Blue Owl Capital Expands Presence in Australia with New Lending Fund Partnership
Blue Owl Capital Launches a New Lending Strategy with Koda Capital
Introduction
In a strategic move aimed at expanding its influence in the Australian market, Blue Owl Capital Inc. has announced the launch of its diversified direct lending fund in collaboration with Koda Capital, the largest independent wealth management firm in Australia. The fund, named Blue Owl Credit Income Fund AUT (OCIC-A), promises to offer sophisticated investors a unique opportunity to invest in high-quality private credit solutions originating primarily in the U.S. middle and upper middle-market companies.
Partnership Overview
The partnership with Koda Capital marks a significant milestone for Blue Owl, which is committed to catering to the needs of Australian financial advisors and their wholesale clients. Koda's reputation as a provider of conflict-free financial advice and its notable asset management of over A$14 billion strengthen the foundation of this collaboration. The firm has achieved recognition as the "Best Private Wealth Manager" by the Australian Financial Review and is celebrated for delivering innovative investment strategies tailored to the Australian private wealth sector.
Fund Objectives and Strategy
The OCIC-A fund is crafted to target attractive income-based returns through a diversified portfolio of primarily senior secured and directly originated floating rate loans. This positioning allows investors to enjoy consistent income while significantly preserving their capital. By focusing on the U.S. middle and upper middle-market, the fund looks to leverage its significant scale and diverse portfolio, thus minimizing concentration risk while maximizing access to premium deal flow.
Innovation in Private Credit
Sean Connor, the President and CEO of Global Private Wealth at Blue Owl, expressed his enthusiasm regarding this partnership, stating, “Working with Koda Capital illustrates a crucial component of our global growth strategy. Koda's esteemed reputation aligns seamlessly with Blue Owl’s mission to provide institutional-quality private market solutions.” This collaboration aims to present clients of Koda Capital with a compelling option to diversify their portfolios with direct lending strategies, recognized for their quality and stability.
Koda Capital's Commitment
Jonathan Ayres, Managing Partner at Koda Capital, emphasized the firm’s commitment to prioritizing its clients' interests by accessing global investment strategies. “Establishing this feeder fund reinforces our dedication to offering streamlined access to institutional-grade investment opportunities crafted specifically for Australian investors,” he remarked. The independent status of Koda Capital ensures that their strategies remain free from institutional conflicts that could affect the advice given to clients, thus focusing solely on their unique investment needs.
Responsible Management and Oversight
Channel Capital’s subsidiary, Channel Investment Management Limited (CIML), has been appointed as the Responsible Entity for the OCIC-A fund. CIML will oversee critical functions including compliance, risk management, and administration, ensuring that the fund adheres to regulatory standards while also delivering exceptional service to investors. With expertise spanning over A$57 billion in assets, CIML's management capabilities will be integral in the fund's operational success.
About Blue Owl Capital
Founded with a vision to redefine alternative investments, Blue Owl Capital manages an impressive portfolio of $273 billion in assets as of March 31, 2025. The firm operates across three major platforms: Credit, Real Assets, and GP Strategic Capital. Its business model focuses on providing robust private capital solutions tailored to foster long-term growth and deliver competitive performance for institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals.
About Koda Capital
Koda Capital represents Australia's premier independent wealth management firm, dedicated to catering to affluent individuals and families. With a proven history of delivering bespoke investment strategies and wealth solutions that prioritize client welfare, Koda continues to set benchmarks in the finance sector since its inception in 2014.
Conclusion
The launch of the Blue Owl Credit Income Fund AUT in conjunction with Koda Capital is poised to reshape investment strategies in the Australian market, offering investors a pathway to lucrative opportunities in private credit. With their joint expertise and comprehensive resources, both firms are set to lead the way as they cater to the evolving needs of sophisticated investors seeking high-quality options for capital growth and income generation.