RIAs Boost Private Credit Allocations in 2026

Asset-based and specialty finance strategies see fastest growth as advisors diversify portfolios

Feb. 3, 2026 at 9:47am

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A new survey from Alternative Fund Advisors shows that 58% of registered investment advisors (RIAs) plan to increase their private credit allocations in 2026, with a focus on diversifying across different sectors of the private credit market, especially asset-based and specialty finance strategies.

Why it matters

The growing adoption of private credit by RIAs reflects the asset class's increasing importance in diversifying client portfolios. As private credit matures, advisors are moving beyond broad exposure and applying more nuanced allocations across multiple sub-sectors to enhance diversification.

The details

The survey found that 70% of RIAs currently allocate to private credit, up from 62% in 2024, and 58% plan to increase allocations in 2026, while just 11% anticipate a decrease. Advisors are expanding diversification, with nearly 90% now allocating across two or more private credit funds, and the use of four or more funds rising sharply year-over-year. Interval funds continue to lead adoption, with 80% of RIAs using them in 2025, up from 58% in 2024. Diversification is also accelerating at the strategy level, with allocations to asset-based lending and specialty finance growing 23% and 12% year-over-year, respectively.

  • The survey was conducted between October 20 and November 21, 2025.
  • The findings are based on the 2025 RIA Private Credit Usage Study.

The players

Alternative Fund Advisors

A firm that provides financial advisors and family offices with access to private investments through interval funds.

Marco Hanig

CEO and co-founder of Alternative Fund Advisors.

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What they’re saying

“What stands out is not just the growth in allocations, but how advisors are deploying capital. As advisors look ahead to 2026, the focus has shifted toward diversification across different sectors of the private credit market, especially asset-based and specialty finance strategies.”

— Marco Hanig, CEO and co-founder (Alternative Fund Advisors)

“RIAs are applying the same discipline to private credit as for traditional asset classes. As the asset class matures, broad exposure is being replaced with nuanced allocations across multiple sub-sectors that enhances diversification.”

— Marco Hanig, CEO and co-founder (Alternative Fund Advisors)

What’s next

The full survey report is available at https://bit.ly/4qlHIt4, providing further insights for private credit allocators and the broader industry to consider in 2026.

The takeaway

The growing adoption of private credit by RIAs reflects the asset class's increasing importance in diversifying client portfolios. As private credit matures, advisors are moving beyond broad exposure and applying more nuanced allocations across multiple sub-sectors to enhance diversification.