Suntera’s Von Bevern on the ‘Speed’ Advantage of Private Credit - Global Finance Magazine

Michael Von Bevern, Co-Managing Director of the Americas at Suntera Fund Services, has positioned speed as the defining operational advantage that distinguishes private credit funds from traditional banking intermediaries. In discussions with institutional investors and industry publications, Von Bevern emphasizes that the ability to execute transactions rapidly—enabled by committed capital pools and operational flexibility—allows sponsors to close deals faster than conventional bank syndication processes, creating meaningful competitive differentiation in a sector that has experienced explosive growth.

The private credit industry's expansion has been remarkable. Federal Reserve data indicates that credit lines extended by the largest U.S. banks to private credit vehicles surged 145% between 2020 and 2024, reaching approximately $95 billion by 2024. This trajectory underscores sustained institutional appetite despite macroeconomic shifts and regulatory headwinds. Von Bevern's outlook for continued growth is bullish; he projects the $1.7 trillion private credit industry could double in size within a couple of years, supported by institutional investors' persistent demand for risk-adjusted returns and attractive income generation opportunities unavailable in public markets.

Technology infrastructure and automation have become foundational to scaling private credit operations. Von Bevern emphasizes that fully automated solutions and streamlined technology platforms enable firms to manage complex loan administration, portfolio monitoring, and compliance requirements more efficiently—a critical capability as loan volumes and fund complexity increase. Fund administrators, in particular, face operational pressure to keep pace with rapid sector evolution while maintaining robust controls and governance standards.

The economic rationale for private credit's appeal rests on the "speed premium"—a measurable spread differential where private credit yields exceed bank syndicated loan returns, compensating investors for illiquidity and limited secondary market access. For borrowers, private credit provides bespoke solutions and greater flexibility than traditional bank facilities. However, regulatory risks persist; limited disclosure and indirect regulation of private credit create potential blind spots for systemic risk assessment, as noted by the SEC and banking regulators monitoring the sector's growth.

Von Bevern's commentary reflects the industry consensus that institutional capital will continue flowing to private credit despite interest rate normalization and tightening regulation, as long as risk-adjusted returns remain compelling relative to public markets and traditional lending structures.