NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#creditratingagency–KBRA releases research that considers the themes that matter for private credit in 2026. KBRA believes 2026 will beNEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#creditratingagency–KBRA releases research that considers the themes that matter for private credit in 2026. KBRA believes 2026 will be

KBRA Releases Research – Private Credit: 2026 Outlook

2026/01/22 00:15
4 min read

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#creditratingagency–KBRA releases research that considers the themes that matter for private credit in 2026.

KBRA believes 2026 will be a pivotal year for the broader private credit landscape. We expect strong growth across a wide range of rated private credit entities and transactions, offering global investors an increasing set of fixed income pathways into private markets. These pathways provide not only predictable income, but also the ability to tailor risk exposure relative to the underlying private strategy.

Alongside this growth, KBRA expects rising complexity that will reshape the contours of credit risk across many rated private credit vehicles. For example, the increased presence of asset-based finance collateral, retail investors, new geographies, and longer-duration funds can introduce new risk profiles, which some managers are better positioned to manage than others.

Meanwhile, KBRA also expects increasing signs of stress among some private credit platforms as they contend with the burdens of growth and the difficulties in deploying capital into traditional investment opportunities, given deal volumes have not kept pace with capital raised in recent years. In addition, KBRA anticipates manageable, but rising, default rates among middle market (MM) borrowers in 2026.

We believe these combined factors will increase performance differentials across managers and funds. This Outlook explores each of these topics.

Key Takeaways

  • Broadly speaking, KBRA expects widespread ratings stability across its landscape of rated private credit entities and transactions. This includes more than 400 fund finance transactions, nearly 300 feeder notes and collateralized fund obligations (CFO), over 275 transactions with asset-based collateral, thousands of MM borrower credit assessments, and dozens of asset managers and their business development companies (BDC).
  • However, KBRA notes that the contours of risk are changing. Some alternative asset managers are struggling to deploy capital amid increased competition and slower exits while all are contending with lower spreads and fee compression. In response, a small number have expanded their risk appetite and/or increased portfolio concentration, resulting in a limited number of downgrades or negative Outlook revisions in 2025. These conditions are worth watching in 2026.
  • We expect retail wealth channels to be a key contributor to deployment pressure. For example, BDCs’ principal value under management has increased 126% over the past three years to $550 billion in Q3 2025. Continued expansion into the various wealth channels, along with the potential entry into the 401(k) market, is likely to intensify these pressures. Consistent with this trend, KBRA has already started to observe some BDCs broadening their investment mandate beyond traditional MM lending.
  • In direct lending, KBRA expects defaults to rise, projecting a 2% default rate by volume in 2026, compared to 1.5% in 2025. We have noticed a convergence of declining growth, rising leverage, liquidity shortfalls, and upcoming maturities in certain MM segments. As a result, assessment downgrades have outpaced upgrades for eight consecutive quarters, contributing to a record count of obligors assigned KBRA’s highest risk score. Despite these trends, we believe a higher default rate remains manageable, given the structural protections included in KBRA-rated transactions and the workout capabilities of most private lenders.
  • Rated note feeders and CFOs had a breakout year in 2025, achieving record annual issuance. We expect both vehicles to continue their rapid growth in 2026, supported by strong ratings stability, structural refinements, and the ability to offer diversified yet tailored exposure.
  • KBRA expects continued evolution in investment structures and further growth in private lending to global, predominantly large-cap investment-grade corporate entities in 2026. Through 2025, KBRA has rated more than $64 billion of related transactions, reflecting private lenders’ expanding role in addressing these issuers’ changing capital needs.

Click here to view the report.

About KBRA

KBRA, one of the major credit rating agencies, is registered in the U.S., EU, and the UK. KBRA is recognized as a Qualified Rating Agency in Taiwan, and is also a Designated Rating Organization for structured finance ratings in Canada. As a full-service credit rating agency, investors can use KBRA ratings for regulatory capital purposes in multiple jurisdictions.

Doc ID: 1013024

Contacts

John Sage, Senior Director

+1 646-731-1452

john.sage@kbra.com

William Cox, Chief Rating Officer

+1 646-731-2472

william.cox@kbra.com

Media Contacts

Adam Tempkin, Senior Director of Communications

+1 646-731-1347

adam.tempkin@kbra.com

Matt Turner, Associate Director

+353 1 588 1231

matt.turner@kbra.com

Business Development Contacts

Constantine Schidlovsky, Senior Director

+1 646-731-1338

constantine.schidlovsky@kbra.com

Michael Caro, Senior Director

+1 646-731-2382

michael.caro@kbra.com

Disclaimer: The articles reposted on this site are sourced from public platforms and are provided for informational purposes only. They do not necessarily reflect the views of MEXC. All rights remain with the original authors. If you believe any content infringes on third-party rights, please contact service@support.mexc.com for removal. MEXC makes no guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the content and is not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided. The content does not constitute financial, legal, or other professional advice, nor should it be considered a recommendation or endorsement by MEXC.

