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.

RASK Podcast – Metrics Credit Partners’ ASX Listed Strategies

In an interview with Rask Invest, Metrics Credit Partners CEO and Managing Partner, Andrew Lockhart discusses the firm’s three ASX‑listed trusts (MXT, MOT and MRE), highlighting why experience, scale and disciplined processes are critical when investing in private credit.

As a pioneer of private credit in Australia, Metrics has grown to manage more than $35 billion in assets* and employs over 500 professionals. Its scale is underpinned by institutional‑grade credit analysis, independent valuation oversight and a rigorous governance structure.

“Protecting investor capital is our primary responsibility. That demands deep due diligence, disciplined structuring, and active management—not simply providing funding.”

Andrew Lockhart, CEO and Managing Partner, Metrics Credit Partners

MXT – Metrics Master Income Trust: A core defensive income option with broad diversification across senior secured loans, historically trading close to NAV.
MOT – Metrics Income Opportunities Trust: Offers higher total return potential through a mix of private credit and selective private equity investments.
MRE – Metrics Real Estate Multi‑Strategy Fund: A 50/50 blend of real estate debt and development equity, targeting monthly income** plus additional project‑driven distributions.

The podcast also explores how Metrics navigates shifting economic conditions – particularly inflation and rising interest rates – through disciplined underwriting and strong borrower relationships.

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*Assets under management refers to the total AUM across Metrics Credit Holdings Pty Ltd (ACN 150 647 091), which includes Metrics Credit Partners Pty Ltd (ABN 27 150 646 996, AFSL 416146) and its affiliated entities.

**Income payments depend on the success of underlying investments and are at the Responsible Entity’s discretion.

This is general information only, is not intended to provide you with financial advice, and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. It is issued by The Trust Company (RE Services) Limited (ABN 45 003 278 831, AFSL 235 150) as the Responsible Entity of the Metrics Master Income Trust, Metrics Income Opportunities Trust and Metrics Real Estate Multi-Strategy Fund (a stapled structure consisting of the Metrics Real Estate Multi-Strategy Passive Trust (ARSN 679 413 293) and the Metrics Real Estate Multi-Strategy Active Trust (ARSN 679 413 695)) (collectively, the Trusts). Metrics Credit Partners Pty Ltd (ABN 27 150 646 996, AFSL 416 146), is the investment manager of the Trusts. For further information on the Trusts, please refer to the current Product Disclosure Statements and Target Market Determinations, which are available at www.metrics.com.au, as well as other periodic and continuous disclosure announcements lodged with the ASX, available at www.asx.com.au. All investments contain risk and may lose value. The Trusts’ objective to pay monthly cash income is not guaranteed. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

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