TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Getting Started with DealStudio
- DealStudio Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started with DealStudio
What is DealStudio?
DealStudio is a structuring tool that allows you to efficiently build and test transaction structures prior to close. Whether you're modeling a public securitization or a private credit facility, DealStudio provides the flexibility to define complex waterfalls, run cashflow scenarios, and iterate on deal structures.
Key Capabilities
| Capability | Description |
|---|---|
| Configurable Deal Templates | Start from pre-defined templates or load existing deals as starting points |
| Flexible Collateral Selection | Build replines, upload loan tapes, or connect to existing dv01 datasets (coming soon) |
| Waterfall Builder | Define tranches, fees, accounts, and priority of payments |
| Payment Rules Engine | Configure sequential or pro-rata distributions with conditions and triggers |
| Dynamic Cashflow Modeling | Run multiple scenarios with custom prepayment, default, and loss assumptions |
Supported Asset Classes
- Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities (RMBS)
- Asset-Backed Securities (ABS)
- Private credit transactions
- Home efficiency / Solar
- Consumer loans
- Auto loans
- Student loans
Accessing DealStudio
Access DealStudio at: https://structuring-tool.dv01app.com/dashboard
DealStudio uses the same authentication as other dv01 products. Log in with your dv01 credentials.
Interface Overview
DealStudio is organized into logical sections that mirror the deal structuring workflow:
Structure Tab
This is where you define the mechanics of your deal:
- Tranches - Bond classes with their coupons, balances, and characteristics
- Fees - Servicing fees, trustee fees, and other periodic costs
- Accounts - Collection accounts, reserve accounts, and other cash repositories
- Priority of Payments - The waterfall logic that governs cash distribution
Collateral Tab
Define the underlying loan pool:
- Replines - Simplified loan groupings with aggregated characteristics
- Tape Upload - Upload loan-level data via Tape Cracker
- dv01 Datasets - Connect to portfolios or securitizations already on dv01
Cashflows Tab
Run and analyze cashflow projections:
- Scenarios - Define prepayment, default, and loss assumptions
- Run Cashflows - Execute the model and generate projections
- Results - View graphs, tables, and download outputs
Your First Deal: A Step-by-Step Walkthrough
Let's walk through loading a template deal and running your first cashflow projection.
Step 1: Load a Template
- Click Load in the top navigation
- Select a template from the available options:
- dv01 Templates - Pre-configured deal structures for common transaction types
- Your Organization's Deals - Previously saved deals from your team
- Load from OM - Import structure from an offering memorandum (if available)
- For this walkthrough, select a sequential pay template (e.g., "Sequential Pay - Consumer ABS")
Step 2: Review the Structure
Once loaded, explore each section of the Structure tab:
Tranches
Click on any tranche to view its details:
- Name - Tranche identifier (e.g., "A", "B", "C")
- Original Balance - Starting principal amount
- Coupon - Interest rate (fixed or formula-based)
- Coupon Type - Fixed, floating (SOFR+spread), or WAC-based
Fees
Review the fee structure:
- Fee Name - Identifier for the fee
- Basis Type - How the fee is calculated (fixed, per loan, on balance, etc.)
- Amount - Dollar amount or percentage
- Frequency - How often the fee is paid (monthly = 12, quarterly = 4)
Step 3: Review the Collateral
Switch to the Collateral tab to see the underlying pool. For replines, each row represents a group of loans with shared characteristics:
- Balance - Total principal balance
- WAC - Weighted average coupon
- WAM - Weighted average maturity (months)
- Count - Number of loans
Step 4: Configure a Cashflow Scenario
Switch to the Cashflows tab:
- Click Add Scenario or select an existing scenario
- Configure your assumptions:
| Assumption | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Prepay Rate | Expected voluntary prepayments | 10% CPR |
| Default Rate | Expected loan defaults | 2% CDR |
| Loss Severity | Loss given default | 40% |
| Recovery Lag | Months until recovery | 12 months |
Step 5: Run Cashflows
- Click Run Cashflow
- Wait for the calculation to complete (typically a few seconds)
- Review the results:
- Graph View - Visual representation of balances and cash flows over time
- Results Table - Period-by-period detail
- Download - Export results in Excel, CSV, or JSON formats
Key Concepts Quick Reference
Payment Rule Styles
| Style | Behavior |
|---|---|
| Sequential | Pay destinations in order until each is satisfied |
| Pro Rata | Split payments proportionally based on balances |
Common Formula Syntax
Reference deal components in formulas:
tranche[A].balance- Current balance of Tranche Acollateral[ALL].endingBalance- Total collateral balance at period endfee[Servicing].amount- Servicing fee amountaccount[Reserve].balance- Reserve account balance
Getting Help
In-App Help
- Click the ? icon next to any field for contextual help
- Review tooltips for field definitions and examples
Support Resources
- Support Email: support@dv01.co
- Account Manager: Contact your dv01 representative for hands-on assistance
Common Issues
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Cashflow won't run | Check for validation errors in the Structure tab |
| Results don't match expectations | Verify collateral inputs and scenario assumptions |
| Can't access a feature | Contact your account manager to verify permissions |
DealStudio Frequently Asked Questions
This FAQ addresses common questions from DealStudio users. Can't find your answer? Contact support@dv01.co.
Collateral & Data
Can I upload my own loan tape?
