By Clare Chang, Managing Director, Greater China
IQ‑EQ recently co‑hosted the Credit Fund Deep Dive 2025 in Hong Kong with Alvarez and Marsal, Broadfield and Harneys – an in-depth seminar focused on Asia’s evolving private credit market and how fund managers can position themselves for long‑term success.
The event brought together industry leaders to explore how credit fund structures can balance investor demand, governance requirements and scalable operations. Discussions reflected a maturing market mindset: as private credit becomes more institutional, managers are focusing on strategy, stability and scale to build funds that can adapt and endure through cycles.
Amid these conversations, one clear point stood out: sustainable credit fund growth starts with structural clarity and ends with disciplined execution. The following themes shaped discussion across the sessions.
1. Strategy starts with thoughtful structuring
Structure has become a strategic differentiator. From fund formation to daily operations, managers who build systems and processes with intent can react quickly to shifting market conditions. Operational readiness, clear governance and aligned service providers are now essential foundations for institutional credibility. Operational design must be intrinsically linked to a fund’s core strategy – a critical step for enduring performance.
On‑shore regimes such as Hong Kong’s Limited Partnership Fund (LPF) are notably gaining traction as transparent, flexible options for cross‑border strategies.
2. Stability depends on governance and risk discipline
Governance has evolved from a compliance requirement to a measure of fund quality. Managers are embedding strong oversight, independent review processes and data‑driven risk controls into everyday operations.
This approach moves governance from reactive to proactive, protecting investors, improving decision‑making and promoting accountability across portfolios.
3. Scale demands integration and technology
As credit funds expand across jurisdictions, early integration between tax, legal and operational design is vital. Alignment from the outset prevents unnecessary restructuring and supports efficient cross‑border deployment.
Technology underpins scalability. Tools for automation, real‑time reporting and substance compliance help managers stay transparent and efficient while managing increasing investor and transaction volumes.
4. Collaboration and alignment are key to progress
Throughout the session, collaboration emerged as a defining theme. Close cooperation between managers, advisers and regulators is shaping the next phase of Asia’s credit fund market – one marked by innovation, consistency and disciplined growth.
When stakeholders coordinate early around documentation, governance standards and communication channels, operations become smoother and investor confidence grows.
Asia’s private credit market evolution
The Credit Fund Deep Dive 2025 confirmed that Asia’s private credit market is set for continued growth, driven by quality rather than speed. Managers who embed strong structures, effective governance and scalable systems will be best placed to deliver lasting performance.
A shared sense of optimism closed the event, that through collaboration and forward‑thinking design, Asia’s credit fund ecosystem will continue to grow stronger and more resilient.
Key takeaways
- Strategic structuring matters: Purpose‑built frameworks create agility and discipline
- Governance builds confidence: Sound oversight and transparency support stability
- Integration prevents friction: Align tax, legal and operational design early
- Technology enables scale: Automation strengthens efficiency and visibility
- Collaboration drives progress: Cross‑industry alignment fosters trust and innovation
How we can help
At IQ‑EQ, we partner with credit fund managers across Asia to deliver tailored solutions in fund structuring, governance, regulatory compliance and operational support. Our integrated approach combines global expertise with deep local insight and enables managers to build strategies that are resilient, scalable and investor‑ready.
To explore how we can support your credit fund strategy, please get in touch with our team.
