Ep 169: Armen Panossian - Oaktree's approach to navigating distressed credit

In this episode David interviews Armen Panossian, co-CEO and head of Performing Credit at Oaktree Capital Management, known for its successful management of distressed debt. Armen outlines his background in finance and his journey at Oaktree since joining the firm in 2007. He discusses Oaktree's foundation in 1995, its investment philosophy emphasising risk control, and its focus on credit investment. The firm emphasizes an opportunistic, value-oriented and risk-controlled approach to investments in credit, private equity, real assets and listed equities. The conversation also highlights the differences between performing and non-performing credit, with the former involving financially stable borrowers and the latter involving distressed entities that may offer enhanced returns. Despite current economic stability, Armen highlights a significant need for tailored capital solutions, especially in sectors like real estate and healthcare. He concludes by discussing potential economic shifts and the importance of prudent investment strategies to navigate uncertain financial landscapes.