Does a slowing economy increase the risk of loan defaults in private debt?

Well-run private debt funds use rigorous scenario testing and real-time monitoring to mitigate risks. Historical net write-offs by banks peaked at just 0.68% during the GFC and were 0.04% in September 2024, demonstrating strong resilience across economic cycles.

Does a loan default always result in a credit loss?

No. Private debt investors are protected by their seniority in the capital structure. Senior debt holders get repaid first, before subordinated debt, preferred equity, and common shareholders. Covenants and controls act as early warning signals allowing lenders to engage with borrowers to mitigate financial loss.

Are all private debt managers the same?

No. Private debt managers differ significantly in scale, credit skills, and experience. Quality managers need sizable assets under management, bank-level credit skills, extensive networks, and the ability to directly originate and diversify loans across borrowers to achieve optimal outcomes.

Does commercial real estate debt put capital at risk in a property downturn?

Property owners face greater risk than lenders. With typical loan-to-value ratios of 60%, owners' equity acts as a buffer. Even if property values fall significantly, lenders can compel borrowers to restore their position or pursue asset sales to maximize recovery without necessarily incurring losses.

Are non-bank lenders lenders of last resort?

No. Competent private debt managers lend to quality companies and often compete with banks or work alongside them in lending syndicates. Post-GFC regulations requiring banks to hold more capital have created financing gaps that private debt fills for established companies with sound fundamentals.

Metrics wins Best Alternative Investment Manager of the Year at Hedge Funds Rock

Metrics Credit Partners has been crowned Australia’s Best Alternative Investment Manager at the 2020 Hedge Funds Rock + Australian Alternative Investment Awards.

The award is decided based on a combination of quantitative and qualitative factors agreed by a panel of expert judges.

Metrics Credit Partners Managing Partner, Andrew Lockhart commented:

“We are pleased to receive this prestigious award which recognises our hard-working team and its diligent processes which have enabled Metrics to grow since launching our first fund in 2013.

“As an agile and independent non-bank lender, our philosophy is to work collaboratively with companies and deliver debt solutions to help them realise their business goals, this in-turn enables us to deliver great outcomes for our investors.

“In today’s low-yield world, Private Debt is a highly attractive asset class for strong and regular income, and we’re thrilled to be able to provide investors a range of options to gain a high-quality exposure.

The 2020 Hedge Funds Rock + Australian Alternative Investment Awards ceremony was broadcast on Thursday, September 10, 2020.

© 2020 Hedge Funds Rock and the Australian Alternative Investment Awards. All rights reserved. The information, data, analyses, and opinions contained herein include the proprietary information of Hedge Funds Rock and the Australian Alternative Investment Awards and may not be copied or redistributed without prior approval, do not constitute investment advice offered by Hedge Funds Rock and the Australian Alternative Investment Awards and are provided solely for informational purposes and therefore are not an endorsement of a fund or fund manager. Hedge Funds Rock and the Australian Alternative Investment Awards shall not be responsible for any trading decisions, damages, or other losses resulting from, or related to, this information, data, analyses, or opinions or their use. Hedge Funds Rock and the Australian Alternative Investment Awards does not guarantee that a fund or fund manager will perform in line with its nominated award as it reflects past performance only. Likewise, any award should not be any sort of guarantee or assessment of the creditworthiness of a fund or fund manager or of its underlying securities and should not be used as the sole basis for making any investment decision.

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