Private Lending in Emerging Markets Yields Competitive Returns
A study analyzing 4,109 loans worth $115 billion across 127 countries shows that private lending in emerging and developing economies (EMDEs) delivers returns competitive with public benchmarks. Post-2012 portfolios outperformed emerging-market corporate bonds and U.S. Treasuries. Despite higher defaults in fragile and conflict-affected states, returns remained statistically similar to the broader portfolio, indicating private lending is commercially viable and can support economic growth.
World Bank Blogs·

