Apollo Sees Private Credit Sprinting to $40 Trillion
Dec 19, 2024
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Akila Grewal, Global Head of Credit Product at Apollo Global Management, dives into the explosive growth of the private credit market, predicted to soar to $40 trillion in five years. She discusses the dynamics of corporate financing and the advantages of private lending over public solutions. Grewal also examines investment opportunities in U.S. commercial real estate, notably data centers, while highlighting the importance of high investment standards amid geopolitical risks. Listeners gain insights into the evolving landscape of private credit and its potential impact on global markets.
Private credit is projected to potentially double in size to $40 trillion within the next five years, highlighting its rapid growth.
Despite the bullish outlook for private credit, risks associated with rising borrowing costs and defaults remain critical concerns for investors.
Regional dynamics, particularly in Europe and Asia, are becoming increasingly vital for expanding private credit investment opportunities.
Deep dives
Current State of Credit Markets
The credit markets are experiencing significant demand, with a notable increase in borrowing by companies and private debt reaching a market size of $1.6 trillion. As rates decline and the economy remains stable, this growth has led to tighter bond spreads and heightened interest in yield, suggesting a bullish outlook for the markets. Despite the positive indicators, risks remain, particularly as Treasury yields hover above 4% and potential inflationary policies may lead to increased borrowing costs. These elevated costs could adversely impact weaker borrowers, causing a rise in defaults and bankruptcies.
Rising Importance of Private Credit
Private credit has emerged as a vital asset class, with expectations that it will continue to grow significantly, potentially reaching a value of $40 trillion. This figure reflects not only the direct lending sub-investment grade assets but also includes investment-grade corporate credit and various asset-based finance opportunities. The shift toward private markets is attributed to the perceived benefits of higher yields while maintaining acceptable risk levels. Discussions focus on the convergence between public and private credit, highlighting the appealing characteristics of private credit investments.
Assessing Risks and Opportunities
While private credit offers substantial opportunities, risks inherent in transitioning markets and rising competition cannot be ignored. Investment-grade companies seeking to avoid downgrades have been turning to private markets, utilizing creative financing solutions such as secured loans to maintain their ratings. Nonetheless, managing capital structure diversity is crucial, as many companies opt for non-traditional financing routes for stability and execution certainty. The ongoing geopolitical landscape and economic uncertainty further complicate risk assessment, necessitating prudence in investment strategies.
Future Trends in Credit Investment
Market participants predict a continued increase in the importance of asset-based finance and direct lending due to their perceived stability and attractive yields. Key themes for the coming years include a focus on maintaining high-quality investments by staying at the top of the capital structure and understanding market dynamics. As more companies explore syndication opportunities, those with the capacity to offer both public and private credit solutions are increasingly positioned for success. Adapting to changing investor preferences will play a critical role in shaping strategic direction and investment approaches.
Global Perspectives and Market Diversification
Regional focus remains essential in expanding investment opportunities, with developed markets such as Europe and Asia becoming prominent avenues for private credit expansion. In Europe, Apollo anticipates strong demand for asset-based finance and direct lending, particularly in the UK, where market dynamics favor investment. Opportunities in specific sectors, including energy transition initiatives and data center infrastructure, are particularly attractive. In Asia, targeted investments are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, reinforcing a nuanced approach to global market participation.
Private credit could become a $40 trillion market in five years, according to Apollo Global Management. “We’re going to get there really soon,” Akila Grewal, the firm’s global head of credit product, tells Bloomberg News’ James Crombie and Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Matt Geudtner in the latest Credit Edge podcast. Currently, “we estimate it’s a $20 trillion market,” she adds, referring to asset-based finance. Grewal and Geudtner also discuss relative risk and returns between public and private markets, retail investment, real estate opportunities, advantages for borrowers to raising capital privately and the fundraising environment.