Private Credit Funds Get Moody’s Warning on Problem Loans

  • BlackRock, KKR FS, Oaktree BDCs given negative outlook
  • Increase in non-accrual loans may eventually spur junk ratings
Pearlstone's Green Expects a Credit Market Correction
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Moody’s Ratings this week gave private credit investors greater reason for concern about credit quality in the flourishing $1.7 trillion industry.

The ratings company on Monday reduced its outlook for direct lending funds managed respectively by BlackRock Inc., KKR & Co. alongside FS Investments and Oaktree Capital Management, lowering them to negative from stable. The three publicly traded business development companies, with a combined total of more than $20 billion in assets, each increased the number of loans on non-accrual status, meaning they’re in danger of losing money on those investments.