to Timetable. Assessments: Different Class Groups have different deadlines. Students should find the timetable and dates relevant to their group at www.mafc.mq.edu.au

Grading Method: Refer to 'Standards Required to Complete the Unit Satisfactorily' section

Submission Method: As per MAFC Program Rules & Procedures at www.mafc.mq.edu.au

Duration: 2 hours plus 10 minutes reading time

Examination Conditions: 

  • All examinations are closed book. However a study sheet, prepared by the Student (typically one double-sided A4 page), where the Student can summarise their notes, is permitted. This piece of paper will be handed in with the exam. The exact form will be advised by the Lecturer prior to the Exam.
  • Exam times and locations are noted in the unit timetable at www.mafc.mq.edu.au.
  • Refer to MAFC Program Rules & Procedures at www.mafc.mq.edu.au.

Extension Requests: 

  • You are expected to present yourself for examination at the time and place designated in the relevant MAFC Timetable at www.mafc.mq.edu.au.
  • Deferral of an examination is not permitted, unless special consideration has been approved by the Director of Studies under the University’s Disruption to Studies Policy.
  • Refer to MAFC Program Rules & Procedures at www.mafc.mq.edu.au for information on the University’s Disruption to Studies Policy or non-attendance at an examination.

On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Explain the different debt markets in Australia, USA, Europe and Asia, including key players, issues and trends.
  • Compare the major types of debt capital transactions, including short and long term debt, securitization and credit derivatives.
  • Analyse a company’s requirements and determine appropriate debt capital markets funding options in light of internal (including issuer’s motivation) and external (including current market conditions) considerations.
  • Describe all major types of debt capital transactions covered in the Unit, by demonstrating an understanding of all related requirements including rating agency process, legal documentation, pricing and settlement mechanisms and post issue risk management.
  • Describe the process of securitization and explain its use in a contemporary context.
  • Describe a credit derivative and explain the various uses of this instrument.

Delivery and Resources

CLASSES

Face-to-Face Teaching: Generally 20 hours

Timetable: Detailed timetable for classes are on the Centre’s web site www.mafc.mq.edu.au

Consultation Times: Students who wish to contact any of the teaching staff may do so through individual consultation with the lecturer by email in the first instance, if necessary.

REQUIRED AND RECOMMENDED TEXTS AND/OR MATERIALS

Text: Nil

Additional Readings: 

  • Additional readings and case study materials are included in the notes. 
  • Students should assume these readings are examinable unless otherwise advised.

Lecture Notes: Available in printed form and electronically via iLearn. 

Pre-Unit Materials: Information papers on statistics, regression, accounting and other material may be found at http://www.mafc.mq.edu.au/applications/minimum-knowledge-requirement/pre-course-materials1/. Students should work through this material prior to commencing the degree.  The material will remain a useful reference as students progress through the program.

Useful References: The handbook of Fixed Income Securities. Frank Fabozzi.

Assumed Knowledge: Students should look at the Web link below to obtain notes on the minimum mathematical and statistical knowledge required to undertake the Master of Applied Finance degree: http://www.mafc.mq.edu.au/applications/minimum-knowledge-requirement/pre-course-materials1/

Assumed Access: Access to a computer with word processing and spreadsheet capability is assumed, as is general student computer literacy.

TECHNOLOGY USED AND REQUIRED

Unit iLearn Site: 

  • Found by logging on to iLearn ilearn.mq.edu.au, then clicking on Debt Capital Markets.
  • This is where you will find forums, downloadable resources and links to important pages. 

Important Notice: 

  • It is important that you familiarize yourself with the Unit’s iLearn site. 
  • Students should check the Unit’s iLearn site regularly (minimum twice a week and prior to all lectures) and look for updates and distribution of materials (including case studies) related to the unit or assessments and, if relevant, participate in forum discussions. 

 

Unit Schedule

TOPIC 1: OVERVIEW AND OBJECTIVES OF THE COURSE

Topics: 

  • Definitions and Scope of the Debt Capital Markets
  • Types of Debt Instrument
  • Concept of Intermediation
  • Capital Markets and their interaction with traditional banking markets

TOPIC 2: DEVELOPMENTAL HISTORY OF DEBT CAPITAL MARKETS

Topics: 

  • History of Debt Capital Markets and Australian Finance
  • Financial Deregulation in the 1980s

TOPIC 3: DETAILED ELEMENTS WITH DEBT SECURITIES MARKETS

 

Topics:

  • The role of Agents and parties to a transaction
  •  Credit Rating Agencies and Credit Ratings
  • Bringing a Bond or debt security to market and the steps required
  • The concept of security interests and covenants
  • Derivatives used to hedge and manage the issuance of debt securities

