Is debt IR really that different from working in equity investor relations? While there are some key differences that make up a debt IROs typical role, there are more similarities than you might expect. 

Debt and Equity IROs Are On the Same Team (With Different Audiences)  

In this episode, we welcomed Angela Catlin, previously the Head of Investor Relations, Corporate Affairs and Brand at The Co-operative Bank and currently Chair of the Debt IR Steering Group of the Investor Relations Society. Joining her is Equitory’s Matt Lee, our Director of Investor Relations, to give his perspective on debt IR.   

Both have experience in equity and debt IR and share their thoughts on the key differences, how to manage relationships with rating agencies, and why an always-on approach is the best IR strategy. You’ll also hear about what an equity IRO would need to do to adapt to debt IR, and how measuring success on the debt side is typically easier.  

In This Episode 

• How Angela and Matt chose IR as a career plus background on previous roles 
• How IR has changed when supporting debt investors  
• The goals of a debt IR programme and how this compares to equity IR 
• The benefits of having dedicated IR capacity and consistent investor communication  
• Best practices for communication with bond holders  
• Tips for managing a crisis as an IRO 
• Why equity and debt IR need to be on the same team  
• How Equitory supports clients with debt IR 
• What it’s like working with rating agencies  
• Measuring success in debt IR 
• Advice for anyone thinking of a career in debt IR 

Quotes: 

• "I think this is one of the real benefits of debt IR in many ways is the measurability of your efforts because working on the equity side can sometimes be pretty tough to quantify.” Matt 

• “Be always on, always engaging, keeping that communication going. And I think that's where having the dedicated IR professional can be really helpful.” Angela 

• “IR does need to be well aware of everything that's happening in the business so that they can manage what they can and can't say to the market and the right way of saying things.” - Angela 

Resources: 

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