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2025 WOMEN'S DEBT FINANCE FORUM

NEW YORK, NY
FEBRUARY 10-11, 2025

about

 

After two sold-out events, the need for a more comprehensive exploration of private debt’s evolution is clear. The 2025 Kayo Women’s Debt Finance Forum will extend discussions beyond the basics to include a deeper dive into direct lending, asset-based lending, distressed debt, CLOs, secondaries, and other emerging strategies. Join 150 esteemed women—allocators, borrowers, lenders, and advisors — for a day of curated networking and engaging conversations. Together, we’ll navigate the complex landscape of debt finance, forging powerful connections, and gaining critical insights.

 

 

Dulari Pancholi, Speaker at Debt Finance 2023, Partner at NEPC

“Great content – fantastic networking.

Debt Finance 2023 Attendee, Partner at Holland and Knight

In 15+ years of my career, I have never had such an experience!

Cheryl Carner, Debt Finance 2023 Attendee, Head of Originations at SLR Credit Solutions

A warm feeling of community.

agenda

  • All Days
  • Mon Feb 10
  • Tue Feb 11
Mon Feb 10
9:00 am
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Optional Add-On: Media & Presentation Masterclass

Women are navigating a minefield of expectations about what leaders are “supposed” to sound like. This one-day workshop on February 10th, 2025, from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm will equip you to own the power of your full vocal instrument and presence.

This exclusive gathering is tailored for mid-senior level leaders who are ready to refine their personal and professional brands. Engage in a day filled with hands-on workshops, expert-led panels, and targeted networking that equips you with actionable strategies to excel in any business environment.

REGISTER HERE

5:30 pm
5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Networking Reception

Close out your first day with all the connections you’ve made and insights you’ve gained. Enjoy casual networking while sipping and savoring among thoughtfully designed food and wine pairing stations.

Tue Feb 11
7:30 am
7:30 am - 7:45 am
Registration, Coffee, Open Networking

Details coming soon!

7:45 am
7:45 am - 8:30 am
LP Only Breakfast

Start your morning off right by joining us for the most important meal of the day. Fuel up and take on a day of networking and programming with your new connections at an exclusive LP Only Breakfast.

8:30 am
8:30 am - 9:30 am
Deals Fireside
9:30 am
9:30 am - 9:45 am
Welcome Remarks

Details coming soon!

9:45 am
9:45 am - 10:15 am
LP Fireside

Fireside Chat with an institutional investing veteran and leader sharing insight into allocating to private debt in today’s market.

10:15 am
10:15 am - 11:00 am
Confidence in Credit: LP Outlook on Debt Allocations in 2025

Although overall fundraising has slowed, it hasn’t ground to a halt. Amid ongoing macroeconomic concerns, allocators have capitalized on sustained higher interest rates by increasing their investments in private debt. How are allocators viewing this asset class in 2025? Have they reached their limit with private credit, or do they maintain strong confidence in the risk-adjusted returns? This panel explores allocation trends and limited partner outlook on private debt.

10:15 am
10:15 am - 11:00 am
Deal Dynamics: From Sourcing to Closing in Today's Market

With over $500 billion of dry powder in the debt market, lenders are under pressure to deploy capital and are eagerly anticipating a rebound in deal volume. Will we see more favorable M&A activity in 2025? How can the few deals getting done be optimized in today’s macro environment? This panel will explore the evolving strategies and challenges involved in sourcing, negotiating, structuring and closing private debt deals.

11:00 am
11:00 am - 11:15 am
Meet the Speakers

Connect with speakers after the mics are off, and you’ve (just) thought of the perfect question. After their session, speakers will be available for small group conversations and deeper insights on industry topics at the front of the room

11:15 am
11:15 am - 12:00 pm
Unlocking Capital: Strategies for Private Debt Funds

Recent surveys show that nearly half of top institutional investors plan to increase their allocations to private debt, yet fundraising remains challenging. This panel will explore the opportunities and hurdles credit fund managers face today, including capital raising, fund formation and co-investment trends. How are funds making concessions for their most prized LPs? How can emerging managers compete? Our experts will address these themes and delve into finding the right fit for the right fund.

11:15 am
11:15 am - 12:00 pm
Specialty Finance

This fireside chat with an industry expert. A moderator will lead a discussion that goes beyond direct lending to explore an emerging area of debt finance and strategies on the horizon.

12:00 pm
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Meet the Speakers & Lunch

Connect with speakers after the mics are off, and you’ve (just) thought of the perfect question. After their session, speakers will be available for small group conversations and deeper insights on industry topics at the front of the room. Plus, networking over a meal in an intentional environment sets the stage for a successful forum with plenty of authentic connections and new business!

1:00 pm
1:00 pm - 1:40 pm
State of the Debt Markets

What’s in store for the debt markets in 2025? The economy has shown resilience over the past year, but are there stronger headwinds to come? Join our panel of expert borrowers and lenders for a lively and informative conversation about the state of debt finance. Discussions will cover market insights, investment trends, term sheets, regulatory updates and address the debate over the looming “maturity wall”.

1:40 pm
1:40 pm - 2:20 pm
Strategies in the Fund Finance Toolbox

This session will explore the rising popularity of options available to private funds professionals for optimizing liquidity, returning capital to investors and funding strategic objectives. We will discuss the mechanisms of subscription lines, single-asset backed leverage and Net Asset Value (NAV) facilities. A panel of experienced advisors and lenders will provide insights into the current trends, the tools and strategies used in these financial structures and the associated risks and rewards.