You May Also Like

Crucial Fed Rate Cut: October Probability Surges to 94%

Crucial Fed Rate Cut: October Probability Surges to 94%

BitcoinWorld Crucial Fed Rate Cut: October Probability Surges to 94% The financial world is buzzing with a significant development: the probability of a Fed rate cut in October has just seen a dramatic increase. This isn’t just a minor shift; it’s a monumental change that could ripple through global markets, including the dynamic cryptocurrency space. For anyone tracking economic indicators and their impact on investments, this update from the U.S. interest rate futures market is absolutely crucial. What Just Happened? Unpacking the FOMC Statement’s Impact Following the latest Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) statement, market sentiment has decisively shifted. Before the announcement, the U.S. interest rate futures market had priced in a 71.6% chance of an October rate cut. However, after the statement, this figure surged to an astounding 94%. This jump indicates that traders and analysts are now overwhelmingly confident that the Federal Reserve will lower interest rates next month. Such a high probability suggests a strong consensus emerging from the Fed’s latest communications and economic outlook. A Fed rate cut typically means cheaper borrowing costs for businesses and consumers, which can stimulate economic activity. But what does this really signify for investors, especially those in the digital asset realm? Why is a Fed Rate Cut So Significant for Markets? When the Federal Reserve adjusts interest rates, it sends powerful signals across the entire financial ecosystem. A rate cut generally implies a more accommodative monetary policy, often enacted to boost economic growth or combat deflationary pressures. Impact on Traditional Markets: Stocks: Lower interest rates can make borrowing cheaper for companies, potentially boosting earnings and making stocks more attractive compared to bonds. Bonds: Existing bonds with higher yields might become more valuable, but new bonds will likely offer lower returns. Dollar Strength: A rate cut can weaken the U.S. dollar, making exports cheaper and potentially benefiting multinational corporations. Potential for Cryptocurrency Markets: The cryptocurrency market, while often seen as uncorrelated, can still react significantly to macro-economic shifts. A Fed rate cut could be interpreted as: Increased Risk Appetite: With traditional investments offering lower returns, investors might seek higher-yielding or more volatile assets like cryptocurrencies. Inflation Hedge Narrative: If rate cuts are perceived as a precursor to inflation, assets like Bitcoin, often dubbed “digital gold,” could gain traction as an inflation hedge. Liquidity Influx: A more accommodative monetary environment generally means more liquidity in the financial system, some of which could flow into digital assets. Looking Ahead: What Could This Mean for Your Portfolio? While the 94% probability for a Fed rate cut in October is compelling, it’s essential to consider the nuances. Market probabilities can shift, and the Fed’s ultimate decision will depend on incoming economic data. Actionable Insights: Stay Informed: Continue to monitor economic reports, inflation data, and future Fed statements. Diversify: A diversified portfolio can help mitigate risks associated with sudden market shifts. Assess Risk Tolerance: Understand how a potential rate cut might affect your specific investments and adjust your strategy accordingly. This increased likelihood of a Fed rate cut presents both opportunities and challenges. It underscores the interconnectedness of traditional finance and the emerging digital asset space. Investors should remain vigilant and prepared for potential volatility. The financial landscape is always evolving, and the significant surge in the probability of an October Fed rate cut is a clear signal of impending change. From stimulating economic growth to potentially fueling interest in digital assets, the implications are vast. Staying informed and strategically positioned will be key as we approach this crucial decision point. The market is now almost certain of a rate cut, and understanding its potential ripple effects is paramount for every investor. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q1: What is the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC)? A1: The FOMC is the monetary policymaking body of the Federal Reserve System. It sets the federal funds rate, which influences other interest rates and economic conditions. Q2: How does a Fed rate cut impact the U.S. dollar? A2: A rate cut typically makes the U.S. dollar less attractive to foreign investors seeking higher returns, potentially leading to a weakening of the dollar against other currencies. Q3: Why might a Fed rate cut be good for cryptocurrency? A3: Lower interest rates can reduce the appeal of traditional investments, encouraging investors to seek higher returns in alternative assets like cryptocurrencies. It can also be seen as a sign of increased liquidity or potential inflation, benefiting assets like Bitcoin. Q4: Is a 94% probability a guarantee of a rate cut? A4: While a 94% probability is very high, it is not a guarantee. Market probabilities reflect current sentiment and data, but the Federal Reserve’s final decision will depend on all available economic information leading up to their meeting. Q5: What should investors do in response to this news? A5: Investors should stay informed about economic developments, review their portfolio diversification, and assess their risk tolerance. Consider how potential changes in interest rates might affect different asset classes and adjust strategies as needed. Did you find this analysis helpful? Share this article with your network to keep others informed about the potential impact of the upcoming Fed rate cut and its implications for the financial markets! To learn more about the latest crypto market trends, explore our article on key developments shaping Bitcoin price action. This post Crucial Fed Rate Cut: October Probability Surges to 94% first appeared on BitcoinWorld.
Share
Coinstats2025/09/18 02:25
USD/INR edges lower as Indian Rupee gains on improving equity inflows

USD/INR edges lower as Indian Rupee gains on improving equity inflows

The post USD/INR edges lower as Indian Rupee gains on improving equity inflows appeared on BitcoinEthereumNews.com. USD/INR loses ground on Tuesday after two days
Share
BitcoinEthereumNews2026/02/10 12:37
Sahara AI has entered into a strategic partnership with South Korean payment giant Danal Fintech to jointly build a stablecoin AI payment system.

Sahara AI has entered into a strategic partnership with South Korean payment giant Danal Fintech to jointly build a stablecoin AI payment system.

PANews reported on February 10th that artificial intelligence company Sahara AI has entered into a deep collaboration with Danal Fintech, one of South Korea's largest
Share
PANews2026/02/10 12:42