Yes. Use the Tape Cracker integration to upload loan-level data:
- In the Collateral tab, select "Upload via Tape Cracker"
- Map your columns to dv01's standard fields
- Validate and import
What's the difference between replines and loan tapes?
| Method | Best For | Detail Level |
|---|---|---|
| Replines | Quick modeling, early-stage structuring | Aggregated loan groups |
| Loan Tapes | Detailed analysis, final structures | Loan-level data |
Replines are faster to set up and run. Loan tapes provide granular accuracy but may require more setup.
What asset classes does DealStudio support?
DealStudio is asset-class agnostic and supports:
- RMBS (Non-QM, Prime, etc.)
- Consumer ABS (Personal loans, credit cards)
- Auto ABS
- Student loans
- Home efficiency / Solar
- Equipment leases
- Private credit facilities
Structure & Waterfall
How do I model Risk Retention / Retained Interest?
DealStudio supports Volcker-compliant risk retention structures. To model a 5% retained interest:
- Create a Retained Interest Account in the Accounts section
- Add a Balance Change rulein Priority of Payments:
- Type: Write To
- Target: Retained Interest
- Amount:
5% * collateral[ALL].endingBalance
- Add Payment Rules to distribute from the Retained Interest account to the appropriate tranche
See the sample deal "Retained_Interest Demo" (Load > dv01 Internal) for a working example.
What's the difference between Sequential and Pro Rata payment styles?
| Style | Behavior | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Sequential | Pay each destination in order until fully satisfied, then move to the next | Senior/subordinate structures |
| Pro Rata | Split payments proportionally based on current balances | Pari passu tranches |
How do I set up a clean-up call (optional redemption)?
Add a Condition with the typical 10% clean-up threshold:
collateral[ALL].endingBalance <= 10% * collateral[ALL].originalBalanceThen reference this condition in your payment rules to trigger redemption behavior.
Can I model a step-up coupon?
Yes. Use a time-based condition in your coupon formula or payment rules. Example for a coupon that steps up after 24 months:
IF(period > 24, 0.055, 0.045)Or use date-based triggers:
coupon > [2025-06-01: 0.045, 2027-06-01: 0.055]How do I copy rules from another deal?
- Load the source deal
- Navigate to Priority of Payments
- Click Copy to Clipboard to export the JSON structure
- Create or load your target deal
- Paste the JSON to import the rules
Note: You may need to adjust tranche/account names to match your new deal.
Cashflow Scenarios
What prepayment units are supported?
| Unit | Description | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| CPR | Conditional Prepayment Rate (annualized) | Most common |
| SMM | Single Monthly Mortality | Monthly prepay rate |
| ABS | Absolute Prepayment Speed | Consumer ABS convention |
| MPR | Monthly Payment Rate | Credit cards, revolving |
What default/charge-off units are supported?
| Unit | Description | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| CDR | Conditional Default Rate (annualized) | Most common |
| MDR | Single Monthly Mortality | Monthly default rate |
| ABS | Absolute Default Speed | Often front loaded |
| CGL/CNL | Cumulative Gross/Net Loss | Rating agencies |
What's the difference between CPR and MPR?
- CPR (Conditional Prepayment Rate) measures voluntary prepayments of principal only
- MPR (Monthly Payment Rate) measures total payments including both principal and interest, commonly used for credit card and revolving structures
Where do the loss curves come from?
You have full control over loss assumptions. Curves can be:
- Your own forecasts - Enter custom prepay, default, and loss curves based on your internal models
- Rating agency assumptions - Input curves provided by Fitch, Moody's, S&P, or DBRS
- Historical performance - Use dv01's curve creator to derive assumptions from historical loan performance
DealStudio does not auto-generate loss curves—you define the assumptions that make sense for your analysis.
Results & Output
How do I download cashflow results?
After running a cashflow:
- Click the Download button
- Select your format:
- Excel - Full waterfall with period-by-period detail
- CSV - Raw data export
- JSON - Structure configuration
Troubleshooting
My cashflow won't run. What should I check?
- Validation errors - Look for red highlights in the Structure tab
- Missing collateral - Ensure at least one repline or tape is defined
- Circular references - Check that payment rules don't create loops
- Invalid formulas - Verify all formula syntax is correct
Why is my tranche not paying down?
Check:
- Payment rules - Is there a rule directing principal to this tranche?
- Conditions - Is the rule blocked by a failed condition?
- Priority - Is available cash being consumed by higher-priority items?
- Balance - Does the tranche have remaining balance?
How do I report a bug or request a feature?
Contact your dv01 account manager or email support@dv01.co with:
- Description of the issue or request
- Steps to reproduce (for bugs)
- Deal name or screenshot (if applicable)
Security & Compliance
Is DealStudio SOC 2 compliant?
Yes. DealStudio is SOC 2 Type 2 certified, meeting enterprise security standards for data protection, availability, and confidentiality.
Who can see my deals?
Deals are scoped to your organization. Only users within your dv01 organization can view and edit your saved deals. dv01 support may access deals for troubleshooting with your permission.
Integration
Can DealStudio connect to our other dv01 products?
Yes. DealStudio integrates with:
- Tape Cracker - Import loan tapes for collateral
- Curve Creator - Derive prepay/default assumptions from historical data
Can I export my structure to share with rating agencies?
Yes. Use Copy to Clipboard to export your structure as JSON. This can be shared with rating agencies, bankers, or other counterparties. dv01 can also assist with generating documentation formats as needed.
Last Updated: January 2026
Questions not answered here? Contact support@dv01.co