Private credit insights: Expert takeaways from our client event series

We recently hosted two client events focused on private markets, bringing together leading investment specialists to share their views on portfolio construction, private credit and commercial property.

Across our Meet the Manager event on 24 August and our Private Credit Insights webinar on 26 August, one message came through consistently: diversification remains one of the most important drivers of long-term investment outcomes.

Here are some of the key takeaways from each of our guest speakers.

Frank Danieli, MA Financial

Understanding what sits beneath a private credit investment matters

Frank provided an overview of private credit and the importance of looking beyond headline returns when assessing opportunities.

He explained the different forms private credit can take, including corporate lending, asset-backed lending and real estate credit, and how each carries its own risk and return characteristics. A strong focus of the discussion was understanding loan structures, security arrangements and the role they play in protecting investor capital.

In private credit, understanding how returns are generated and how capital is protected is just as important as the return itself.

Marco Triani, Charter Hall

Commercial property is showing signs of recovery

Marco shared his perspective on the Australian commercial property market and where opportunities are emerging following one of the most significant repricing periods in recent years.

His presentation focused on the long-term fundamentals supporting sectors such as industrial property, convenience retail centers and high-quality office assets. Population growth, constrained supply and stabilising valuations were highlighted as factors supporting investor interest across selected areas of the commercial property market.

While challenges remain, parts of the commercial property market appear to be moving beyond repricing and into the next phase of the cycle.

Nick Snowden, MA Financial

Private markets offer access to different return drivers

Nick explored the growing role of private markets within modern portfolios and why investors are increasingly looking beyond traditional shares and bonds.

Using examples across healthcare, education, hospitality, specialist housing and real assets, he highlighted how private market investments can provide exposure to opportunities that are often unavailable through listed markets alone. He also discussed how different private investments can play very different roles within a portfolio, from income generation through to growth and value creation.

Private markets are not a single investment theme. They provide access to a broad range of opportunities, industries and return drivers that can complement traditional investments.

Andrew Tremain, Metrics Credit Partners

Protecting capital comes first

During our Private Credit Insights webinar, Andrew provided a detailed look at Australia’s institutional private credit market and how Metrics approaches lending.

Drawing on decades of experience, he discussed the importance of senior secured lending, diversification and disciplined underwriting standards. He also explained how Australia’s legal and regulatory framework differs from markets such as the United States, providing lenders with strong protections when managing credit risk.

Throughout the session, Andrew reinforced that private credit should not be viewed solely through the lens of returns. Successful investing starts with ensuring capital is protected before focusing on income generation.

Successful private credit investing doesn’t start with chasing returns. It starts with protecting capital.

Bringing it all together

While each speaker approached the topic from a different perspective, a common theme emerged across both events: thoughtful diversification matters.

Whether through private credit, commercial property or other private market opportunities, the discussion centered on building portfolios with multiple sources of return, strong risk management and a long-term investment mindset.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in person and online. We look forward to continuing these events and bringing clients direct access to the people managing the investments and opportunities shaping today’s market.