Year in Review | The U.S. Private Credit Industry Conference on Direct Lending

Private Credit: DealCatalyst Direct Lending Conference Recap

Private credit market shows measured confidence despite negative media narratives around tariffs, AI disruption, and redemptions at DealCatalyst's Nashville conference, reports KBRA. Key themes include portfolio credit quality, deployment selectivity, retail and retirement channel dynamics, AI's impact on software underwriting, and LP and allocator behaviour. Read More.

Key Takeaways From the DealCatalyst U.S. Private Credit Conference on Direct Lending: BDC Challenges to Remain Over Near Term

BDC challenges are viewed as manageable despite near-term headwinds around AI-driven software concerns, shadow defaults, and redemption pressures at DealCatalyst's Nashville conference, reports Morningstar DBRS. Key themes include non-traded BDC liquidity capacity, EBITDA and revenue growth supporting credit fundamentals, Q1 fair value mark expectations, the role of continuation vehicles and credit opportunity funds, and the outlook for shareholder redemption suspensions. Read More.

"The networking opportunities were excellent, and the quality of speakers, attendees, and exhibitors was exceptionally high. Attending the 2026 U.S. Private Credit Industry Conference on Direct Lending in Nashville gave Summers Engineered Capital a much clearer picture of just how large and far-reaching the world of Private Credit really is. As bank regulations continue to increase while the number of active banks continues to shrink, it is reassuring to see Private Credit actively finding new ways to fuel the economy and support commerce."

William Summers

Partner / Member | Summers Engineered Capital LLC

"Thank you again for putting together such a great conference in Nashville. It was a well-run event, and I came away with a number of good conversations."

Luanna Jiang

Vice President, Head of Origination | Unity Investments

"Wonderful people, wonderful industry! As the non-profit partner, we felt incredibly welcomed and genuinely supported by the DealCatalyst team every step of the way. It was clear they truly cared about making sure we had a great experience and were set up for success. The conference was exceptionally well run and thoughtfully organized—from the clear, seamless communication leading up to the event to the on-site experience and directional flow, every detail was handled with care. The environment they created made it easy to have meaningful conversations and build real connections across the industry. We left feeling energized, grateful, and excited about the impact ahead. Truly impressive all around - well done! "

Haylie Gulasey

Partnerships & Events Director | Culinary Care

"Private Credit Conference in Nashville is one of the most important conferences of the industry, and a point of contact for structured high -end credit professionals of the industry, providing a perfect match between issuers, investors, and service providers. With a first class organization, the conference is one of the kind in the private credit marketplace."

Carlos Munoz

President, Founder | Swiss Capital

"The event flowed well, with both the conference and PCC events. The networking area was highly effective, and the PCC space was particularly helpful and a nice set up".

Jim Stehli

Co‑Lead, CLO Platform | Polen Capital

"Great to catchup with the most influential firms and people in private credit "

Anonymous

Managing Director | Investment Firm

"DealCatalyst is exceptional at organizing industry events. They are truly the gold standard. The content is always fresh and topical, with speakers and panelists at the forefront of their sectors. The success of these events is a testament to the experience and professionalism of the staff."

Anonymous

Director | Advisory Firm

AllianceBernstein

Head – CLOs Investment & Structuring

Antares Capital

Chief Executive Officer

Apollo Global Management

Partner, Credit / Chairman & CEO

Aranda Principal Strategies (Temasek)

Managing Director

Ares Management

President, Ares Capital Corporation & Co-Head of U.S. Direct Lending

Bain Capital

Managing Director

Barings

Managing Director, Head of Fund and Asset Level Finance

BCI

Director, Private Debt

Blackstone

Principal, Credit & Insurance

Blue Owl Capital

Senior Managing Director

CalPERS

Managing Investment Director, Private Debt

Churchill Asset Management

President & Chief Executive Officer

Cliffwater

Managing Director, Head of Liability Management

Coller Capital

Partner, Chief Investment Officer, Credit Secondaries

Fidelity Investments

VP, Alternative Investment Research

Fortitude Re

SVP, Head of Portfolio Management & ALM

Golub Capital

Co-Head of Capital Markets

Hamilton Lane

Associate

HarbourVest

Principal

HPS Investment Partners

Managing Director

La Caisse (CDPQ)

Senior Director

Liberty Mutual Investments

Managing Director

Manulife

Managing Director

MassMutual

Fundamental Credit Risk

Monroe Capital

President

New York State Teachers' Retirement System

Director

Oaktree Capital Management

Managing Director

Pantheon Ventures (US)

Partner

PGIM

Managing Director, Large Cap Private Credit

PSP Investments

Managing Director

Public Employees' Retirement Association of Colorado

Senior Portfolio Manager, Alternatives

RGA

VP, Strategic Initiatives

SiriusPoint

Head of Alternative Investments

State of Tennessee Treasury

Director

StepStone Private Debt

Head of Private Debt Advisory

TCRS

Senior Portfolio Manager

TCW Private Credit

Managing Director

University Pension Plan Ontario

Director, Private Debt Lead

Virginia Retirement System

Investment Officer

Voya Financial

Head of Private Credit High Yield