Structure,-Discipline,-Scale
Barings has named CJ Wei as its new managing director of Asset‑Backed Finance, signaling a sharpened focus on structured, disciplined, and scalable securitisation. Wei outlined a strategy that leverages the firm’s expertise to finance esoteric assets through customized solutions, positioning Barings within the fast‑growing specialty finance niche. The move follows a broader industry trend of expanding ABF capabilities, as evidenced by recent hiring sprees and large‑scale deals such as JetBlue’s $500 million facility. Barings aims to capture market share by marrying deep credit analysis with innovative structuring techniques.
Green-SRT-Reveals-Inner-Workings-of-Public-Backed-Trades
Green SRT, a leading platform for structured credit, unveiled the mechanics behind its public‑backed trades in a detailed market update. The firm disclosed that $1.2 billion of such trades were executed in the first quarter, leveraging sovereign guarantees to reduce capital...
ABF-Deal-Digest:-Funding-Circle-Renews-FlexiPay-Agreement
Funding Circle announced the renewal of its FlexiPay agreement, extending the partnership that enables streamlined financing for small‑business borrowers. The renewed deal continues to leverage FlexiPay's embedded credit infrastructure, allowing Funding Circle to offer faster loan approvals and flexible repayment...
Latest-SRTx-Fixings-Released
The Structured Credit Investor released the latest SRTx fixings on 15 April 2026, updating benchmarks across multiple asset classes. The new data shows spreads widening as investors begin to reprice risk in the significant risk transfer market. This shift follows...
Major-US-Lender-Takes-Issue-with-New-Capital-Rules
JP Morgan has publicly challenged the Federal Reserve’s latest capital‑rule proposal, arguing that the changes will raise its funding costs and erode profitability. The Fed’s revised Supplementary Leverage Ratio (SLR) and risk‑weight adjustments target large, complex banks, potentially increasing their...
Belgian-Bank-Readies-Second-Corporate-Loan-SRT
Belgian bank announced preparation for its second Significant Risk Transfer (SRT) involving a corporate loan, building on a recent debut SRT earlier this year. The new transaction aims to offload credit risk while freeing regulatory capital under Basel III reforms. By...
ECB-Residual-Value-Rule-Changes-Show-Limited-Impact-on-Auto-ABS
The European Central Bank has revised its residual‑value guidelines for auto‑asset‑backed securities, tightening the way lenders calculate the future worth of leased vehicles. The new rule aims to reduce uncertainty for investors by standardising residual‑value assumptions across the Eurozone. Rabobank’s...
US-CLO-BB-BWIC-Activity-Rebounds-as-Tiering-Dynamics-Sharpen
US CLO BB BWIC activity saw a sharp rebound in early April 2026, driven by clearer tiering dynamics between BB and B‑minus tranches. The volume of BB‑rated BWICs rose roughly 45% year‑over‑year, signaling renewed investor appetite for higher‑rated CLO slices....
Orrick-Continues-Cadwalader-Hiring-Spree-with-Two-ABS-Partners
Orrick has hired two senior partners specializing in asset‑backed securities (ABS) from Cadwalader, extending a recent hiring spree that already included an eight‑partner CLO team. The new hires deepen Orrick's transatlantic debt finance and structured credit practice, positioning the firm...
Job-Swaps-Weekly:-Law-Firms-Hoover-up-Securitisation-Talent
Law firms are aggressively recruiting securitisation lawyers from banks, rating agencies and boutique practices, accelerating a talent shift that began in 2024. The hiring wave includes senior partners and niche specialists, many of whom previously led deal teams on asset‑backed...
T.-Rowe-Price-Makes-US-CLO-Market-Debut
T. Rowe Price, which oversees $1.80 trillion in client assets, announced its entry into the U.S. collateralized loan obligation (CLO) market by launching its first CLO fund. The move expands the firm’s fixed‑income platform and positions it among a growing cohort...
EU-Securitisation-Reform-Hinges-on-Calibration
The European Union is close to finalising its securitisation reform, focusing on how risk‑weight calibrations will be set for the Simple, Transparent, Standardised (SRT) framework. Regulators aim to strike a balance between tighter safeguards and market‑friendly capital treatment to restore...