TOPIC 4: DEBT SECURITIES IN DEPTH - PART 1

Topics: 

  • Short term debt securities
  • Medium term Debt securities

TOPIC 5: DEBT SECURITIES IN DEPTH – PART 2 SECURED DEBT INSTRUMENTS

Topics:

 

  • Conduits and Asset Backed Commercial Paper
  • Concept of Residential Mortgage Backed Securitisation
  • Covered Bonds in detail
  • Credit Default Swaps and how they interact with debt capital
  • Credit indexes and other credit derivatives
  • Case Studies Credit Derivatives and the GFC

TOPIC 6. PRICING SIGNALS AND HEDGING INSTRUMENTS FOR DEBT OBLIGATIONS

Topics:

  • Risk free yield curves, Credit Spreads and the Derivation of risk neutral credit spreads using probability of default methodology

 

 

Learning and Teaching Activities

Strategy

The Master of Applied Finance degree adopts a deep teaching and learning strategy, in which Students acquire and retain knowledge and also are able to make sense of the issues and concepts and apply them in the “real world”. The degree relies heavily on student engagement and participation by: (a) Continuous learning throughout the semester. This is encouraged through a combination of students undertaking prescribed reading throughout the units and / or completion of practice problems, case studies, assignments, class presentations etc and interaction via forums in the unit’s iLearn site; and (b) Assessments, which enable the student to demonstrate his / her understanding of the learning objectives achieved through the continuous learning.

Student Participation

Students participate in this unit by: (a) Attending lectures and participating in class discussion; (b) Before each class, completing the recommended readings of notes and text, and working systematically through suggested problem sets; (c) Interacting on the unit’s iLearn site; and (d) Completing all assessment tasks and exams. On average the unit will require students to complete, for every hour of class time, approximately 3 hours private study.

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html

Assessment Policy  http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html

Grading Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html

Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html

Grievance Management Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grievance_management/policy.html

Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.

In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/

Results

Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.

Students should also consult the MAFC Program Rules & Procedures found at http://www.mafc.mq.edu.au

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student enquiry service (MAFC-specific)

For all student enquires, please contact studentsupport@mafc.mq.edu.au

 

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (http://www.students.mq.edu.au/support/learning_skills/) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

  • Workshops
  • StudyWise
  • Academic Integrity Module for Students
  • Ask a Learning Adviser

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative

Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Explain the different debt markets in Australia, USA, Europe and Asia, including key players, issues and trends.
  • Compare the major types of debt capital transactions, including short and long term debt, securitization and credit derivatives.
  • Analyse a company’s requirements and determine appropriate debt capital markets funding options in light of internal (including issuer’s motivation) and external (including current market conditions) considerations.
  • Describe all major types of debt capital transactions covered in the Unit, by demonstrating an understanding of all related requirements including rating agency process, legal documentation, pricing and settlement mechanisms and post issue risk management.
  • Describe the process of securitization and explain its use in a contemporary context.
  • Describe a credit derivative and explain the various uses of this instrument.

Assessment tasks

  • Class Participation
  • Assignment
  • Final Exam

PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Explain the different debt markets in Australia, USA, Europe and Asia, including key players, issues and trends.
  • Compare the major types of debt capital transactions, including short and long term debt, securitization and credit derivatives.
  • Analyse a company’s requirements and determine appropriate debt capital markets funding options in light of internal (including issuer’s motivation) and external (including current market conditions) considerations.
  • Describe all major types of debt capital transactions covered in the Unit, by demonstrating an understanding of all related requirements including rating agency process, legal documentation, pricing and settlement mechanisms and post issue risk management.
  • Describe the process of securitization and explain its use in a contemporary context.
  • Describe a credit derivative and explain the various uses of this instrument.

Assessment tasks

  • Class Participation
  • Assignment
  • Final Exam

PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability

Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Explain the different debt markets in Australia, USA, Europe and Asia, including key players, issues and trends.
  • Compare the major types of debt capital transactions, including short and long term debt, securitization and credit derivatives.
  • Analyse a company’s requirements and determine appropriate debt capital markets funding options in light of internal (including issuer’s motivation) and external (including current market conditions) considerations.
  • Describe all major types of debt capital transactions covered in the Unit, by demonstrating an understanding of all related requirements including rating agency process, legal documentation, pricing and settlement mechanisms and post issue risk management.
  • Describe the process of securitization and explain its use in a contemporary context.
  • Describe a credit derivative and explain the various uses of this instrument.

