Insurance Asset Risk Awards 2025 - UK & Europe

Private debt manager of the year - Highly Commended: Blackstone

Blackstone was highly commended by the judges in the Insurance Asset Risk private debt manager of the year 2025 award category due to its exceptional deal activity, expansion in insurance partnerships, and innovative private credit offerings.

Amidst a global shift towards private credit as a key financing source, Blackstone Credit & Insurance played a pivotal role in major European transactions, including the €4.5bn financing for Adevinta's take-private and the £1.6bn refinancing for IRIS Software. The manager's ability to navigate market volatility and leverage thematic investments in high-growth sectors—such as e-commerce, healthcare, and climate transitions —set it apart.

Blackstone also expanded its insurance platform, surpassing $200bn in assets under management (AuM), tripling in size since 2020. Their expertise in direct lending, asset-based finance, and private investment-grade debt has driven growth for major insurance clients. Notably, their exclusive investment management role in the $10.6bn Nippon Life acquisition of Resolution Life reinforced their market leadership.

Further, Blackstone's semi-liquid private credit strategy for individual investors reached €1.3bn in AuM in just two years, expanding into underpenetrated European markets via partnerships with BNP Paribas Cardif, ING, and UniCredit. Their focus on consistent income with lower volatility, alongside significant hires in global leadership, solidified their reputation for excellence in private credit investing.