Private Debt Intelligence – 4/26/2021
Record levels of dry powder pressure PD returns
A rise in inflation and ongoing asset purchases from central banks will make it harder for private debt funds to deploy dry powder in the future, raising the prospects of increased competition and lower returns.
With AUM of $376bn as of September 2020, direct lending remains the largest private debt strategy with over $100bn of dry powder, 34% of its total AUM. Distressed debt and mezzanine hold $88bn (36% of AUM) and $60bn (34%) in dry powder, respectively. In comparison, venture debt’s $5bn worth of dry powder comprises only 25% of its AUM.
Contact: Laura Messchendorp
laura.messchendorp@preqin.com
Latest news
Software, consumer-related direct lending deals fell in H1'26
The software and technology sector, the second-most-active sector in 2025 at 17% of total deal activity, slid to fifth place in the first half of 2026.
Unconquered Territory
With most of the map still unexplored, there’s room for a sequel.
