Private credit funds haven’t reached close to their peak and opportunistic strategies in the private capital sector will continue to grow in the next ten years, according to Marathon CEO Bruce Richards https://t.co/qepnJ1uh9k ...

Federal Reserve & Interest Rates - Maintaining the Federal Reserve's independence is crucial, as markets react negatively to its perceived lack thereof [1][2] - The current Fed Funds rate of 45% is considered too high, especially with inflation at 25% and GDP growth slowing [3][5] - Lowering rates prematurely could lead to inflation [1] Private Credit Market - Private credit markets are experiencing substantial growth, projected to reach $10 to $15 trillion in a decade, growing at 20% annually [10] - Asset-based lending (ABL) within private credit is still in its early stages but poised for significant expansion [9] - Private equity's growth will drive the expansion of direct lending [8] - Banks are increasingly participating in private credit, buying and selling private loans [11] Banks & Private Credit - Banks are expected to play a significant role in financing debt related to private credit deals [13] - Banks may develop secondary markets to provide liquidity for listed private debt products [15] Democratization of Private Credit - Concerns exist regarding the suitability of private credit investments for retail investors [16] - Private credit offers attractive risk-adjusted returns compared to public equity markets, with historical net returns of 11-12% and half the volatility of the equity market which generates a 7% historical return [17] - Wealth management divisions of major banks vet managers and provide recommendations for private credit investments [19] Tariffs & Inflation - Tariffs have not significantly impacted prices, with exporters and importers absorbing the costs [4]

Senator Elizabeth Warren asked Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and various ratings agencies for more information on risks posed by the $1.7 trillion private-credit industry https://t.co/FJs48bfES9 ...

Gaining a foothold in trading traditionally illiquid private credit has proved elusive for traditional lenders. Even so, more banks are getting into the mix. https://t.co/BgL22tiVtM ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a return on tangible common equity of 18% and a return on assets (ROA) of nearly 1.3% with overall revenue growth of 1.6% compared to the prior quarter [5][6] - The common equity Tier one ratio increased, and the loan to deposit ratio remained flat at 81% [6][15] - The tangible book value per common share grew to $35.13, up over 3% from the previous quarter [15][23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total loans increased by $616 million or 1.2% linked quarter, with a notable one-time transfer of $242 million of loans to held for sale [16][17] - Total deposits grew by $739 million, with deposit costs up three basis points due to seasonal mix shifts [17][20] - Non-interest income was $95 million, reflecting a modest increase driven by growth in deposit service fees [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has not observed new pockets of credit deterioration across any industry or sector, maintaining a strong operating position [7][22] - The healthcare financial services segment is expected to benefit from favorable provisions in the reconciliation bill, potentially increasing HSA deposits significantly over the next five years [11][12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on organic growth, tuck-in acquisitions, and enhancing its healthcare services vertical [25][46] - The asset management partnership with Marathon is anticipated to enhance loan growth and drive fee revenue starting in 2026 [9][13] - The company aims to leverage its differentiated deposit profile and strong capital position to capitalize on growth opportunities [7][28] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about loan growth accelerating as clients adapt to the current economic environment [25][26] - The company is well-positioned to thrive in various operating environments, including an accelerating investment cycle [27][28] - Management remains vigilant regarding potential impacts from proposed tariffs but does not foresee significant exposure to affected industries [7][26] Other Important Information - The company authorized an additional $700 million in share repurchases and bought back 1.5 million shares during the quarter [6][15] - The company welcomed a new Chief Risk Officer and a new Board member, enhancing its executive management team [28][29] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the company's willingness to reduce CET1 and thoughts on near-term buyback pace? - Management indicated a medium-term goal of 11% for CET1 and a potential reduction over time, with disciplined capital management strategies in place [34][35] Question: What is the outlook for NIM and cash balances? - Management confirmed that cash balances are at desired levels, with a slight impact on NIM expected from cash build and new debt issuance [40] Question: How does the company view deposit costs in light of expected rate cuts? - Management expects to lower deposit costs if rate cuts occur but noted significant competition in the deposit market [42][43] Question: What is the company's stance on M&A if the category four threshold is lifted? - Management stated that while they are not actively pursuing whole bank M&A, they remain open to opportunities if the regulatory environment changes [46][47] Question: How will the expansion of the HSA market impact expenses? - Management indicated no major changes in expense trajectory for HSA, with some marketing investments anticipated for consumer education [53][55] Question: What is the outlook for credit quality metrics? - Management expressed cautious optimism about continued improvement in credit quality metrics, with no new pockets of problems identified [76][78] Question: How will the joint venture with Marathon impact loan growth? - Management expects the joint venture to enhance competitive positioning and facilitate participation in larger transactions, positively impacting loan growth [95][101]

