AI, Tariffs & Microcycles: Credit Investing in a World of Disruption with Jon Lewinsohn of Diameter Capital Partners

In this episode of CIO Perspectives, Sid Ahl, Co-CIO for Private Clients, Endowments and Foundations at Brown Advisory, and Co-CIO Erika Pagel interview Jon Lewinsohn, founder and managing partner at Diameter Capital Partners, a leading credit investment firm with expertise across public, private and structured credit markets. Jon shares his investment philosophy, shaped by years of experience in credit research and trading, and built on the idea of creating alpha through multiple ways to win—across stressed, performing and distressed credit. He emphasizes the importance of being “safely fast,” combining speed with discipline, and highlights the role of deep industry expertise and macro awareness in navigating today’s complex environment.

The conversation explores how Diameter organizes its research teams to respond quickly to emerging opportunities, with analysts developing both macro and micro views across sectors. Jon discusses the firm’s expansion from a single-strategy hedge fund into a diversified platform, including Collateralized Loan Obligations, direct lending and dislocation funds, while maintaining nimbleness and avoiding size constraints that could dilute performance. Macro topics such as inflation, Fed policy and tariffs are addressed, with Jon cautioning against overreliance on external economic forecasts and stressing the importance of forming independent views. He shares insights into the current credit environment, noting tight spreads and the need for selectivity, particularly in identifying opportunities within microcycles—industry-specific dislocations driven by technological change or policy shifts. He also discusses the impact of AI, both as a transformative technology and as a driver of capital flows, and Sid and Erika conclude the episode by reflecting on Jon’s high-energy approach, the depth of Diameter’s team and the firm’s ability to combine macro insight with bottom-up credit work. They underscore the importance of disciplined risk management, thoughtful portfolio construction and identifying industry transitions to generate alpha in today’s evolving credit landscape.

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The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect those of Brown Advisory or Diameter Capital Partners. These views are not intended to be and should not be relied upon as investment advice and are not intended to be a forecast of future events or a guarantee of future results. The information provided in this podcast is not intended to be and should not be considered to be a recommendation or suggestion to engage in or refrain from a particular course of action or to make or hold a particular investment or pursue a particular investment strategy, including whether or not to buy, sell or hold any securities mentioned. It should not be assumed that investments in such securities have been or will be profitable. To the extent specific securities are mentioned, they have been selected by the speakers  on an objective basis to illustrate views expressed in the commentary and do not represent all the securities purchased, sold or recommended for advisory clients. The information contained herein has been prepared from sources believed reliable but is not guaranteed by us as to its timeliness or accuracy and is not a complete summary or statement of all available data. This piece is intended solely for our clients and prospective clients, is for informational purposes only and is not individually tailored for or directed to any particular client or prospective client.

Alternative Investments may be available for Qualified Purchasers and Accredited Investors only. 

Hedge Funds involve complex tax and legal structures. Investment in any particular Fund or hedge funds, generally, is only suitable for sophisticated investors for whom such an investment does not constitute a complete investment program and who fully understand and are willing to assume the risks involved in such investment.

Terms and Definitions

Alpha refers to the excess return of an investment relative to the return of a benchmark index or market.

CapEx refers to funds used by a company to acquire, upgrade, or maintain physical assets such as property, buildings, or equipment. These are long-term investments aimed at expanding or improving operations.

EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization) refers to a financial metric used to evaluate a company’s operating performance. It strips out the effects of financing and accounting decisions by adding back interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization to net income.

Forward Earnings Per Share (EPS) is an estimate of a company’s earnings per share for a future period.

Microcycles refers to Industry-specific downturns or disruptions that are cyclical in nature, distinct from broader economic recessions.

Private Credit investments are characterized by a high degree of risk, volatility and illiquidity due, among other things, to the nature of the investments. A prospective investor should thoroughly review the Offering Materials pertaining to any investment and carefully consider whether such an investment is suitable to the investor’s financial situation and goals. Investors should have the financial ability and willingness to accept the risks and lack of liquidity that are characteristic of these types of investments. There can be no assurance that any investment objectives will be achieved, or that investors will receive a return of their capital. Accordingly, investors should only invest in private credit investments if such investors are able to withstand a total loss of their investment.