FINANCIAL MODELLING – PROJECT FINANCE & INFRASTRUCTURE
Master Excel-Based Financial Models to Evaluate, Structure & Deliver Successful Project Finance Transactions
Course Schedule
Date | Venue | Fees (Face-to-Face) |
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01 – 05 Sep 2025 | Dubai, UAE | USD 3495 per delegate |
07 – 11 Jul 2025 | Singapore | USD 3495 per delegate |
Course Introduction
In today’s infrastructure-driven economies, financial modelling plays a critical role in analyzing the viability, risk, and return of large-scale projects. This intensive 5-day course is designed to give professionals the practical skills and frameworks to build and interpret complex financial models for project finance structures.
Participants will gain hands-on experience in developing cash flow models using Excel, analyzing project risks, structuring debt and equity, and evaluating financial metrics. The training integrates theory with real-life infrastructure case studies, empowering participants to make informed decisions in energy, transport, utilities, and public-private partnerships (PPP/PFI).
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
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Build and audit Excel-based financial models for project finance structures
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Apply key valuation metrics (NPV, IRR, DSCR, LLCR) to assess financial viability
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Analyze cash flow waterfalls and risk allocation in infrastructure deals
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Structure optimal financing solutions including senior debt, mezzanine, and equity
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Understand key terms in loan agreements and financial covenants
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Perform sensitivity and scenario analysis for project risks and stress testing
Key Benefits of Attending
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Learn from expert practitioners with decades of project finance experience
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Apply advanced Excel modelling skills to real-world infrastructure deals
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Gain a toolkit of templates, ratio calculators, and scenario models
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Prepare for negotiations with banks, investors, and government agencies
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Enhance your career in finance, infrastructure, or capital project development
Intended Audience
This program is designed for:
● Project finance professionals
● Financial analysts and modellers
● Investment bankers and advisors
● Infrastructure planners and developers
● PPP/PFI specialists
● Government and multilateral agency staff
● Corporate finance and treasury professionals
Individual Benefits
Participants will strengthen capabilities such as:
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Advanced Excel modelling and formula structuring
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Financial forecasting and feasibility analysis
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Analytical thinking for risk and scenario assessments
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Decision-making in high-value infrastructure finance
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Cross-functional coordination and communication with stakeholders
Organization Benefits
By attending this program, organizations will benefit through:
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Improved financial decision-making in capital projects
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More reliable and transparent project assessments
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Stronger governance and risk evaluation processes
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Better stakeholder alignment through clear financial communication
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Enhanced internal capability to structure and assess PPP and large-scale infrastructure deals
Instructional Methdology
This course follows a blended learning approach combining theory with hands-on practice:
● Strategy Briefings – Frameworks on project finance, investment criteria, and stakeholder roles
● Case Studies – Real-world projects from energy, transport, and PPP sectors
● Workshops – Excel modelling labs on cash flows, debt sizing, and stress testing
● Peer Exchange – Group analysis and troubleshooting sessions
● Tools – Financial templates, sensitivity tables, and project scoring models
Course Outline
DETAILED 5-DAY COURSE OUTLINE
Training Hours: 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Daily Format: 3–4 Learning Modules | Coffee breaks: 09:30 & 11:15 | Lunch Buffet: 01:00 – 02:00
Day 1: Fundamentals of Project Finance & Infrastructure Modelling
Module 1: Project Finance Principles (07:30 – 09:30)
● What is project finance and when is it used
● Stakeholder roles: sponsors, lenders, EPC, O&M, government
● Risk allocation principles and the importance of SPVs
Module 2: Project Lifecycle & Model Logic
● Overview of infrastructure project phases
● Model design and layout strategies
● Data sources, assumptions, and documentation
Module 3: Excel Best Practices & Structuring Inputs
● Dynamic modelling techniques in Excel
● Time-series management and flags
● Input sheets and scenario toggle design
Day 2: Revenue, OPEX & CAPEX Modelling
Module 1: Revenue Forecasting
● Building revenue drivers and pricing models
● Indexation and volume assumptions
● Common pitfalls in revenue modelling
Module 2: Operating and Capital Expenditures
● Building OPEX and CAPEX schedules
● Maintenance reserves and replacement planning
● Escalation assumptions and inflation
Module 3: Financing Assumptions & Debt Structures
● Types of project finance debt and repayment profiles
● Sizing debt using DSCR, LLCR, and gearing
● Grace periods, interest during construction (IDC), and capitalized interest
Day 3: Building the Cash Flow Model
Module 1: Cash Flow Waterfalls
● Priority of payments in project finance
● Pre-tax and post-tax cash flow structures
● Reserve accounts and lock-up mechanisms
Module 2: Financial Ratios & Debt Service Coverage
● Calculating DSCR, LLCR, PLCR, and IRR
● Breakeven analysis and creditworthiness indicators
● Interpreting outputs for investment decision-making
Module 3: Equity Returns & Tax Modelling
● Modelling equity cash flows and IRR
● Tax calculations (corporate, VAT, WHT)
● Loss carryforwards, depreciation, and tax shields
Day 4: Advanced Techniques & Risk Analysis
Module 1: Scenario & Sensitivity Analysis
● Setting up sensitivity tables and switches
● Tornado diagrams and data tables in Excel
● Stress testing revenue, costs, and delays
Module 2: Model Audit & Error Checks
● Error trapping formulas and circularity handling
● Model validation and reconciliation
● Building clear audit trails and version control
Module 3: Case Study Simulation – Real Project Model
● Review of a live project case (e.g., solar plant, toll road)
● Group assignment to replicate cash flows
● Presentation and feedback session
Day 5: Commercial Structuring & Negotiation
Module 1: Term Sheets & Financing Agreements
● Interpreting loan covenants and term sheets
● Understanding key clauses: cross-default, step-in rights
● Practical negotiation techniques with lenders
Module 2: PPP Models and Value for Money Analysis
● PPP risk allocation matrix
● Affordability and bankability assessment
● Government guarantees and contingent liabilities
Module 3: Wrap-Up and Model Enhancement
● Summary of modelling tools and workflows
● Personal action plans for continued development
● Final Q&A and assessment review
Certification
Participants who complete the program will receive a Certificate of Completion in Project Finance Modelling, recognizing their ability to structure, model, and analyze infrastructure deals using internationally recognized practices.