Okay, folks. I want to know what you guys think of this one. So, the Trump administration now working on a plan, a proposal really, to make private market investments more available to Americans through their retirement plans.This is according to a report in the journal which says that an executive order could be signed as soon uh really in the next couple weeks. Uh but details still being worked out on this. Success uh in the area would amount to a huge win for the private equity industry.shares of some of ...

How big is the AI and infrastructure opportunity for BlackRock. I think it's enormous and we made a strategic uh study in 2023 and this is why we did these three acquisitions. We did uh GIP.We believe infrastructure is just at the beginning of a golden age and I'll get into that. Uh we believe private credit will continue to grow and evolve. We did HBS.That's HPS. But it but but also we believe that if you're going to be if if you believe there's going to be a melding between public and private markets whic ...

Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants, a restaurant chain and wine club backed by Ares Management, plans to tap private credit to refinance debt ahead of a new effort to pursue an IPO https://t.co/wCeWk8DGCk ...

Summary of 180 Degree Capital Corp. Shareholder Update Call Company and Industry - **Company**: 180 Degree Capital Corp. - **Industry**: Alternative Asset Management and Private Credit Key Points and Arguments 1. **Business Combination with Mt. Logan Capital**: The call focused on the proposed business combination with Mt. Logan Capital, which is expected to enhance shareholder value and position the company for growth [5][6][19]. 2. **Transformation of Business Model**: The company has transitioned from a venture capital model to an asset-light operating company, which is anticipated to improve valuation metrics based on operating performance rather than net asset value [16][35]. 3. **Financial Performance**: Since leadership changes in 2017, the investment strategy has generated approximately $38.7 million in gains, representing a gross total return of 253% and an internal rate of return (IRR) of 16% [12]. 4. **Reduction of Legacy Assets**: The company successfully transformed its balance sheet from 80% illiquid venture investments to 99% liquid assets and cash, which is expected to attract investors focused on short-term gains [13][14]. 5. **Market Positioning**: The combined entity will manage over $2.4 billion in assets, focusing on the high-growth private credit market, which is seen as an attractive alternative asset class [19][28]. 6. **Shareholder Benefits**: The merger is expected to provide shareholders with quarterly dividends, marking a significant change as they have not received dividends since February 2001 [20][36]. 7. **Valuation and Growth Potential**: The merger is projected to shift the valuation from net asset value to operating metrics, potentially unlocking substantial value for shareholders [16][22]. 8. **Management Team**: The management team from Mt. Logan is highlighted as experienced and capable, with a strong track record in private credit [17][18]. 9. **Strategic Growth Opportunities**: The merger is expected to create synergies, reduce costs, and enhance the ability to pursue both organic and inorganic growth opportunities [33][35]. 10. **Regulatory Process**: The call addressed the lengthy SEC review process, emphasizing compliance and the importance of shareholder engagement during the merger process [40][78]. Other Important but Possibly Overlooked Content 1. **Historical Context**: The company faced significant challenges in 2016, including high annual expenses and a legacy portfolio that negatively impacted net asset value [8][11]. 2. **Shareholder Engagement**: The management emphasized their commitment to transparency and open communication with shareholders throughout the merger process [7][44]. 3. **Activist Investor Response**: The management addressed concerns regarding activist investors and their impact on shareholder value, asserting their focus on long-term growth rather than short-term tactics [37][38]. 4. **Comparison with Peers**: The management provided comparisons with larger asset managers like Apollo and KKR, indicating potential for significant valuation uplift post-merger [62]. This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the shareholder update call, highlighting the strategic direction and anticipated benefits of the proposed business combination.

At a private markets conference focused on the ultra-rich in London this week, the typically discreet sector was notably candid about its growing interest in private credit https://t.co/Yc7LPa0m6n ...