Moving from Specialty Finance M&A (FIG) to Credit Investing (ABF / Special Sits / Distressed) — advice?

Hey all — I’m an IB Associate in FIG / specialty finance M&A (non-bank lenders). I’m trying to pivot into opportunistic credit investing with a broader mandate (ABF / special situations / distressed)

Would appreciate guidance on:

• What’s the most credible path from my background into ABF / special sits credit (direct lateral, MBA, credit platform within a bank, etc.)?
• What technical gaps should I expect vs. candidates coming from LevFin / RX / direct lending?
• How should I position my experience so it reads as “investor-ready” (vs. banker process work)?
• Any suggestions on target platforms (banks vs. credit funds) that value specialty finance / receivables + funding experience?

Most of my work has been M&A / strategic alternatives with a lot of balance sheet + funding focus

Thanks — any pointers on target platforms or how to approach the move would be super helpful.