In discussions concerning publicly traded securities, stocks and bonds often take centre stage. However, beyond these, there exist exclusive investment avenues like Private Credit and Private Equity that are not accessible to the general investor base.

Over the past decade, both the private credit and private equity markets have seen substantial growth, despite the inherent risks. Their allure lies in their potential for attractive returns, rendering them more appealing to institutional and accredited investors.

Private credit involves extending loans to businesses that might struggle to secure funding through traditional banking or public debt markets. Investors in private credit predominantly lend to companies, not individuals, generating returns primarily through interest. Structurally akin to bonds, private credit is not available to the wider investing public, unlike publicly traded securities.

In contrast, private equity involves acquiring ownership shares in nonpublic companies. Unlike stocks easily traded on public exchanges, private equity necessitates a longer-term commitment of capital, resulting in greater potential returns due to the associated illiquidity.

Private equity firms amass capital from institutional and accredited investors into sizable investment funds, utilising these funds to acquire companies. This acquisition can involve purchasing privately owned businesses or taking control of publicly listed ones through consortiums formed with other investors, often termed leveraged buyouts.

Following an acquisition, private equity firms implement strategic plans, typically involving restructuring or cost-cutting, to enhance the investment’s value. The ultimate objective is value addition, culminating in an exit strategy, either through selling to another owner or conducting an Initial Public Offering (IPO) to take the company public. Consequently, private equity investors commit their capital for extended periods of time.

However, private equity carries the risk of substantial losses, especially in cases of bankruptcy, owing to the ownership stakes involved. In contrast, private credit investors, who provide loans rather than acquiring ownership, have higher chances of receiving compensation in bankruptcy scenarios.

Given these risks, private credit firms typically impose accreditation standards on investors. Moreover, large investors play a pivotal role in the private credit industry due to their expertise in managing potential setbacks.

Understanding these distinctions is pivotal for investors navigating the intricate landscape of alternative investments.