Assessment tasks

  • Class Participation
  • Assignment
  • Final Exam

PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens

Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Explain the different debt markets in Australia, USA, Europe and Asia, including key players, issues and trends.
  • Compare the major types of debt capital transactions, including short and long term debt, securitization and credit derivatives.
  • Analyse a company’s requirements and determine appropriate debt capital markets funding options in light of internal (including issuer’s motivation) and external (including current market conditions) considerations.
  • Describe all major types of debt capital transactions covered in the Unit, by demonstrating an understanding of all related requirements including rating agency process, legal documentation, pricing and settlement mechanisms and post issue risk management.
  • Describe the process of securitization and explain its use in a contemporary context.
  • Describe a credit derivative and explain the various uses of this instrument.

Assessment tasks

  • Class Participation
  • Assignment
  • Final Exam

Changes from Previous Offering

Important Notice

This Unit Guide may be subject to change. The latest version is on the Centre’s web site www.mafc.mq.edu.au.

Students should read the Unit Guide carefully at the start of semester.  It contains important information about the Unit.  If anything is unclear, please consult one of the unit lecturers.  

Standards Required to Complete the Unit Satisfactorily

University Policy on Grading:

  • Macquarie University’s Academic Senate has established a Grading Policy available at http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html. Your final result will include: 
    • A grade ranging from Fail to High Distinction; and
    • A Standardised Numerical Grade (SNG). A SNG is not a summation of the individual assessment components, but is allocated on the basis of the performance in all assessment items, providing the examination component is passed.
  • It is important to note:
    • The Policy does not require that a minimum or maximum number of students are to be failed in any unit; 
    • Grades will not be allocated to fit a predetermined distribution; and
    • The process of allocating SNGs does not change the rank order of marks among students who pass the unit. 

Specific Unit Grading: 

  • To pass this unit (requires a Standardised Numerical Grade of 50 or better) the student must pass the final examination.
  • All final grades in the Applied Finance Centre are determined by a grading committee and are not the sole responsibility of the unit convenor.
  • The core criteria used to assess student work in this unit are: 
    • Knowledge and understanding: Understanding key ideas, knowledge and use of concepts.
    • Application: Ability to apply theoretical ideas and frameworks in practice and in a critically reflective way. 
    • Reasoning and analysis: Ability to analyse, use critical reasoning and principles to formulate a position, balancing theory and personal reflection. 
    • Professional literacy and research: Understanding of professional factors (language and landscape) and ability to undertake appropriate research. 
    • Communication and presentation: Ability to communicate and present effectively (written and oral, as relevant).
    • Use of mathematical and statistical ideas: Ability to use mathematical and statistical ideas, methods and formulae appropriately. 
  • Performance in relation to each of these criteria are assessed against the University’s grading descriptors:
Grade Expectation
High Distinction Provides consistent evidence of deep and critical understanding in relation to the learning outcomes. There is substantial originality and insight in identifying, generating and communicating competing arguments, perspectives or problem solving approaches; critical evaluation of problems, their solutions and their implications; creativity in application as appropriate to the discipline.
Distinction Provides evidence of integration and evaluation of critical ideas, principles and theories, distinctive insight and ability in applying relevant skills and concepts in relation to learning outcomes. There is demonstration of frequent originality in defining and analysing issues or problems and providing solutions; and the use of means of communication appropriate to the discipline and the audience.
Credit Provides evidence of learning that goes beyond replication of content knowledge or skills relevant to the learning outcomes. There is demonstration of substantial understanding of fundamental concepts in the field of study and the ability to apply these concepts in a variety of contexts; convincing argumentation with appropriate coherent justification; communication of ideas fluently and clearly in terms of the conventions of the discipline.
Pass Provides sufficient evidence of the achievement of learning outcomes. There is demonstration of understanding and application of fundamental concepts of the field of study; routine argumentation with acceptable justification; communication of information and ideas adequately in terms of the conventions of the discipline. The learning attainment is considered satisfactory or adequate or competent or capable in relation to the specified outcomes.
Fail Does not provide evidence of attainment of learning outcomes. There is missing or partial or superficial or faulty understanding and application of the fundamental concepts in the field of study; missing, undeveloped, inappropriate or confusing argumentation; incomplete, confusing or lacking communication of ideas in ways that give little attention to the conventions of the discipline.

Review of Grade and final examination Script viewing:

  • A student who has been awarded a final grade for a unit and who does not believe it is an accurate reflection of their performance, and has grounds for such a claim and can demonstrate those grounds, may apply to have their grade reviewed. 
  • For information on requesting a review of grade and/or viewing your final exam script, please refer to the University’s Grade Appeal Policy at http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html and MAFC Program Rules & Procedures at http://www.mafc.mq.edu.au