1:40 pm
1:40 pm - 2:20 pm
Trends & Hot Topics in Debt Finance: The Borrower’s Perspective

Join us for an in-depth look at the evolving landscape of debt finance in private equity, with a focus on trends and hot topics from a Borrower’s perspective. This session will provide a comprehensive overview of the current market dynamics, exploring how private equity firms and portfolio companies are navigating market volatility. Attendees will gain valuable insights into emerging trends, the growing impact of artificial intelligence, highlights of 2024 and predictions for 2025.

 

2:20 pm
2:20 pm - 2:30 pm
Meet the Speakers

Connect with speakers after the mics are off, and you’ve (just) thought of the perfect question. After their session, speakers will be available for small group conversations and deeper insights on industry topics at the front of the room

2:30 pm
2:30 pm - 3:15 pm
Beyond Direct Lending: A Closer Look at Asset Based and Investment Grade Opportunities

A moderator will lead a forward-looking conversation on what to expect for 2025, innovations in technology in the sector and emerging debt strategies.

2:30 pm
2:30 pm - 4:30 pm
1:1 Meeting Hub

An exclusive benefit for our VIP ticket holders: The 1:1 Meeting Hub offers a reserved space for VIP attendees to host one-on-one meetings in the afternoon from 2:30 – 4:30 PM. After a day of networking and informal connections, seize the opportunity to deepen relationships, engage in meaningful discussions, and uncover new business opportunities in this exclusive setting.

3:15 pm
3:15 pm - 5:00 pm
Cocktails/Champagne Send-Off

Join us in a toast “to trailblazing together!” Kayo’s champagne send-off will be the epitome of celebration. Leave the summit feeling uplifted, make lasting connections and enjoy a time of being championed by your peers.

2023 past speakers

2023 line up

View more

who should attend

LIMITED PARTNERS

Endowments, family offices, foundations, pensions, insurance, OCIOs and other institutional investors.

GENERAL PARTNERS

Private Debt, Capital Markets, Credit Secondaries and other Debt Professionals

LENDERS

Debt providers, including private credit and commercial bank lenders.

ADVISORS

Attorneys, Consultants, Placement Agents, Executive Search, and other advisors

what to expect

2 DAYS OF NETWORKING AND CONTENT

SOURCE CAPITAL

Explore networking opportunities with professionals in private credit, distressed debt and other credit strategies. Ideal community environment for LPs and GPs seeking funding partnerships.

ORIGINATE DEALS

Connect with leading female investment bankers, lenders and M&A advisors to differentiate your presence and forge key industry relationships at this pivotal forum.

GAIN KNOWLEDGE

Learn from leading women experts about the evolving debt finance landscape, including CLOs, secondaries, and emerging private credit strategies, to stay at the forefront of industry trends and legal complexities. 

ESTABLISH YOURSELF

Enhance your reputation and authority in the debt finance industry, become a go-to expert, engage with industry leaders and showcase your niche to attract strategic deals and deepen your professional connections. 

learn more

Our agenda, session highlights and more – all in an easy-to-view downloadable brochure.

past attendees

Imagine the connections you’ll make

  • AB CarVal Investors
  • AB Private Credit Investors
  • Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP
  • APG Asset Management
  • Ares Management Corporation
  • Bain Capital Credit
  • BlackRock
  • Brinley Partners
  • Citigroup (Citi)
  • Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP
  • Deerpath Capital
  • Golub Capital
  • HarbourVest Partners
  • Kirkland & Ellis LLP
  • Monroe Capital LLC
  • Mubadala Capital
  • Neuberger Berman
  • Paul Hastings LLP
  • PSP Investments
  • White & Case LLP

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Does your firm want to increase visibility and support women in debt? Sponsorships are available for 2025 events. Submit your information to schedule a Discovery Call.

TAKE THE PODIUM

Looking to advance yourself through a speaking opportunity? The agenda is under curation and our programming team is looking for speakers to take the podium.

EXCLUSIVE VIP PERKS

Maximize your Summit experience with a VIP pass. See who’s attending and start making connections early – VIPs receive the detailed attendee list 4 weeks in advance!

THE VENUE

Join us in the heart of New York City, where the city’s dynamic energy complements an equally impactful Forum. One Vanderbilt’s prestigious location overlooking Grand Central sets the stage for transformative discussions and networking among leading professionals in debt finance.

LATE REGISTRATION & PRICES INCREASE IN:

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register

Registration for the 2025 Women’s Debt Finance Forum is open. Register below before standard registration ends!

mailtimers.com

NON FEE-EARNING LPS

$0

LP tickets include a general pass, plus:

 

-Networking Reception

-Networking Breakfast & Lunch

-6 hours of Networking

-6 Hours of Content

-General ticket +

-Attendee list in advance

 

Fee-Earning LPs must register with a general or VIP ticket

GENERAL

$399-$1,199+

General tickets include:

 

-Networking Reception

-Networking: Breakfast & Lunch

-6 hours of Networking

-6 Hours of Content

VIP

$599–$1,699+

A limited number of VIP tickets include:

 

-General ticket +

-Attendee list in advance

-Media kit

-VIP designation on name badge

sponsors

more than a conference

NOTHING SHOULD STAND BETWEEN A WOMAN AND THE BUSINESS LEADER SHE WANTS TO BE

CURATED

Quality over quantity. We curate audiences so there is an intentional and diverse mix of partners, clients and peers. You will connect easily and authentically.

CONTENT

We believe individuals should take ownership over their professional development. Our events offer educational topics and industry insight to advance attendees from all areas.

SOUL

Events for women, designed by women. Connection is a top priority at Kayo events because people thrive in community and struggle without it. You’ll be championed by your peers!

trailblaze together