Q2 European direct lending activity up 9%

Octus|July 16, 2026

Content hub / Article / Octus / Q2 European direct lending activity up 9%

Access the latest Octus private credit league tables here.

Despite the geopolitical and macroeconomic events of the first half of the year creating a volatile environment, the European private credit market continues to demonstrate robust resilience. Direct lending activity in the first half of 2026 climbed to 494 deals, representing a 4% increase year over year, while deal flow accelerated in the second quarter with 258 deals completed compared with 236 in the prior quarter.

Markets & Economy Private equity

Contact Kim Giancaspro

Podcast

Business development companies and the rise of balance sheet financing vehicles

Fitch's Deb Murnin and Chelsea Richardson discuss the growing use of off-balance-sheet JVs and finance companies among BDCs, exploring the drivers, leverage impacts, portfolio risk profiles, and potential rating implications for Fitch-rated BDCs.

Listen

September 15-16, Hudson Yards, New York

Private Debt Investor New York Forum

Bringing together the investors, managers and advisers shaping the next phase of the market — 200+ allocators and $10.6 trillion of LP capital expected. Benchmark strategies, hear from leading LPs, and cut through market noise over two unmissable days.

Learn more

Report

US Private Credit League Tables H1'26

The definitive rankings covering private credit activity in H1'26.

Download

Report

PitchBook's Q2 2026 US PE Breakdown

Software freezes and energy powers on as US PE deal value falls 38% in Q2 2026.

Download

Webinar

Making sense of private credit defaults

What does private credit default data really tell us? Join our exclusive webinar featuring experts from KBRA, Moody's, Fitch Ratings, and S&P Global to find out.

Latest news

See all stories

Article | Bloomberg

Rate hike expectations ease as term SOFR curve flattens

August 20, 2026

The CME six-month Term SOFR rate reached a recent high of 3.979% on July 28 before retreating to 3.837% as…

Article | LSEG

3Q26: New loan assets rise to 44% of total lending, a 3-year high

August 19, 2026

New loan assets as a proportion of total US loan volume make up 44% of the 3Q26 pipeline to date,…

Article | Private Debt Investor

North American GPs dominant as fundraising accelerates