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.

Zenith names fund awards winners

Zenith Investment Partners has announced the winners of its annual Fund Awards, recognising excellence in funds management across 22 categories.

Each finalist was a leader in their respective field and had displayed investment excellence across both qualitative and quantitative criteria over the last 12 months, Zenith said.

Pendal, which was announced as 2020’s Fund Manager of the Year and also won in the Australian Fixed Interest category and earned nominations in the Multi Asset Diversified and Responsible Investments categories, was praised by Zenith for its high quality of product suite, consistency of ratings over time and Zenith expressed high regard for Pendal’s investment team as key drivers for this award.

“Despite the obvious challenges of operating within markets over the last 8-9 months, we’ve seen many managers continue to adapt and thrive to deliver better outcomes to their investors, which is a credit to the industry,” David Wright, Zenith’s chief executive, said.

“Our long-established fund research role is one we take very seriously and identifying industry best practice within quality fund managers has never been more important.”

The full list of winners is outlined below:

Real Estate Investment Trust
UBS Asset Management

Global Real Estate Investment Trust
Resolution Capital Limited

Real Assets
Charter Hall Group

Infrastructure
RARE Infrastructure

Global and Diversified Fixed Interest
Ardea Investment Management

Australian Fixed Interest
Pendal

Exchange Traded Products
Vanguard Investments Australia Ltd

Listed Investment Companies
Metrics Credit Partners

Alternative Strategies
Firetrail Investments

Multi Asset – Diversified
BlackRock

Multi Asset – Real Return
Perpetual Investment Management Limited

International Equities – Emerging Markets and Regional
GQG Partners

International Equities – Alternative Strategies
Munro Partners

International Equities – Global
Magellan Asset Management

Australian Equities – Alternative Strategies
Milford

Australian Equities – Small Cap
Aberdeen Standard Investments Australia Limited

Australian Equities – Large Cap
Greencape Capital

Responsible Investments
Ausbil Investment Management

Rising Star
Fairlight Asset Management

Distributor of the Year
Fidante Partners

Industry Contribution Award
Anne Anderson

Fund Manager of the Year
Pendal

Money Management – 2 November 2020

The Zenith Fund Awards were issued 30 October 2020 by Zenith Investment Partners (ABN 27 130 132 672, AFSL 226872) and are determined using proprietary methodologies. The Fund Awards are solely statements of opinion and do not represent recommendations to purchase, hold or sell any securities or make any other investment decisions. To the extent that the Fund Awards constitutes advice, it is General Advice for Wholesale clients only without taking into consideration the objectives, financial situation or needs of any specific person. Investors should seek their own independent financial advice before making any investment decision and should consider the appropriateness of any advice. Investors should obtain a copy of and consider any relevant PDS or offer document before making any investment decisions. Past performance is not an indication of future performance. Fund Awards are current for 12 months from the date awarded and are subject to change at any time. Fund Awards for previous years are referenced for historical purposes only.

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