Hayfin Capital Management, a prominent European private credit lender, has successfully closed its latest flagship direct lending fund at €15 billion (approximately $16.2 billion). This significant fundraising achievement signals robust investor confidence in Hayfin's strategy, even as a broader sense of "private credit angst" has been noted in the market, particularly concerning the US direct lending sector.
The fundraise attracted a diverse range of global institutional investors, including public and private pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, insurance companies, and endowments. This capital infusion will enable Hayfin to continue its focus on providing financing solutions to mid-market and upper-mid-market companies across Europe.
Hayfin's strong performance and ability to exceed its fundraising targets come as some European private credit managers, including Hayfin, Pemberton Asset Management, and AlbaCore Capital, are actively distinguishing themselves from their US counterparts. They emphasize that potential market problems are more prevalent in the US, positioning European markets as more stable and attractive for private credit investments. This strategy appears to be paying off, as evidenced by Hayfin's substantial capital raise.
Looking back, Hayfin has consistently demonstrated its fundraising prowess. In 2020, its previous direct lending fund raised approximately €5 billion. Subsequently, in 2025, the company further solidified its market position when Mubadala Investment Co. and AXA IM Prime acquired minority stakes following a management buyout. These developments underscore Hayfin's continued growth and influence in the private credit landscape, culminating in this record-breaking €15 billion fund.
