European Private Credit Outlook

European private credit enters 2026 on strong footing, supported by a $4-5 trillion global AUM growth forecast and resilient middle-market performance despite trade tensions. The asset class is now a perennial institutional allocation, increasingly dominated by large, experienced managers.

Key Takeaways

• 1.Global private credit AUM is forecast to reach over $4-5 trillion by 2030, driven by its resilience during market volatility.
• 2.European middle-market borrowers are structurally insulated from global trade shocks due to domestic revenue profiles and asset-light operations.
• 3.Manager selection is bifurcating, with 95% of capital being committed to 'experienced' managers who have raised more than three funds.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Four key themes for 2026
• 1 Opportunities in European Private Credit remain attractive in 2026
• 2 Size and scale: manager selection comes to the fore in a maturing market
• 3 Private credit is now a perennial allocation for investors
• 4 The private credit ecosystem will continue to evolve
• Conclusion

Document Preview

Page 1 of 5

Subscribe for full accessStart Free Trial