Managers eye private placement potential

Fund managers are among those touting opportunities for Asian asset owners to participate in Europe’s private placements market, but admit there needs to be a regulatory driver to increase market liquidity. The sector provides investors with the opportunity to lend directly to small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) whose size precludes the high costs and tough rating requirements of issuing in the public bond markets. “As a senior lender you can earn Libor plus 5-6% on these ty…