At the IPE Conference & Awards 2024 in Prague, investment specialists discussed the benefits of private debt lending, emphasizing its role in enhancing economic resilience. Christoph Gort from SIGLO Capital Advisors noted that having both bank and private debt options fosters competition, leading to cheaper credit. He argued that private debt complements bank lending, especially for smaller companies. Pascal Böni highlighted that private funds have lower equity requirements than banks, making them less risky overall. Tatiana Lazareva from Franklin Templeton indicated that private debt providers excel in restructuring troubled loans, differentiating skilled managers from others in the field.