The controversial rise of private credit/equity 3/3/25
Mar 3, 2025
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Joanna Gallagos, co-founder of Bond Blocks, brings her expertise in ETF registrations and private credit investments, while Todd Sohn, head of ETFs at Strategas, shares insights on market trends. They discuss the SEC's scrutiny of private credit ETFs, the complexities of investing in collateralized loan obligations (CLOs), and the delicate balance between risk and yield. The conversation also covers innovations in ETF strategies, shifts toward defensive sectors like healthcare, and the rising appeal of gold ETFs amid changing market dynamics.
The launch of a new ETF focused on private credit raises significant regulatory concerns about liquidity and compliance, emphasizing due diligence for investor confidence.
Collateralized loan obligations within private credit ETFs offer investors a unique strategy for diversification and access to potentially higher-yielding investments with lower volatility.
Deep dives
Regulatory Challenges for Private Credit ETFs
The launch of the Spider-SSGA Apollo Public and Private Credit ETF has raised significant regulatory concerns, highlighting key liquidity and compliance issues flagged by the SEC. Despite receiving initial approval, the SEC later questioned the fund's naming and its adherence to valuation rules, reflecting the complexities involved in offering private credit assets to retail investors. Responding to these concerns, State Street clarified that the fund’s assets would not be limited solely to those associated with Apollo and assured daily NAV calculations for transparency. This scenario underscores the importance of thorough due diligence and transparent communication regarding fund operations to instill investor confidence.
Understanding CLOs and Their Role in Private Credit Investing
Collateralized loan obligations (CLOs) represent a significant component of some ETFs, particularly those focused on private credit, providing exposure to a diversified pool of private loans. By packaging loans from private companies into these vehicles, investors gain access to the performance and returns of loans that might otherwise be opaque due to the private nature of the underlying firms. The structure allows for about 80% of the portfolio to be invested in CLOs, leading to an average yield above 7%, combined with low volatility due to short duration characteristics. As such, CLOs serve as a unique investment strategy to diversify portfolios and connect investors to the growing private credit market.
The Future of Alternative Investments and ETFs
The growing interest in alternative investments like private equity and private credit raises questions about market saturation and the potential for diminished returns. As new ETFs flood the market, discerning between high-quality offerings and those with opaque structures becomes critical for investors seeking exposure to private credit. Experts suggest investing in transparent products while continuing to evaluate the necessity of alts in a broader diversified portfolio, especially as traditional stocks and bonds remain foundational. Ultimately, as the ETF landscape evolves, understanding the risks and benefits of these alternatives will be essential for making informed investment decisions.