Canal Road Group Strengthens Lending Strategy with Strategic Commitment from Apollo S3
On June 2, 2026, Canal Road Group (CRG) officially announced a significant strategic partnership with Apollo S3 Credit Solutions (S3), aimed at bolstering its direct lending strategy. This commitment highlights CRG's ongoing efforts in the corporate credit space, particularly in private market lending.
Since the initiation of its lending strategy in 2024, CRG has successfully deployed over $1 billion in commitments to corporate borrowers. This latest agreement with S3 is expected to elevate CRG's total investment capacity to nearly $2 billion, incorporating financing options that enhance its market activity and investment strategies.
Strategic Significance of the Partnership
The strategic commitment from S3 underscores the strength and potential of CRG's lending platform. The co-founders of CRG, Mike Damaso and Don Young, boast an impressive track record, having developed CBAM Partners into a noteworthy credit platform managing assets worth $15 billion before its acquisition by Carlyle in 2022. With a seasoned team that includes many alumni from CBAM, CRG is well-positioned for growth and innovation in the lending landscape.
Damaso expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are excited to collaborate with Apollo S3 Credit Solutions and its proficient team, who possess a profound understanding of private credit markets. This strategic investment embodies the principles we have emphasized over recent years: the necessity of strong sourcing relationships, understanding credit vintage, and ensuring alignment of interests between general partners and limited partners.”
About Canal Road Group
CRG specializes in crafting tailored financing solutions for corporate credits, focusing on generating consistent and attractive risk-adjusted returns. The firm emphasizes a diversified portfolio primarily composed of senior secured investments. Their meticulous approach involves rigorous fundamental research and disciplined risk management in sourcing opportunities from a varied and differentiated network.
Don Young and Mike Damaso, the founding partners, steer CRG from its headquarters in Miami, Florida, creating an environment conducive to robust financial growth and innovative lending solutions.
About Apollo S3
Apollo S3 operates within Apollo's extensive Sponsor Secondary Solutions business, providing flexible capital solutions tailored to asset managers and limited partners across diverse sectors. Since its launch in August 2022, S3 has raised approximately $14 billion in total capital, marking its emergence as a crucial player in the investment landscape. By offering partner-oriented capital that spans across asset classes, including private equity and infrastructure, S3 plays an integral role in Apollo's global investment approach.
This strategic partnership not only enhances CRG's capacity for direct lending but also reflects the evolving dynamics of the private credit marketplace, where strategic alignments are essential for sustained growth and success. The collaboration between Canal Road Group and Apollo S3 Credit Solutions is poised to redefine pathways within corporate lending, benefiting stakeholders and establishing a framework for future financial endeavors.
For more information about Canal Road Group, visit
canalroadgroup.com. To learn more about Apollo S3, explore
apollos3.com.