In this episode of SCI In Conversation, Jennifer Marques, head of strategy and structuring for Oaktree's structured credit strategy, sits down with SCI's ABF editor Marta Canini to discuss why unrated, downside-protected ABF is particularly compelling in today's evolving credit markets. Marques explains how Oaktree balances risk and return through deep asset and originator analysis, and how flexible, bespoke structures create value. She also highlights sectors such as digital infrastructure, aviation, and essential equipment financing, outlining the opportunities and potential headwinds shaping ABF's outlook heading into 2026.
In this episode of SCI In Conversation, CJ Wei, md at Northleaf Capital Partners, sits down with SCI's ABF editor Marta Canini to discuss how the firm is approaching esoteric and uncorrelated asset classes, from music royalties and litigation finance to other under-the-radar opportunities. Wei also explains why esoteric does not have to mean exotic, how structural complexity can create real opportunity, and what LPs should be thinking about when entering this part of the market for the first time.
In this episode of SCI In Conversation, Christophe Fritsch, global head of alternative credit at AXA IM Alts, speaks with associate editor Marta Canini about the firm's new diversified evergreen private credit strategy. Fritsch also discusses rising institutional and retail demand, the impact of ELTIF 2.0, sourcing in a crowded market, and why 2025 could be a defining year for ABF. We recorded this episode in May, and while markets have continued to shift since then, the themes discussed remain incredibly relevant.
In this episode of SCI In Conversation, Scott Frame, senior vice president and deputy head of research, at the Bank Policy Institute in Washington DC, talks to US editor Simon Boughey about how post-GFC regulation capped growth in the securitisation market and what types of beneficial changes might emanate from the current administration.
In this episode of SCI In Conversation, ABS markets editor Selvaggia Cataldi speaks with Darrell Purcell, director of EMEA structured finance at S&P Global Ratings, about how securitisation is being used to fund digital infrastructure assets such as data centres and fibre networks. They explore how these deals differ from traditional ABS, what rating agencies look for and the unique risks and opportunities in this evolving space. From lease structures to market expansion beyond FLAP-D, they unpack what's driving growth – and what could be next – for digital infrastructure securitisations.
In this episode of SCI In Conversation, Simon Boughey, US editor, talks to Ujjaval Desai, head of structured products investing at Sound Point Capital. Ujjaval invests in the equity and mezz tranches of the CLO market, and here he talks about where he sees value currently, and what yield targets he aims to hit. [Guest disclaimer]: This information is being provided for informational purposes only as of May 1, 2025 and is not intended to serve as an offer for, or to represent the performance of any Sound Point investment or investment product. There can be no assurance that any asset class return target will be achieved are or that any CLO investment strategy will be profitable in the future. Market forecasts and estimates are based on opinions, are subject to change, and may not necessarily come to pass due to changing market and/or economic conditions. All investing involves risk, including the risk of a total loss.
In this episode of the SCI In Conversation podcast, SCI associate editor Marta Canini speaks to Stephen Usher, md on the investment credit team at BC Partners, about the evolution of private credit. Usher discusses growing opportunities in specialty finance and asset-backed lending, and how these trends align with BC Partners' long-term growth strategy. He also shares his insights on the firm's strategic moves, including its recent partnership with Piper Sandler and the acquisition of Runway Growth Capital. Finally, Usher takes a closer look at the diversification and risk-reward potential of private credit investments, offering a forward-looking perspective on the sector's future.
In the second part of this episode of the SCI In Conversation podcast, SCI's Selvaggia Cataldi continues her discussion about Israel's securitisation market with Moty Citrin, head of financial institutions and structured finance at Moody's subsidiary Midroog, and independent senior securitisation consultant Jason Smilovitz. Citrin and Smilovitz discuss investor sentiment, market liquidity, sovereign risk and political uncertainty.
In this episode of the SCI In Conversation podcast, SCI's Selvaggia Cataldi speaks to Moty Citrin, Head of Financial Institutions and Structured Finance at Moody's subsidiary, Midroog, and independent senior securitisation consultant Jason Smilovitz about the evolution of Israel's securitisation market. In light of a new law aligning the country with global standards, Citrin and Smilovitz discuss how the legislative changes will impact banks, investors and issuers, as well as the broader implications for Israel's capital markets.
