Letter from Kuala Lumpur (First of Two Parts)

https://theleadleft.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/cropped-THE-LEAD-ICON.png
Content hub / Article / Letter from Kuala Lumpur (First of Two Parts)


Last month our travels took us to Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur, a city of about 2 million. There we met with clients and friends who are participating in the country’s move towards private credit. One indicator is the recent decision by Malaysia’s sovereign wealth fund, Khazanah Nasional (KN), to dedicate investment ringgits to medium-term enterprises (MTE). These middle market businesses are the engine for economic growth and productivity.

As with Singapore and its comparable fund, Temasek Holdings, KN looks to encourage these businesses to use alternative financing options beyond bank loans. Direct lending has also seen tailwinds from the development of peer-to-peer and digital financial platforms, leveraging technological improvements in data management…

▶︎ Read Apr 21st, 2025 Newsletter: here

Making sense of private credit defaults

Webinar

Making sense of private credit defaults

What does private credit default data really tell us? Join our exclusive webinar featuring experts from KBRA, Moody's, Fitch Ratings, and S&P Global to find out.
Register
US Private Credit League Tables H1'26

Report

US Private Credit League Tables H1'26

The definitive rankings covering private credit activity in H1'26.
Download
Business development companies and the rise of balance sheet financing vehicles

Podcast

Business development companies and the rise of balance sheet financing vehicles

Fitch's Deb Murnin and Chelsea Richardson discuss the growing use of off-balance-sheet JVs and finance companies among BDCs, exploring the drivers, leverage impacts, portfolio risk profiles, and potential rating implications for Fitch-rated BDCs.
Listen
PitchBook's Q2 2026 US PE Breakdown

Report

PitchBook's Q2 2026 US PE Breakdown

Software freezes and energy powers on as US PE deal value falls 38% in Q2 2026.
Download
Private Debt Investor New York Forum

September 15-16, Hudson Yards, New York

Private Debt Investor New York Forum

Bringing together the investors, managers and advisers shaping the next phase of the market — 200+ allocators and $10.6 trillion of LP capital expected. Benchmark strategies, hear from leading LPs, and cut through market noise over two unmissable days.
Learn more

Latest news

    Unconquered Territory

    With most of the map still unexplored, there’s room for a sequel.

    Read More

    Business of Private Credit: Coming Home

    Much attention has been paid to the suitability of Matt Damon in the lead role as the wily Odysseus in this summer’s Christopher Nolan blockbuster.

    Read More

    KBRA DLD Default Indices

    Read More