On this episode of CFI Member Spotlight on FinPod, we are thrilled to host Alexandra McLaren, a Manager at EY Parthenon specializing in M&A transaction diligence and business valuations. Alex’s background is truly unique, combining a rare dual qualification as a Chartered Accountant (CA) and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of Stellenbosch,…
What Is Private Equity? Private equity is an investment approach where private equity firms use capital from investors and debt financing to buy companies, improve their performance, and sell them later for a profit. Private equity involves active ownership in private or delisted public companies and aims to generate higher returns through operational and financial…
When a Fortune 100 company buys another for tens of billions, how does the finance team actually structure the payment? It’s the central strategic decision that determines a company’s risk, flexibility, and future. In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained on FinPod, we break down the complex toolkit used for mega M&A Financing, providing a…
Careers in Commercial Lending A career in commercial lending involves helping businesses secure financing to fund operations, expansion, and long-term investments. Professionals in this field evaluate credit risk, structure business loans, and manage client relationships for banks, credit unions, and private lenders. Commercial lending plays a vital role in business growth. When a company needs…
Technical skills are essential, but if you can’t communicate your financial insights clearly and confidently, they have zero impact. This new course, Communication and Presentation Skills for Finance Professionals, is designed to bridge that gap. Join us as we discuss why these “soft skills” are actually your biggest career accelerator in finance, often setting the…
What Is Private Credit? Private credit is debt financing provided by non-bank lenders directly to companies or projects through privately negotiated agreements. These loans are not issued or traded on public markets. Private credit gives businesses access to tailored funding solutions and helps fill the gap left by traditional bank lending. Private credit has expanded…
Financial ratios are the essential shorthand analysts use to distill massive financial statements into actionable insights. In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained on FinPod, we go beyond academic definitions to explore how ratios reveal a company’s true story, measuring performance, efficiency, and existential risk. We examine four pillars of analysis and use contrasting examples,…
Earning the CFP® designation shows clients you’re serious about professional standards. Keeping it, however, means committing to a challenging set of CFP® continuing education requirements. Those hours prove you’re current, ethical, and worthy of client trust. In the sections ahead, we’ll outline exactly what the CFP Board requires, how CE credits work, and how to…
If you’re in corporate finance, you need to understand the true influence of Hedge Funds. They are not just market speculators; they are powerful, concentrated stakeholders whose specific demands can change a company’s financial destiny overnight, forcing massive share buybacks, debt reduction, or strategic divestitures. In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained on FinPod, we…
What Excel Skills Are Most in Demand? Employers look for Excel skills that demonstrate efficiency, analytical capability, and clear communication. The most valued skills include building professional workbooks, using keyboard shortcuts, applying statistical functions, creating PivotTables, and visualizing data through charts and dashboards. 1. Building Professional Workbooks Employers value professional workbooks because they’re auditable, shareable,…
