Private credit income investing for retirement, with Nicole Kidd from Schroders RF
Jan 22, 2025
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Nicole Kidd, Managing Director at Schroders RF, shares her extensive expertise in private debt investment. She unpacks the concept of private credit, differentiating it from traditional fixed income and bonds. The discussion includes insights on syndicates, first mortgages, and assessing dividend yields. Kidd emphasizes the importance of due diligence and choosing experienced managers to navigate possible risks in this growing asset class. Listeners will also learn how to effectively incorporate private credit into their retirement portfolios.
Private credit offers a distinct income alternative for retirees by providing higher returns through illiquid investments compared to traditional fixed-income options.
A thorough assessment process, including the 'five C's of credit', is crucial for mitigating risks associated with private credit investments.
Deep dives
Understanding Private Credit
Private credit refers to any type of credit not traded on public exchanges, typically provided by non-bank lenders who negotiate loans privately with businesses. This asset class has seen rapid growth as it offers an appealing income alternative for investors. Companies seeking financing for various assets, such as real estate or operational needs, often prefer private credit for its flexibility. By structuring loans to mitigate downside risks, private credit providers aim to deliver investors exposure to higher returns while navigating the complexities of borrower assessments.
Comparison with Traditional Fixed Income
Private credit presents distinct characteristics when compared to traditional fixed-income vehicles like government bonds and term deposits, particularly in terms of liquidity and correlation with listed markets. Unlike government bonds that can exhibit higher liquidity, private credit investments are generally illiquid, making it challenging for investors to redeem or sell these assets before maturity. This lack of liquidity is a double-edged sword; while it enhances potential returns, it also increases the risk factor. Investors gain diversification through private credit, as these asset classes do not closely correlate with the fluctuations seen in publicly listed markets.
Investing in Private Mortgages
Investors can engage in private credit through contributory mortgage funds, which allow participation across a range of mortgage investments while minimizing individual responsibility for specific loans. Such funds enable diversification within mortgage portfolios, as investors can select from various lending opportunities without being obligated to invest in every one. This flexibility helps investors curate their portfolios according to their risk tolerance and investment strategies, whilst capital loss risks are confined to individual syndicates rather than affecting the entire fund. Therefore, this model appeals to those who desire both the potential for higher returns and more control over their specific investments.
Assessing the Risk in Private Credit
The risks associated with private credit investments are numerous, including default risk and various market fluctuations affecting asset valuations. The assessment process is critical, relying on a comprehensive evaluation framework known as the 'five C's of credit'—character, capacity, capital, collateral, and conditions. By scrutinizing borrowers comprehensively, including their financial stability and the market conditions surrounding their projects, private credit managers aim to safeguard investor capital. This prudent approach promotes informed decision-making, allowing investors to potentially navigate the complexities and risks of private credit investing more effectively.
In this Australian Investors Podcast episode, your host Owen Rask, Chief Investment Officer of The Rask Group, interviews Nicole Kidd, from Schroders RF, to talk about getting income from private credit within your retirement portfolio.
Topics covered today:
What is private credit?
Difference between private credit, "fixed income", "bonds" and term deposits
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