The Accredited Investor’s Guide to Structured Private Loan Investments

By Taimour Zaman, Founder of AltFunds Global

As an accredited investor seeking structured private loan opportunities, you’re navigating a complex ecosystem where the quality of platforms and sponsors varies dramatically. Through our due diligence work with institutional investors, we’ve identified the most reliable pathways to access this asset class while maintaining appropriate risk management and structural protections.

The critical distinction isn’t simply finding access points, but identifying platforms and sponsors with proven underwriting, transparent structures, and aligned interests.

The Diagnosis: Understanding Structured Private Loan Access Points

The private lending market has evolved into specialized segments, each with distinct risk-return profiles:

• Step 1: The Direct Platform Access Model. Technology-enabled platforms like Percent and Yieldstreet have democratized access to structured private credit deals. However, our due diligence reveals significant variation in underwriting quality across platforms. The strongest platforms employ former institutional credit professionals, maintain independent credit committees, and provide granular portfolio data.
• Step 2: The Fund Structure Approach. Private credit funds managed by established firms such as Ares Management, Golub Capital, and HPS Investment Partners offer professional management and diversification. Our analysis shows that funds with $1-5 billion in assets under management often provide the optimal balance of scale and flexibility for accredited investors.
• Step 3: The Specialized Direct Access Model. For investors seeking specific asset-class exposure, specialized platforms such as Groundfloor (real estate), Pipe (recurring revenue financing), and Clearbanc (e-commerce) offer targeted opportunities. Our due diligence emphasizes understanding the specific liquidation processes and recovery timelines for each asset class.

The most successful private loan investors don’t simply chase yield—they match specific loan structures to their liquidity needs, risk tolerance, and portfolio objectives.

The Solution: Implementation Framework for Accredited Investors

Based on our institutional due diligence framework, here’s how to approach structured private loan investments:

1. Technology-Enabled Private Credit Platforms
   • Platforms: Percent, Yieldstreet, Groundfloor
   • Minimums: $10,000-$100,000
   • Structures: Senior secured positions, asset-backed loans, revenue-based financing
   • Due Diligence Focus: Platform track record through multiple credit cycles, underwriting team experience, and historical recovery rates
2. Private Credit Funds and BDCs
   • Managers: Ares Management, Golub Capital, Prospect Capital
   • Minimums: $50,000-$250,000
   • Structures: Diversified credit portfolios, senior secured corporate loans, specialty finance
   • Due Diligence Focus: Manager track record, fee structure alignment, and liquidity terms
3. Structured Note Programs
   • Providers: Major private banks and independent sponsors
   • Minimums: $100,000-$1,000,000
   • Structures: Secured private loan portfolios with defined risk-return parameters
   • Due Diligence Focus: Collateral quality, structural subordination, and counterparty risk
4. Direct Club Deals and Co-Investment
   • Access: Family office networks, private placement agents
   • Minimums: $250,000-$2,000,000
   • Structures: Single-asset or concentrated portfolio investments
   • Due Diligence Focus: Sponsor alignment, underwriting rigor, and legal documentation

Critical Investment Framework

Before allocating capital, implement this disciplined approach:

• Conduct Sponsor Due Diligence: Verify track records across multiple market cycles
• Analyze Structural Protections: Review collateral coverage, covenant packages, and payment waterfalls
• Assess Liquidity Realities: Understand realistic holding periods and secondary market options
• Verify Third-Party Oversight: Confirm independent administration, valuation, and custody
• Diversify Across Sponsors and Strategies: Avoid concentration in single platforms or asset classes

The essential question for sophisticated investors is this: Are you building a structured private loan portfolio with appropriate risk-adjusted returns, or simply collecting high-yield offerings without a coherent strategy?

👉 Secure your spot today. Book your private call here.