In this episode of Alternative Allocations, host Tony Davidow sits down with Anant Kumar from Benefit Street Partners to cut through the noise and misconceptions surrounding the private credit market. They explore the nuanced impact of artificial intelligence on the software sector, discussing how proprietary data and "systems of record" can protect companies from disruption while creating unique alpha opportunities for savvy investors. The conversation also tackles the evolution of fund structures, emphasizing the importance of educating investors on these vehicles and the true nature of underlying illiquid investments. Anant also highlights why a multi-asset approach and strong underwriting are essential for navigating today's market dispersion and avoiding losses.

Anant Kumar Anant Kumar is a Managing Director, Global Investment Strategist, Head of US Credit Research, and Portfolio Manager with Benefit Street Partners and is based in their West Palm Beach office. Prior to joining BSP in 2015, Mr. Kumar was in the capital markets advisory group at Lazard Freres. Before that, he was in the leveraged finance group at Deutsche Bank. Mr. Kumar received a Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago, a Master of Science from Stanford University, and a Bachelor of Engineering from Visvesvaraya Technological University in India.

Resources:

Public insights on private credit: Only one of private credit's "four horsemen" is realSoftware-as-a-Service selloff and the implications for private marketsCost of being too liquidAnant Kumar | LinkedInFranklin Templeton Private MarketsBenefit Street PartnersTony Davidow, CIMA® | LinkedIn