Private credit is booming in APAC but what are the pitfalls?

  • Myron Zhu, Head of Private Markets, Asia, Manulife Investment Management
  • Abhishek Mittal, Partner, Aavishkaar Capital
  • Kerrine Koh, Head of SE Asia, Hamilton Lane
  • Sarit Chopra, Partner, Bain Capital (Special Situations)

As equity funding slows, private credit is gaining ground as companies tap alternative ways to raise capital in an environment of downrounds and valuation resets. Private credit fundraising in Asia too has been on the rise – from $6.3 billion raised in 2019 to $11.2 billion last year.

Across the region, investors are turning their lens on private credit strategies, including direct lending, venture debt, special situations, and other segments that have seen a pullback from traditional sources of capital.

However, the fast-growing sector is not devoid of challenges. Asset managers need to apply PE-style due diligence in their transactions a high-interest rate environment can also translate to higher possibility of delinquencies.

  • How do private credit players navigate the regulatory quagmire in diverse markets?
  • Will glut of private credit capital lead to heightened competition for quality assets and may lower yields?
  • Will on-the-ground team, networks and rigorous due diligence hold key to generate alpha?Today