Chicago Atlantic Launches Emerging Markets Private Credit Platform

New strategy to focus on senior secured loans, structured credit, and asset-backed financing in high-growth global markets.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 5:54pm

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An extreme close-up of complex, industrial banking equipment and machinery, conveying the institutional power and financial infrastructure that enables global capital markets.The launch of Chicago Atlantic's new emerging markets private credit platform taps into the growing demand for non-dilutive capital and experienced managers in fast-growing global economies.Chicago Today

Alternative investment manager Chicago Atlantic announced plans to launch a new emerging markets private credit strategy that will focus on senior secured loans, structured credit, and asset-backed financing solutions across Latin America, Asia, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The platform will be led by industry veterans Peter Marber and Jim Garvey, and is expected to expand the firm's private credit capabilities into high-growth international markets.

Why it matters

The launch of this new emerging markets private credit strategy comes at a time when the broader private credit sector is facing headwinds from rising interest rates, tighter liquidity, and a more risk-averse investment environment. By targeting opportunities in fast-growing economies outside of the U.S. and Western Europe, Chicago Atlantic aims to deliver attractive risk-adjusted returns while supporting the growth of businesses in structurally growing markets.

The details

The emerging markets private credit platform will be overseen by Chicago Atlantic partner Scott Gordon, who previously worked as a founding member of JPMorgan's Emerging Markets Business. The strategy's investment team will also include Umesh Mahajan, Bill Healy, and Jack Flaherty. Chicago Atlantic believes the opportunity in emerging markets private credit is driven by bank retrenchment, regulatory constraints, and growing demand for non-dilutive capital from businesses in these regions.

  • The new emerging markets private credit strategy is expected to launch in the coming months.

The players

Chicago Atlantic

An alternative investment manager planning to launch a new emerging markets private credit strategy.

Peter Marber

The lead portfolio manager for the new emerging markets private credit strategy, with previous experience leading the emerging markets business at UBS, HSBC, and Loomis Sales.

Jim Garvey

The co-lead portfolio manager for the new emerging markets private credit strategy, with prior roles managing portfolios at Emso Asset Management and holding positions at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Santander, Bancomer, ABN Amro, and Smith Barney.

Scott Gordon

The Chicago Atlantic partner who will oversee the new emerging markets private credit business, with previous experience as a founding member of JPMorgan's Emerging Markets Business and in emerging markets-related roles at ING Bank and Bank of America.

Tony Cappell

A Chicago Atlantic partner who stated that emerging markets present a compelling opportunity for private credit investors due to bank retrenchment, regulatory constraints, and growing demand for non-dilutive capital.

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What they’re saying

“Emerging markets present a compelling opportunity for private credit investors. Bank retrenchment, regulatory constraints, and growing demand for non-dilutive capital have created a significant opportunity for experienced private credit managers to deliver attractive risk-adjusted returns while supporting the growth of high-quality businesses.”

— Tony Cappell, Partner, Chicago Atlantic

What’s next

The new emerging markets private credit strategy is expected to launch in the coming months and attract institutional investors seeking yield, portfolio diversification, and exposure to structurally growing economies, while focusing on strong corporate governance and robust risk controls.

The takeaway

By expanding into emerging markets private credit, Chicago Atlantic aims to capitalize on opportunities created by bank retrenchment and growing demand for non-dilutive capital in high-growth regions outside of the U.S. and Western Europe, potentially delivering attractive returns for investors while supporting the growth of businesses in these markets.