Fifth Third Partners Eldridge to Expand Private Credit Solutions

Fifth Third Bank has partnered with asset manager Eldridge to introduce private credit solutions for the bank’s commercial clients, marking a strategic shift towards non-traditional lending channels. This collaboration leverages Eldridge's investment expertise and Fifth Third’s extensive commercial banking network to offer flexible and reliable financing options that address evolving borrower needs. The partnership reflects a broader industry trend where banks are increasingly working with private credit firms to diversify revenue streams and provide more comprehensive financing alternatives amid regulatory and market pressures. Both entities emphasize that this initiative will unlock new opportunities and enable faster growth by combining their strengths and capabilities. This move aligns with similar partnerships in the private credit market, which has been rapidly expanding as banks seek to maintain competitiveness and meet the demand for middle-market lending. Notably, Eldridge’s prior ties with Fifth Third through affiliate Stonebriar Commercial Finance laid the foundation for this expanded private credit collaboration.