Credit Research to Private Debt / Direct Lending

Hi everyone,

I am currently working as a Credit Research analyst for a very large family office. We invest on global bonds industry generalist. We tend to invest mainly on investment grade and crossovers bonds, but we do some high yield on opportunistic basis. The analysis is fundamental-driven, relative value, focused on downside protection. I give bond recommendations to the fund portfolio managers.

While I do enjoy my job, I am thinking of moving to private debt / direct lending. I have noticed that many private debt jobs require M&A, strong valuation modelling skills or restructuring knowledge. Do you think the move is doable.

Background: I am from a top European b School. Working in London. Previously did a 6-month internship M&A at elite boutique, but as an intern I did not develop modelling skills (powerpoint monkey).

Any input much appreciated. thanks

6 Comments
 

Can I ask you guys, why you’re contemplating this move?

Looking from outside, working in research should be more rewarding than corporate lending and there are some threads on this forum that talk about the progression being Credit analyst -> credit research analyst on sell-side-> credit research analyst on buy—side.

From your experience, is it still a viable career path?

 

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