Navigating Private Credit in a Volatile Market

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com podcast, Stewart Foley hosts Armen Panossian, co-CEO and Head of Performing Credit at Oaktree Capital, for a deep dive into insurers' role in alternative investing, especially in private credit. Armen shares insights on the evolving sentiment in today’s markets, where economic fundamentals, regulatory influences, and the effects of recent rate hikes are shaping debt and equity strategies. He details how technical and regulatory shifts, like the implementation of Basel III in the U.S., are creating new avenues for insurers to capitalize on asset-backed finance while banks retreat from specific lending areas. Armen emphasizes that private credit remains a valuable asset class for insurers, especially given the long-term growth and diversification opportunities it provides alongside efficient rating structures.   Looking ahead, Armen sees opportunity in sectors where expertise drives returns, such as specialty finance and asset-backed lending. He also highlights the unique value of rescue lending as more companies face refinancing challenges due to high interest rates. For insurers, he advises considering the distinct advantages of rated feeder note structures to optimize capital efficiency in corporate credit and exploring asset-backed finance for diversification.