KKR’s Navab Says Private Equity Steps In Where Wall Street Can’t

Private equity is filling roles previously played by Wall Street as banks face heightened government scrutiny, according to one of KKR & Co.’s top dealmakers.

“We can go to companies and say, ‘Maybe the banks can’t give you financing because they’re under regulatory pressure or it’s a segment they’re not focused on anymore,’” Alex Navab, the head of KKR’s private equity business in the Americas, said in a Bloomberg Television interview. The firm says, “‘We’re prepared to lend to you, we’re prepared to give you capital.’”