European leveraged finance is closing 2026 under more strain than early-year sentiment suggested. The first pulled syndications since February and distress at levels not seen since the early months of the pandemic have replaced the strong first-half refinancing wave and hopes of a meaningful M&A revival. Rising distress and growing dispersion now shape every part of the market, from the syndicated loan and bond markets to CLOs and private credit.
When syndicated markets wobble, direct lenders are well placed to win business on execution certainty and committed capital. Join our experts to hear how leveraged loans, high yield bonds, CLOs and private credit will navigate 2027, and leave with a clear view of each market and what to watch across issuance, financing activity and returns.
What You’ll Learn
- Where software stands in Europe after mostly trading out of distress, and whether it is out of the woods
- How the AI-led issuance and volatility reshaping US high yield could spill into Europe and widen dispersion
- What to expect from M&A and other financing activity in 2027
- Whether private credit will win more business from the syndicated market, or fewer deals and valuation gaps will keep activity muted
