This year’s conference brought together almost 120 institutional investors, Non-Bank Digital Lenders (NBDL), and industry professionals from 12 different European countries to explore the latest trends and challenges in an open and collaborative atmosphere. Beginning at 9am meant plenty of time for networking and exchange views. All ended with a relaxed after-party. The event was definitely “no bla-bla”, as Savy’s Audra Kondrotė said. Featuring top-class experts who, already for the 3rd time, discussed the perspectives of investors, analysts, regulators, and fintech exclusively for Non-Bank Digital Lending.
The opening keynote by Samuel Duncombe, BF Capital, set the tone with some striking figures: $1.7 trillion in private debt today, expected to multiply by the end of the decade. A third of all ELTIF and ELTFA vehicles were launched this year alone. Private credit is moving closer to retail investors – driving demand for more liquidity and a shift toward open-ended structures. As a result, interim valuations and model-driven asset pricing are becoming critical. What was once hidden under static valuations will be uncovered.
Across panels, a clear picture emerged: competition between lenders is intensifying. Leverage is increasing, covenants are loosening, and margins are tightening – except in a few niche strategies. At the same time, we’re seeing consolidation among asset managers, driven by platform economics. This combination means lenders are under more pressure than ever. Higher risk-taking requires better visibility, control, and infrastructure to navigate these markets sustainably. That theme ran through many conversations last week and it’s a challenge the whole ecosystem needs to tackle together.
Many thanks to the numerous digital lending enthusiasts, to our top tier speakers and to our co-organisers Linklaters Germany and Finfellas for making this year‘s „What‘s Up Digital Lending?“ conference a huge success. We will be back with #4 in 2026. Stay tuned!
