Key Takeaways
- • Ares Management raised a record $36 billion in fundraising during the second quarter of 2026, demonstrating accelerating momentum in private credit despite volatile market conditions and persistent investor concerns about the asset class.
- • The firm's record-breaking fundraising included $7.1 billion dedicated to credit secondaries strategies, representing a significant expansion into secondary deals for private credit fund portfolios as demand for this niche segment continues to accelerate.
- • Ares' assets under management have grown to approximately $600 billion, supported by strong capital deployment across multiple asset classes including private equity secondaries ($6.2 billion raised), infrastructure ($3.3 billion), and credit strategies ($3 billion).
- • The first-quarter fundraising total of $30 billion, followed by the second-quarter record of $36 billion, indicates sustained institutional appetite for Ares' alternative investment strategies despite "doomsday" concerns circulating in the broader private credit market.
- • CEO commentary positions Ares as "well positioned" in the growing credit secondaries market, suggesting the firm's strategy capitalizes on structural trends reshaping private credit capital allocation.
Summary
Ares Management has accelerated its fundraising and investment activity throughout 2026, defying market skepticism about private credit valuations and accessibility. The firm announced record second-quarter fundraising of $36 billion, building on an already exceptional first-quarter haul of $30 billion that included $9.5 billion in new capital commitments. This dual-quarter performance has pushed Ares' total assets under management to approximately $600 billion, underscoring the firm's commanding position within the alternative asset management landscape.
The fundraising momentum reflects Ares' strategic diversification across multiple private market segments. Notably, the firm raised $7.1 billion for its inaugural credit secondaries strategy, capitalizing on accelerating demand for secondary transactions in private credit portfolios. This initiative positions Ares among a select handful of alternative managers operating dedicated secondaries platforms at scale. Beyond credit secondaries, Ares demonstrated balanced capital deployment across private equity secondaries ($6.2 billion), infrastructure ($3.3 billion), and core credit strategies ($3 billion), indicating robust institutional demand across multiple asset classes.
The timing of Ares' record fundraising gains significance given prevailing market concerns about private credit accessibility and valuation stability. Industry observers had circulated "doomsday" narratives regarding private credit market dynamics, yet Ares' consecutive record quarters suggest that large institutional allocators—including pension funds, family offices, and insurance companies—continue to deploy substantial capital into the firm's offerings. The firm's ability to raise capital at scale despite volatile market conditions reflects investor confidence in Ares' operational execution and market positioning.
CEO commentary emphasizing that "the wheels are in motion" to bring private investments into 401(k) retirement plans signals Ares' expansion into retail capital channels, potentially unlocking a significant new investor base. This strategic direction, combined with the firm's demonstrated fundraising prowess and diversified product suite, positions Ares to sustain growth momentum irrespective of near-term market volatility.
The fundraising momentum reflects Ares' strategic diversification across multiple private market segments. Notably, the firm raised $7.1 billion for its inaugural credit secondaries strategy, capitalizing on accelerating demand for secondary transactions in private credit portfolios. This initiative positions Ares among a select handful of alternative managers operating dedicated secondaries platforms at scale. Beyond credit secondaries, Ares demonstrated balanced capital deployment across private equity secondaries ($6.2 billion), infrastructure ($3.3 billion), and core credit strategies ($3 billion), indicating robust institutional demand across multiple asset classes.
The timing of Ares' record fundraising gains significance given prevailing market concerns about private credit accessibility and valuation stability. Industry observers had circulated "doomsday" narratives regarding private credit market dynamics, yet Ares' consecutive record quarters suggest that large institutional allocators—including pension funds, family offices, and insurance companies—continue to deploy substantial capital into the firm's offerings. The firm's ability to raise capital at scale despite volatile market conditions reflects investor confidence in Ares' operational execution and market positioning.
CEO commentary emphasizing that "the wheels are in motion" to bring private investments into 401(k) retirement plans signals Ares' expansion into retail capital channels, potentially unlocking a significant new investor base. This strategic direction, combined with the firm's demonstrated fundraising prowess and diversified product suite, positions Ares to sustain growth momentum irrespective of near-term market volatility.
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