Jun 2026
WSJ | The Anything-Goes Era in Private-Credit Lending Is Coming to an End
Originally published by the Wall Street Journal on June 4, 2026.
Since early 2026, private credit firms have reportedly tightened lending standards by increasing fees and interest rates, as well as closing financing loopholes and restraining borrower debt amounts. The Wall Street Journal featured Lincoln International’s private market intelligence data to break down the industry trends, including rising margins on a common structure of new debt issued in the direct lending market.
“The tighter standards are a sharp reversal from recent years when a rapid growth of private credit fueled competition, leading lenders to offer sweeteners and generous terms to win deals.”
Summary
- Lincoln International’s valuations data illuminates trends shaping private credit underwriting and lending standards for the WSJ.
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