FTLive and Reorg: Global Alternative Credit Summit (May 4-5, 2022) — Hong Kong program

Private credit is booming with estimates suggesting the market is now worth more than US$1 trillion. Having moved from the margins to the mainstream, this previously niche asset class is proving a real disruptor in debt capital markets, as investors seek out steady and healthy returns, and borrowers opt for new non-bank sources of finance. Hear from market leading experts on distressed restructuring, bankruptcy analysis, and the leveraged loan market in 2022 and beyond.  During the summit, we will discuss debt restructuring, leveraged finance, financial restructuring and many other topics. 

GLOBAL ALTERNATIVE CREDIT SUMMIT
4 – 5 May 2022
Unlocking Opportunities in Private Debt as the Credit Cycle Turns
In-Person & Digital l Glaziers Hall, London and Harvard Club, New York | #FTAltCredit

The potential for this market is enormous, but there are risks. For LPs, non-bank credit offers diversification uncorrelated with traditional investments; for borrowers, it promises quicker decisions on loans, better tenors and tailored covenants. Yet, despite ample capital, caution remains a watchword as the global credit cycle turns and the pandemic continues to influence the prospects for business and finance. Moreover, with growing calls for greater transparency and tighter regulation in private credit, is now the right time to join this market? Do the benefits outweigh the risks of this dynamic new asset class?

How does this shadow banking market compare to other private asset classes in terms of returns and ease of access? To what extent has it matured to meet the risk and return profile of an increasingly sophisticated pool of global investors? Can current rates of return be sustained in developed markets, against a fast changing and uncertain macro-economic and geo-political background? To what extent will Asia follow a similar growth path? As demand for direct lending, distressed debt, structured credit and leverage finance increases, where will new avenues for growth emerge? How concerned should investors be about warnings around systemic risks, market opacity, standards and illiquidity issues? Is it time to step up the regulation of private credit?

Hong Kong Program: May 5

Welcome remarks from the FT and Reorg

• Joshua Oliver, Asset Management Reporter, Financial Times
• Jenn Jutakeo, Head of Credit Research, Reorg

Leaders’ Panel: How should investors balance opportunity and risk Asia’s private credit markets?

Demand from global investors and local borrowers is pushing private debt to new heights across Asia. As the markets in the US and Europe reach maturity, Asia is seen as a new avenue with massive potential for further growth. Where are the key pockets of opportunity for private debt investors as the region recovers from the impact of Covid-19? What are the most effective investment opportunities in this market, from direct lending to mezzanine and distressed debt? How can LPs navigate this complex market with its multiple regulatory frameworks and diverse political regimes? To what extent is the potential for local currency swings an issue that indirectly impacts on private investments?

• Vaibhav Chadha, Managing Director, Distressed Loans, Cantor Fitzgerald
• Kanchan Jain, Managing Director & Head of Credit, Baring Private Equity Asia
• Leslie Lim, Investment Director, Tsao Family Office
• Roderick Sutton, Special Advisor, FTI Consulting

Fireside Chat: Has private debt come of age in Asia?

• Andrew Ferguson, Chief Executive Officer, Asia Pacific Loan Market Association (APLMA)
• Shasha Dai, Managing Editor, Reorg 

Sector Focus Panel: Asia real-estate outlook for private debt investors

Long characterised by large-scale, stable returns, downside protection, and measurable risk, real estate has been considered one of the key opportunities for private debt investors focused on Asia. But have recent events in China’s real estate market altered that picture? Have events in China impacted other regional real estate markets? How is the overall market evolving and how do yields compare with the other debt investment vehicles in the sector? Where are the regional hot spots for value, and has the pandemic affected the risk outlook for real estate? Which loan structures and strategies, from direct lending to investing via funds, are proving most effective in the current market? To what extent does private real estate debt provide an access route to distressed opportunities?

• Ron Thompson, Managing Director, Asia Restructuring Leader, Alvarez & Marsal
• Robert Petty, Co-CEO and Co-CIO, Fiera Capital (Asia)
• Stephen Aldred, Managing Editor, Asia, Reorg