Private Credit Fundamentals 101

Private credit has rapidly evolved into one of the fastest-growing areas of the alternative investment landscape, creating new opportunities for both borrowers and investors. This introductory guide provides a practical foundation for understanding how the private credit market operates, who participates in it, and why it has become an increasingly important source of capital in today's financial markets. From direct lending and asset-based finance to distressed debt and special situations, the paper breaks down key private credit strategies while highlighting the characteristics that distinguish private credit from traditional public fixed income.

Whether you're new to the asset class or looking to strengthen your understanding, this resource offers a clear roadmap to the fundamentals of private credit investing.

Why read this piece?

• Build a foundational understanding of the private credit market and its growth.
• Learn who the key lenders and borrowers are and how transactions are structured.
• Explore the major private credit strategies and their risk-return profiles