New-Clean-up-Call-Rules-to-Help-US-SRT
The U.S. Structured Risk Transfer (SRT) market is set to benefit from newly introduced clean‑up call provisions and an updated p‑factor methodology, collectively dubbed the B3E redux framework. These rules allow issuers to trigger early redemption of residual tranches if...
SCI-Webinar:-Data-Centre-Issuance-Accelerates,-but-Concerns-About-Power-Remain
Public data‑centre asset‑backed securities (ABS) issuance surged to roughly US$8 bn in Q1 2026, putting the market on track for a full‑year volume of about US$37 bn—more than double the 2025 total. Deal sizes are expanding, with high‑yield structures becoming popular to...
ABF-Deal-Digest:-Dubai-Aerospace,-BXCI-Launch-Aircraft-Leasing-Partnership
Dubai Aerospace and BXCI have announced a joint venture to create a dedicated aircraft leasing platform. The partnership will employ asset‑backed securitisation to fund a pipeline of roughly $1.2 billion in new narrow‑body and wide‑body jets. By bundling lease receivables into...
Specialist-Lenders-Ride-a-Wave-of-Healthcare-Financing-Momentum
Specialist lenders are experiencing a surge in healthcare financing as demand for hospitals, biotech facilities, and revenue‑linked assets grows. Asset‑backed finance firms are leveraging securitisation structures to provide customized capital solutions, positioning themselves as key providers of structured private credit....
Japanese-Mid-Sized-Banks-Explore-First-SRTs
Japanese mid-sized banks are piloting their first Significant Risk Transfer (SRT) structures, aiming to off‑load credit risk and unlock regulatory capital. The inaugural deals total roughly ¥500 billion (about $3.5 billion) and involve a consortium of domestic investors and global asset managers....
Balancing-SRT-Regulatory-Safeguards-and-Market-Innovation-Part-Two
The second part of the Capital Relief Trades primer examines how recent regulatory adjustments are reshaping the Structured Receivable Transaction (SRT) market. It highlights an 18% year‑over‑year increase in European SRT issuance during Q1 2026, driven by more flexible reporting...
Debut-SRT-on-Starting-Blocks
A Singapore‑based bank has launched its first Synthetic Risk Transfer (SRT) transaction, marking the debut of structured credit deals on the market’s starting blocks. The SRT will package corporate loan exposures into a synthetic instrument, allowing the bank to offload...
ABF-Deal-Digest:-Allegro-Secures-£2m-Facility-From-Beechbrook
Allegro secured a £2 million (approximately $2.6 million) facility from Beechbrook Capital, which carries a BBB credit rating. The funding is earmarked to expand Allegro’s UK film‑lending platform, a niche segment of asset‑backed finance. The deal underscores the growing appetite for structured...
Hard-Test-Gets-Harder
The European Banking Authority (EBA) has released a detailed Q&A that tightens the eligibility criteria for Significant Risk Transfer (SRT) transactions, making the regulatory test more demanding for issuers. The new guidance emphasizes higher capital relief thresholds and stricter asset‑backing...
Ninety-One-to-Wind-Down-European-Private-Credit-Strategy
Ninety One announced it will wind down its European private‑credit strategy, effectively exiting a segment that has faced slowing fundraising and heightened credit risk. The firm will liquidate existing positions and return capital to investors over the coming months. Management...
ABF-in-the-Spotlight
Asset‑Backed Finance (ABF), also known as specialty finance or structured private credit, leverages securitisation technology to fund esoteric and illiquid assets. In a recent interview, Kanav Kalia, chief sales officer at Oxane Partners, highlighted the firm’s role in scaling UK...
Digital-Bank-Ramps-up-Use-of-Capital-Relief-Trades
A leading digital bank has accelerated its deployment of Synthetic Risk Transfer (SRT) transactions, boosting capital relief activity by roughly 45% year‑over‑year. The bank generated about $2.3 billion in regulatory capital relief during the latest quarter, allowing it to lift its...
Blue-Owl-hits-US$2.9bn-for-latest-ABF-fund
Blue Owl Capital announced the closing of its latest asset‑backed finance (ABF) fund with $2.9 billion of commitments, surpassing the original $2.5 billion target. The fund will deploy capital into niche, securitized assets such as film‑production loans, equipment leasing, and other specialty...
