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) |
|---|---|---|
| 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:
- Build and audit Excel-based financial models for project finance structures
- Apply key valuation metrics (NPV, IRR, DSCR, LLCR) to assess financial viability
- Analyze cash flow waterfalls and risk allocation in infrastructure deals
- Structure optimal financing solutions including senior debt, mezzanine, and equity
- Understand key terms in loan agreements and financial covenants
- Perform sensitivity and scenario analysis for project risks and stress testing
Key Benefits of Attending
- Learn from expert practitioners with decades of project finance experience
- Apply advanced Excel modelling skills to real-world infrastructure deals
- Gain a toolkit of templates, ratio calculators, and scenario models
- Prepare for negotiations with banks, investors, and government agencies
- 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:
- Advanced Excel modelling and formula structuring
- Financial forecasting and feasibility analysis
- Analytical thinking for risk and scenario assessments
- Decision-making in high-value infrastructure finance
- Cross-functional coordination and communication with stakeholders
Organization Benefits
By attending this program, organizations will benefit through:
- Improved financial decision-making in capital projects
- More reliable and transparent project assessments
- Stronger governance and risk evaluation processes
- Better stakeholder alignment through clear financial communication
- 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.