17/04/2025
Not Either/Or: Why Private Credit and Broadly Syndicated Loans Can Thrive Together -
The rapid expansion of private credit in recent years has not come with an offsetting decline in broadly syndicated loans (BSLs).1 We view aggregate growth in the credit markets as less about competition for the same assets and more about which market is best positioned to meet the moment.
While competition does exist between the upper middle market private credit and BSL markets, lower middle market companies seldom enter this ring, so this direct lending segment does not contribute meaningfully to competition between public and private credit.
The relative attractiveness of private versus public credit markets for investors will come down to the risk-adjusted return potential of each market, along with the investor’s diversification and liquidity needs, among other factors – and market conditions will continue to inform these determinations.
The dynamism between these markets offers greater diversification of financing sources for sponsors and borrowers and may lead to more stable credit markets.