67%
Say Manager Selection Matters More Than Ever
Investors increasingly believe underwriting discipline and downside protection will separate future winners from the rest.
Alpha Edge Insights2026 Global Private Credit Outlook Survey
Temporary Dislocation or Structural Shift?
Insights from 145+ Institutional Investors on the Future of Private Credit
As refinancing pressures rise, exits slow and competition intensifies, investors remain committed to private credit, but increasingly selective about where capital is deployed.
Discover the findings behind one of the industry's most debated questions: Is today's private credit shake-up a temporary dislocation or a structural shift?
To understand how allocators are navigating this environment, we surveyed 145+ institutional investors, family offices, consultants, and wealth managers.
47%
North America
34%
EMEA
12.1%
APAC
$100bn–1tn
AUM range
Access the Report
Complete the form to receive the 2026 Global Private Credit Outlook Survey.
By submitting this form, you agree to receive communications from Institutional Investor.
Why This Matters
Private credit has grown from a niche allocation into a core component of institutional portfolios.
Yet investors across our global events are increasingly questioning:
- How sustainable are current returns?
- Which strategies can withstand a tougher environment?
- Where will future asset flows concentrate?
- Which managers will emerge as winners?
This survey offers a direct view into how allocators are answering those questions.
What's Inside the 2026 Survey
The Headlines Investors Are Talking About
Allocations
Investors Aren't Leaving Private Credit
Most respondents expect to maintain or increase allocations despite growing market stress.
Strategy
Asset-Based Finance Emerges as a Consensus Opportunity
Across investor types and regions, ABF consistently ranked among the most attractive strategies.
Outlook
Private Credit Expected to Emerge Stronger
Most respondents see today's challenges as part of the market's evolution rather than a threat to the asset class's future.
See What Your Peers Think
Discover How Your Peers Are Positioning for the Next Cycle
The report reveals a market that remains confident in private credit's long-term future, but increasingly selective about where capital is deployed and which managers will earn it.
Inside the report you'll see
- 01Asset allocation intentions
- 02Regional sentiment differences
- 03Institutional vs family office views
- 04Future winners and losers
- 05Private credit manager selection priorities
- 06Emerging risks and opportunities
What We Are Hearing
What Investors Want Today
“Disciplined underwriting and risk management.”
“Track record through multiple credit cycles.”
“Transparency and alignment of interests.”
“Strong workout and restructuring capabilities.”
“Capital protection over asset gathering.”
One theme dominated the responses:
Quality over growth.
Are Today's Challenges Cyclical or Structural?
Discover the data behind one of private credit's most important debates.
Access the ReportBy downloading the report you'll learn
- Where capital is flowing
- Which strategies investors expect to outperform
- What concerns allocators most
- How investors are changing manager selection criteria
- What private credit may look like in 3-5 years
Powered by Alpha Edge Insights
Research that keeps investors ahead of private markets
The Private Credit Outlook Survey is part of Alpha Edge's ongoing effort to help investors stay ahead of evolving trends across private markets.
Explore additional market insights, interviews, and research from Alpha Edge.
Visit Alpha EdgeOur Community
A Trusted Home for the World's Leading Asset Managers and Asset Owners
For over 60 years, Institutional Investor has been the trusted home and collaborative meeting space for the world's leading asset managers and asset owners. Through our global events, digital journalism, and data-driven research, we provide a year-round platform for engagement, benchmarking, and strategic exchange.
This survey builds on that legacy, delivering a richer, more holistic, and more actionable understanding of the issues that matter most to our global community.