Oct 27, 2024

Private Credit Comp at Senior Level?

Hi all -

Had a quick question. 

I’ve recently been approached by a small fund (think $200mm - $250mm), where the two founding principals are the only investment folks there. They’re speaking about bringing me in at a “senior level”, which I’ll take to mean as a Managing Director level with a path to partnership. The comp structure is base, bonus, and carried interest. What should my ask be (in a breakdown and total comp)?

My background: PE and HF for nearly a decade with a focus on special sits credit and equity. 

Thanks in advance!
 

13 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what you need to know about compensation at the senior level in Private Credit:

  • Base Salary: For a Principal/VP level at a credit hedge fund with more than $5bn in AUM, the base salary typically ranges from $500K to $800K+.
  • Bonus: This is usually a significant component of the total compensation package, but specific figures can vary widely based on fund performance and individual contribution.
  • Carried Interest: This is a share of the profits of the fund, which can be a substantial part of the total compensation, especially if the fund performs well.

Given your background and the size of the fund ($200mm - $250mm), you might consider the following breakdown for your ask:

  • Base Salary: $500K - $800K (aligning with the range provided for larger funds, but potentially on the lower end due to the smaller fund size).
  • Bonus: This could be a significant percentage of your base salary, potentially 50% - 100% of the base, depending on fund performance.
  • Carried Interest: Negotiate a meaningful percentage of the carry, considering your path to partnership. This could be a smaller percentage initially, with the potential to grow as you prove your value and the fund performs.

Total compensation could therefore range from $750K to $1.6M+, heavily dependent on fund performance and the specifics of the carry arrangement.

Sources: PE Comp Question - VP / Principal Level, What is your compensation in Real Estate Finance?, Compensation Structure at the mid-management level in Corporate Development / Strategy / Finance, Q&A: Currently at a Credit Hedge Fund, The Truth Behind PE Compensation

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

How many years is your 'principal' after associate? Have seen some places that are straight asso-> principal and some with steps in between.

General comp progression and market rates would be amazing if you're able to provide input.

Also what is DAW

 

How many years is your 'principal' after associate? Have seen some places that are straight asso-> principal and some with steps in between.

General comp progression and market rates would be amazing if you're able to provide input.

Also what is DAW

DAW = Dollars at work. If you have $200k DAW in a fund, you get the profits from the return that money generates (without being able to touch the principal).If the fund returns 50%, he gets $100k cash. 

 

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