Global Credit Markets: Navigating Risk, Innovation, and Capital Flow Shifts

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Credit markets worldwide are being reshaped by shifting capital flows, evolving interest-rate expectations, and heightened geopolitical and regulatory uncertainty. Investors are reevaluating credit quality and access across developed and emerging markets, as traditional lending models yield to more flexible, private, tech-enabled structures. ABL, real estate and infrastructure finance to direct lending and structured credit, and sector-specific dynamics are redefining risk-return profiles globally. A leading activity driver is the looming wall of commercial real estate debt coming due, creating urgent demand for refinancing and influencing credit deployment. Defensive lenders are focusing on areas with steady demand and income, such as multifamily housing, industrial/logistics facilities, and data centers. Capital is also flowing into specialized lending strategies and custom vehicles, reflecting a broader move toward targeted, non-bank solutions. Technology, including AI, enhances credit analysis and portfolio construction, improving risk assessment to optimize returns. Where will the next wave of credit opportunity emerge as global markets recalibrate? How can investors harness data and innovation to manage risk and unlock value across diverse credit strategies? 

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