Moving to private debt without investment banking experience

Hi monkeys, 

I am currently working as Product Analyst with a large asset manager (think Capital Group/Wellington/PIMCO). My role involves valuing high yield and emerging market credit products, as well as liaising with clients and portfolio managers to create products around these assets. I am looking to transition into private debt, as I feel there are strong growth opportunities in this sector. 

Is it possible to transition to private debt without previous investment banking experience. My role is both technical and client facing but what I am missing is deal experience. Any chance for me to break into private debt especially areas like distressed and special situations lending.