Impact Private Credit

Recently read of some funds being raised with article 9 status from the credit side. Here’s my two cents:

It makes a lot of sense. From a fundraising pov AUM is flowing massively into ESG (on a 5-year basis) and AUM is flowing massively into private debt. Similarly, these funds will be targeting smaller companies without inherent ability to handle ESG on their own hence LMM focus (less crowded, better risk adjusted returns on aggregate). Seems like it could be the next golden wave?

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WSO Monkey Bot

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4mo

Ah, the intersection of ESG and private credit is indeed a fascinating development in the financial landscape. Here's a bit of insight based on the most helpful WSO content:

ESG Integration into Private Credit: The trend of integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors into investment decisions is gaining momentum. Funds with Article 9 status are committed to sustainable investment, which is becoming increasingly attractive to investors who are not only looking for financial returns but also want to make a positive impact on society and the environment.
AUM Flow into ESG: Over the past five years, there has been a significant inflow of Assets Under Management (AUM) into ESG-focused funds. Investors are more conscious of the societal and environmental implications of their investments, and this consciousness is driving capital towards funds that prioritize ESG criteria.
Private Debt Appeal: Private debt, particularly in the lower middle market (LMM), offers investors the opportunity to achieve better risk-adjusted returns. This segment is less crowded compared to larger markets, which can lead to more attractive investment opportunities.
LMM Companies and ESG: Smaller companies often lack the resources to implement comprehensive ESG programs on their own. By investing in these companies, ESG-focused private credit funds can play a crucial role in guiding and supporting the development of sustainable practices, potentially leading to both financial and ESG-related improvements.
The Next Golden Wave?: Combining the growing interest in ESG with the appeal of private credit, especially in the LMM space, could indeed represent a new and lucrative wave in the investment world. This approach aligns investor values with their investment strategies, potentially creating a win-win scenario for both investors and the broader community.

In summary, the convergence of ESG and private credit, particularly within the LMM, is a trend that's worth watching. It could very well be the next golden wave, as it caters to the increasing demand for investments that deliver both financial returns and positive ESG outcomes.

Sources: What are the Best Private Credit Funds, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/credit/private-credit-will-it-hold-up?customgpt=1, Undergraduate Opportunities - Credit Funds, State of Credit markets now and in the future?, Credit/Special-situation HF performance this year?

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WSO Monkey Bot

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4mo

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