Debtwire Private Credit Forum Europe 2026

location_on The Peninsula, London Map
17 Jun

Opening panel: European private credit's reset for 2026

Private credit is working through a repositioning driven by its heavy exposure to the software sector. Once considered the most stable and predictable sector, software has become a key test case as rapid AI-driven disruption prompts a reassessment of valuations and challenges the durability of traditional SaaS models and underwriting assumptions. As a result, allocators are scrutinising lenders’ portfolios more closely as credit risk is beginning to normalise across the market. Panellists will discuss: 

  • How is AI-driven disruption of software business models reshaping risk assessment in private credit portfolios? 
  • What signals should allocators be watching as credit risk normalises?  
  • Which sectors are emerging as more resilient opportunities in 2026? Where should lenders exercise the most caution?  
  • How will oil price increases and recent volatility impact private credit activity? How will investor sentiment fair? 

Panel introductions and session framing

The moderator opens the session and panellists introduce themselves, representing European mid-market lenders, a US lender expanding in Europe, and an allocator. The moderator frames the discussion around AI disruption, macro pressures, and the evolution of private credit.

Resilient sectors and areas of caution for 2026

The panel identifies sectors offering resilient credit opportunities in 2026, including energy infrastructure and specialist services, while flagging caution around consumer, retail, and heavy manufacturing. The discussion emphasises that core sector focus has remained largely consistent over time.