Impact of Tariff Uncertainty on Private Credit Activity

On this episode of the Debtwired! podcast, Michael Ewald, Bain Capital’s global head of private credit, joins Melina Chalkia, Debtwire’s primary market reporter for North America, to unpack how one of the biggest players in the space is navigating a volatile credit environment.

Ewald, who joined Bain Capital in 1998, is a Partner, Global Head of the Private Credit Group, Portfolio Manager for the Middle Market Credit and Senior Direct Lending strategies, and a Credit Committee member. He also serves as CEO of Bain Capital Specialty Finance, a registered business development company.

In this conversation, Ewald discusses how Bain is deploying capital amid the volatility driven by President Trump’s tariff threats. He explains where he finds opportunities in today’s market, what sectors he avoids and his continued focus on the core middle market. The conversation also touches on key shifts in covenant protections and pricing. As syndicated deal flow slows, private credit continues to draw interest.