The Light Brigade works with a variety of organizations seeking assistance in the identification, quantification, and mitigation of corporate credit risk exposures.

We provide unique expertise to risk managers, policy makers, and regulators, assisting them in selection of specialized vendors for both off-the-shelf and custom-built default probability, loss given default, and economic capital models. Decision makers we often work with include:

• Chief Risk Officers
• Chief Credit Officers
• Chief Financial Officers
• Treasurers
• Business leaders
• Policy makers and regulators charged with formulating new or revised laws applicable to financial intermediaries

Our typical process applies to most services, although it may vary depending on the needs and circumstances of clients.

The services described below are primarily relevant to Corporations (both financial and non-financial). Please click on this link for services specific to Regulatory (government) agencies.

Our most commonly utilized services include:

1. Vendor selection support
2. Addressing the "buy versus build" decision
3. Assisting with the "retain versus switch provider" decision
4. Basic credit education

Click here for a list of typical client needs.

Why credit solutions are needed and the challenges and concerns our clients often face.

Typical Process

1. Complimentary discussion(s) are used to determine interest in engagement
2. A mutual confidentiality (non-disclosure) agreement is signed
3. More specific information is shared by both parties, further pinpointing issues requiring remedy
4. Agreement is reached on scope of assignment and fee structure
5. Engagement letter is signed
6. Advisory work commences, in collaboration with client team
7. Final recommendations are made to client team and senior sponsors within client organization

In all cases we highly recommend that the client assign a committed team in order to maximize the opportunity for knowledge transfer. This allows the client to be more self-sufficient post-engagement.

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Sample Services

Below are some of the typical services we provide. In addition to this list, we stand ready to assist with any service that meets the spirit of our mission. For each service, a typical sequence of steps is described, although in practice, the actual steps and their sequence may vary depending on specific project requirements. Most services take into account some subset of key questions and issues.

1. Vendor selection support

1. Review client's existing solutions
2. Compare existing capabilities to client's desired outcome
3. Identify gaps
4. Identify potential providers capable of addressing client needs
5. Develop request(s) for proposal (RFPs), as relevant
6. Examine candidate solutions and solution-providers
7. Create recommended short list of providers
8. Assist in final selection

2. Buy versus build

1. Review client's existing resources and capabilities
2. Compare existing capabilities to client's desired outcome
3. Identify gaps
4. Examine whether client is in position to build internally
5. Examine whether external providers may be in better position to provide desired solution(s)

Additional information available in this article.

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3. Retain versus switch provider

1. Review client's existing (third-party) solutions
2. Compare existing capabilities to client's desired outcome
3. Identify gaps
4. Examine whether other (external) providers may offer superior solutions allowing client to meet more of its needs

Additional information available in this article.

4. Basic credit education

This service provides basic credit education, usually to groups of a dozen or more staff members in the client organization. We may also recommend that client staff enroll in course offerings by third parties, as appropriate.

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