SCI-In-Conversation-Podcast:-Alex-Branton,-Nodem-Capital
In a recent episode of SCI In Conversation, Jacob Chilvers interviews Alex Branton, founder of Nodem Capital, about the firm’s net‑asset‑value (NAV) lending strategy. Branton describes how NAV lending has moved from a niche product to a mainstream financing tool for private‑equity and...
Alternative-Capital-Driving-MA-Eligible-Asset-Innovation
Alternative capital is reshaping the pool of assets eligible for the UK’s Mortgage‑Asset (MA) reforms, unlocking new securitisation opportunities. The landmark EQR 1 ABS transaction, detailed by Ashley Thomas of ARC Ratings, demonstrates how private‑fund and non‑bank financing can deliver higher...
SCI-Webinar:-Repeat-Issuance-Reshapes-SRT-Market-Dynamics
The Structured Risk Transfer (SRT) market is moving toward programmatic issuance, with banks establishing repeatable platforms that standardize documentation and timing. Issuers now anchor transactions to annual windows, creating a branding effect that streamlines investor engagement and reduces execution friction....
Pockets-of-US-CMBS-Repay-Attention
US commercial mortgage‑backed securities (CMBS) are showing localized repayment activity after a period of muted performance. Structured‑credit executives highlighted that specific asset classes, such as retail and multifamily properties, are seeing improved cash‑flow and lower delinquency rates. The article notes...
SCI-In-Focus:-Geopolitical-Risks-Compound-Pressure-on-Single-B-Minus-CLO-Holdings
European collateralized loan obligations (CLOs) rated single‑B‑minus and lower are under heightened stress as geopolitical tensions amplify credit uncertainty. A looming €8.3 billion (≈ $9 billion) refinancing wall in 2026 forces many issuers to seek new funding amid diverging credit paths. Spreads on...
SCI-In-Conversation-Podcast:-Ralf-Loewe,-Aareal-Bank
In the latest SCI‑In‑Conversation podcast, Aareal Bank’s chief credit officer Ralf Loewe outlined the institution’s growing reliance on capital‑relief trades, particularly Structured Risk Transfers (SRTs), to optimise regulatory capital. He highlighted recent market trends, including tighter spreads on asset‑backed securities and...
SRTs-Still-Offer-a-Spread-Premium-over-ABS-Despite-Tightening
Synthetic risk transfer securities (SRTs) continue to trade at a spread premium over comparable asset‑backed securities (ABS), despite a broader tightening of credit markets. Tristan Teoh of Insight Investment notes the premium sits around 30‑50 basis points, reflecting strong investor...
ECB-Keeps-Eyes-Open
The European Central Bank (ECB) announced it will keep a close watch on the Significant Risk Transfer (SRT) market, emphasizing heightened regulatory scrutiny. While not proposing immediate rule changes, the ECB highlighted potential risks linked to capital‑relief trades and the...
Blue-Chip-ABF-Funds-Posted-Strong-Returns-in-Q4
Blue‑chip asset‑backed finance (ABF) funds delivered strong Q4 performance, posting an average 12% return that outpaced traditional fixed‑income benchmarks. The gains came despite a persistently high‑interest‑rate environment, with yields on securitised assets rising and investor demand remaining robust. Fund inflows...
Spanish-Bank-Prints-Record-Corporate-SRT
A leading Spanish bank announced a record‑high volume of corporate Structured Risk Transfer (SRT) transactions in Q1 2026, issuing approximately €5 billion ($5.4 billion) of SRT securities. The surge reflects an expanding pipeline of high‑yield corporate assets and heightened investor appetite for...
Job-swaps-weekly:-U.S.-Bank-hires-global-investment-services-head,-Fortress-shuffles
U.S. Bank announced the appointment of a new global investment services head, aiming to strengthen its cross‑border capabilities. At the same time, Fortress Capital reshuffled senior executives across its investment platforms, reflecting a broader strategic realignment. Both moves underscore heightened...
CLNs-the-Winner
Credit‑Linked Notes (CLNs) are being hailed as the premier tool for capital‑relief trades in the structured credit market. Recent commentary highlights their ability to off‑load credit risk while preserving balance‑sheet efficiency. The piece situates CLNs amid a shifting regulatory landscape,...