In this episode of the SCI In Conversation podcast, SCI's Selvaggia Cataldi speaks to Gregor Burkart, leader of the refinancing division at Enpal, about the company's recent milestone in Europe's renewable energy sector. Burkart shares insights into Enpal's first residential solar securitisation program, which raised €240m, and discusses the company's strategy, innovative financing methods, and their impact on investors, customers, and the climate.
In this episode of the SCI In Conversation podcast, SCI US editor Simon Boughey speaks to Jeffrey Stevenson, managing partner of VSS Capital, about the continued growth of private lending. Stevenson discusses how the private lending market has evolved over the past decade, the role that remains for traditional lenders, where he has seen value over the past year, and more.
In this episode of the SCI In Conversation podcast, SCI head of content Kenny Wastell speaks to Volker Gulde, senior vice president at Moody's Ratings, about the European market for private credit CLOs. Gulde discusses why the asset class is yet to take off in the continent, when we might expect that situation to change, and more.
In this episode of the SCI In Conversation podcast, SCI US editor Simon Boughey speaks to Mike Nowakowski, md and head of structured products at Conning, about esoteric ABS and both the agency and non-agency MBS markets. Nowakowski discusses what attracts him to the esoteric space; the type of esoterics that currently offer the most value; potential upcoming tailwinds in the mortgage markets; and more.
In this episode of the SCI In Conversation podcast, SCI US editor Simon Boughey speaks to Chris Hentemann, managing partner and chief investment officer of 400 Capital Management, about where he sees value today. Hentemann discusses the types of assets and regions of issuance that are of most interest; the attraction to France, Iberia, and northern Europe; the extent to which European regulators have been quicker than US counterparts to put banks into suitable capital regimes; and more.
In this episode of the SCI In Conversation podcast, SCI US editor Simon Boughey speaks to John Beacham, founder and CEO of Toorak Capital Partners, about residential transition loans (RTL) and securitisations. Beacham discusses the significance of being the first firm to close a rated RTL securitisation, which it achieved in February, the prospects for the year ahead, and more.
In this special International Women's Day episode of the SCI In Conversation podcast, SCI deputy editor Kenny Wastell speaks to Ruhi Patil, a counsel in Dentons' London office, about gender diversity and inclusion in the structured finance industry. Patil discusses her personal experiences of attitudes towards diversity and inclusion; the roles that allies can play in tackling the challenges; the importance of sponsorship and mentoring; the next frontiers in inspiring inclusion; and more.
In this episode of the SCI In Conversation podcast, SCI US editor Simon Boughey speaks to Ian Wolkoff, structured credit and CLO liabilities md at Pretium Partners, about the CLO market's outlook for 2024. Wolkoff discusses the types of loans that are likely to see default rates tick upwards; refinancing challenges; the high levels of issuance seen so far in 2024 and what it suggests for the year ahead; and more.
In this episode of the SCI In Conversation podcast, SCI's deputy editor Kenny Wastell speaks to S&P Global Ratings' head of EMEA structured finance research Andrew South and Alastair Bigley, md and sector lead for European RMBS, about the year ahead. The ratings agency recently published its European Structured Finance Outlook for 2024, forecasting that issuance in Europe could pick up to as much as €95bn in 2024.
In this special episode of the SCI In Conversation podcast, Matthew Bisanz, a partner in Mayer Brown's bank regulatory practice, outlines how the Federal Reserve's update on 28 September of the FAQs on Regulation Q is likely to impact the US capital relief trades market. The long-awaited guidance clarifies the definition of a synthetic securitisation and, crucially, states that a reservation of authority can be requested for direct CLNs. Bisanz, for one, anticipates an increased willingness – especially among larger CCAR banks – to enter into CRTs as a result.
In this episode of SCI in conversation, mortgage and structured credit segment leader Jeff Krohn talks to Simon Boughey about recent developments in the mortgage CRT market - both capital markets and reinsurance. He predicts what is likely to happen for the remainder of thos year, and also whether US bank involvement is now imminent.