Investing.com - The allure of higher rates, retreating bank lending, and strong fees has attracted a wide range of players to the booming private credit market. Once considered a niche product, it is now seen as essential for many investment firms. However, some experts warn that this fast-paced growth could lead to trouble down the road.
Established giants like DWS Group, Fidelity International, PGIM, and T Rowe Price are among those expanding into or building their private credit franchises. Even SoftBank and Qatar's sovereign wealth fund have joined the fray. As more entrants flood the market with new funds seeking capital in an increasingly competitive landscape, raising money may prove challenging.
Since its inception catering to private equity businesses after banks withdrew following the global financial crisis, the size of the private credit market has tripled since 2015 to $1.5 trillion. Apollo Global Management predicts that this industry could eventually replace up to $40 trillion of debt markets.
Asset managers such as Allianz (ETR:ALVG) Global Investors and PGIM are also eyeing what has become an attractive option for investors targeting net returns ranging from high single digits up to high teen percentages. The broadening scope includes direct lending to small companies, buyout financing as well as real estate and infrastructure debt – all aimed at shielding fund managers from public market volatility.
Fee structures can be highly lucrative for managing these strategies; some instances see managers taking home around 1%-1.5% on assets under management plus a 15% cut on gains provided they achieve an 8% hurdle rate.
However, not everyone sees smooth sailing ahead for this rapidly growing sector. Higher interest payments due to central banks' recent rate hikes may stress borrowers' balance sheets leading potentially to increased defaults on loans.
The market is also facing scrutiny over practices such as leveraging funds to boost returns and targeting retail investors by lowering minimum investment requirements. With defaults on the rise, some firms are hiring in-house restructuring experts and workout specialists in anticipation of borrower stress.
As newcomers continue to enter the private credit market, experienced industry professionals emphasize the importance of caution amid potential turbulence for direct lenders down the line.