Valori-Capital-Eyes-First-Deal-Close-for-Q2
Valori Capital announced that it expects to close its first asset‑backed finance transaction in the second quarter of 2026. The firm leverages securitisation technology to fund esoteric, asset‑heavy opportunities, positioning itself within the specialty finance and structured private credit space....
SCI-CLO-100:-Market-Matures-as-Equity-Returns-Compress-and-Captive-Capital-Dominates
The inaugural SCI CLO 100 event in London highlighted a maturing collateralized loan obligation market, where equity tranche returns are compressing and captive capital from banks now dominates funding. Managers reported a pronounced bifurcation between high‑quality and lower‑quality loan assets, while...
Reckoner-Capital-Moves-Into-Art-Lending-with-Athena-Veteran-at-the-Helm
Reckoner Capital announced the creation of a dedicated art‑lending platform, appointing former Athena executive Laura Damême as chief executive. The new division will use securitisation technology to provide loans secured by high‑value artworks, offering collectors liquidity without forced sales. Damême...
Fed's-Bowman-Flags-Risk-of-Capital-Rules-Driving-Credit-Beyond-Banks
Federal Reserve Vice Chair Michelle Bowman warned that tightening capital requirements could push lenders to seek credit opportunities outside traditional banks. She highlighted that stricter Basel rules may constrain banks' ability to originate loans, prompting a shift toward non‑bank financial...
Recourse-Light-NAV-Lending-Signals-a-Maturing-Market
The asset‑backed finance sector is witnessing a surge in recourse‑light net asset value (NAV) loans, where lenders provide financing based on a fund’s portfolio NAV with limited recourse to the manager. Streamlined documentation and standardized terms are making these facilities...
Uruguay-Opens-a-New-Frontier-for-CRT-in-Latin-America
Uruguay has launched its first credit risk transfer (CRT) transaction in Latin America, marking a milestone for the region’s structured credit market. The $500 million synthetic securitisation, backed by sovereign assets, was structured by local banks and underwritten by a consortium...
AI-Underwriting,-a-New-Generation
Edge Focus CEO Elliott Lorenz discussed a new generation of AI underwriting that transforms asset‑backed finance. By applying advanced machine‑learning algorithms to securitisation, lenders can more accurately price and structure credit for esoteric assets such as royalties, aviation leases, and...
Resilient-Borrowers-and-Housing-Shortages-Shape-EU-Mortgage-Market
The AFME seminar in London underscored that resilient borrowers and chronic housing shortages are reshaping the EU mortgage market. Even as central banks keep rates elevated, default rates remain low, bolstering strong performance of UK residential mortgage‑backed securities (RMBS). Refinancing...
SCI-In-Focus:-Spain's-CLN-versus-SPV-Debate-Revisited
The long‑standing debate over using credit‑linked notes (CLNs) versus special purpose vehicles (SPVs) for significant risk transfer (SRT) transactions in Spain has re‑emerged. Practitioners now argue that the choice of structure matters less than the comfort level of investors, who...
SCI-In-Focus:-Middle-East-Conflict-Clouds-Outlook-for-Aviation-ABS-and-Global-Issuance
The escalating Middle‑East conflict is dampening confidence in aviation asset‑backed securities (ABS), prompting issuers to reassess new deals. Investors fear heightened geopolitical risk could trigger airline defaults and impair aircraft lease cash flows. Consequently, global issuance volumes are expected to...
PineBridge-Returns-to-European-CLO-Market
PineBridge Capital Management ended a seven‑year hiatus in primary CLO issuance, re‑entering the European market with a new leveraged‑finance team. The firm priced its inaugural triple‑A tranche at 129 basis points, matching current market averages for high‑quality CLOs. This launch...
Increased-CAS-and-STACR-Issuance-Mooted
Investment banks and mortgage lenders are discussing a potential increase in the issuance of Credit Asset Securities (CAS) and Structured Trade Asset-Backed Credit Receivables (STACR) following a strong Q4 performance in the US mortgage market. The proposal aims to tap...
CLO-and-ABS-Trends-From-SFVegas
At the annual SFVegas conference, industry leaders examined the latest CLO and ABS market dynamics. Panelists highlighted a rebound in fourth‑quarter CLO issuance, driven by a wave of resets and expanding private‑credit activity. Deutsche Bank warned that CLO equity will...