Shifting Markets, Shifting Structures: Private Credit’s Defining Themes for 2026

The private credit landscape is entering a defining phase: no longer an “alternative”, it has become a core financing pillar across markets. Yet growth is not uniform — and neither are the structures, uses, or lender expectations. 

As we move into 2026, the question for founders, CFOs, and boards is no longer “Should we consider private credit?” but rather: 

Which private credit structure is appropriate, in which jurisdiction, and for what strategic purpose?

Below, we break down the emerging patterns shaping global private credit — and what they mean for businesses planning to raise capital in 2026. 

Global Momentum — But Divergent Regional Behaviours 

United States: Scale Meets Structure 

The US remains the world’s largest private credit market, with estimates placing it at ~USD 1.8T. But the notable shift isn’t size — it’s complexity. 

Lenders are moving beyond direct lending into: 

• NAV-backed facilities for PE-backed portfolios
• Hybrid debt bridging equity and senior lending
• Asset-based and revenue-based working capital lines
• Continuation vehicles and secondary liquidity

Competition is compressing spreads — but raising underwriting expectations.

Borrower Behaviour:

US businesses are using private credit predominantly for:

The US trend is clear: flexibility over cheapest pricing. 

Europe & the UK: A Market Finding Its Shape 

The European market continues to expand — not at the pace of the US, but with rising sophistication. 

Key themes emerging: 

• Mid-market sponsor-backed transactions leading demand
• Hybrid structures gaining traction where bank debt remains conservative
• Refinancing ahead of the 2026–2027 maturity wall
• Greater focus on governance, ESG alignment, and transparency 

Unlike the US, Europe presents fragmentation and variability: structure, security, enforcement and covenant expectations shift meaningfully between Germany, France, the Nordics, and the UK. 

Borrower behaviour:

Companies are deploying private credit for: 

• Refinancing legacy bank or bond structures
• Acquisition financing in fragmented industries
• Capex-heavy projects, particularly in energy and manufacturing
• Balance sheet repair where valuations have softened 

Private credit in Europe is becoming a strategic instrument — not a fallback. 

APAC: Acceleration and Frontier Appetite 

APAC remains the fastest-growing private credit region globally — and India is the centre of gravity. 

With USD 9B in private credit deal value recorded in H1 2025 (+53% YoY), investors are expanding Asia-focused desks, exploring cross-border structures, and backing sectors aligned with digitalisation and infrastructure agendas. 

Key drivers: 

• Bank lending constraints 
• Growing sponsor-backed mid-market 
• Strong macro growth outlook 
• State-led capital programmes (India, Singapore, UAE) 

Borrower use cases:

Private credit is enabling: 

• Working capital cycles in manufacturing and logistics
• Growth capital for late-stage tech and enterprise SaaS
• Project linked funding in energy, mobility, and digital infrastructure
• Pre-IPO structured debt and hybrid solutions 

This region’s rise is underpinned by one reality: speed. Deals close in weeks — not quarters — when backed by clean data, governance readiness, and strategic clarity. 

How Private Credit Is Being Used: The Shift from Opportunistic to Strategic 

Private credit is no longer a single-purpose instrument. Its role now varies across the business lifecycle: 

The fastest-growing segment globally? 
NAV-backed structures and hybrid credit tied to acquisitions and liquidity events. 

What Lenders Expect in 2026 

Access to capital will be determined by readiness, not just market appetite. 

Expectations now include: 

• Robust financial controls and monthly reporting discipline
• Scenario-based modelling and stress testing
• Clear articulation of use of funds
• Cohesive governance and decision-making frameworks
• Structured rather than speculative growth planning 

This is especially true for borrowers seeking more flexible structures (NAV, hybrid, subordinated, or covenant-light). 

The Strategic Mindset Borrowers Need 

The most successful borrowers share three characteristics: 

1. They start early.
   Refinancing or raising conversations begin 6–12 months ahead of need. 
   
   
2. They think lifecycle, not transaction.
   The right structure today shouldn’t restrict exit optionality later. 
   
   
3. They align capital to strategy — not vice versa.
   Debt is now a tool for control, velocity, and resilience. 

The Bottom Line 

Private credit is maturing — and with that maturity comes both opportunity and responsibility. 

For businesses that approach fundraising with clarity, governance, and strategic intent, 2026 offers real leverage: faster execution, customised structures, and capital aligned with growth ambition. 

For others, the environment may feel unforgiving — high rates, tightening spreads, and stricter lender discipline will penalise reactive fundraising. 

The winners will be the companies who treat capital planning as a strategic capability — not a late-stage administrative step. 

Considering private credit or structured finance in 2026? 

Speak to the Fuse Capital team for tailored guidance based on sector, growth stage, and funding intent.