By Joanne McEnteggart, Global Head of Debt, Capital Markets and Corporate
The U.S. private credit market is entering a new phase in 2026. Shaped by shifting economic conditions, evolving investor expectations and rapid innovation across the sector, the landscape is changing fast.
In this new whitepaper, we offer a focused, forward-looking analysis of the U.S. private credit market, which remains the world’s largest. Our paper explores the macroeconomic forces, regulatory developments and structural innovations shaping the asset class regionally, while providing a clear, accessible view of the trends, risks and opportunities that will matter most in the year ahead.
We extend our thanks to the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) for their valuable macroeconomic insights, and to the many IQ-EQ stakeholders whose expertise and contributions have helped shape this report.
As we progress into 2026, we invite you to explore the findings, reflect on the strategic implications and engage with us in shaping the future of private credit.
How we can help
At IQ-EQ, we support clients throughout the entire fund lifecycle – from launch and capital-raising to operations and reporting – with people-first, technology-powered services. Whether you’re navigating direct lending, exploring securitisation, CLOs, or expanding investor access, we’re here to help you scale with confidence. Together, we can unlock new opportunities and drive meaningful growth in this resilient and rapidly evolving asset class. Contact us today to learn more.
