iCapital is bringing a private credit solution offered by BlackRock to market in Canada. This initiative introduces an evergreen investment vehicle designed for accredited investors, available through advisor channels with both CAD-hedged and USD-denominated options.
This launch marks the first time Canadian wealth managers and their accredited investor clients can access BlackRock’s private credit strategy through a Canadian access vehicle. Historically available only to institutional investors, private credit is increasingly sought after by advisors seeking to provide their high-net-worth clients with enhanced portfolio diversification, a means to generate income, and improved downside protection. This new Canadian solution significantly lowers the barriers to entry by offering a simplified subscription process and reduced investment thresholds, delivered through iCapital’s platform.
“We are honoured to deepen our existing relationship with BlackRock, one of the world’s renowned asset management firms and a recognized leader in private credit capabilities,” said Tom Johnston, managing director and head of client solutions Canada at iCapital. “Wealth creation in the alternative asset space has long been an institutional strategy, and we are delighted to support BlackRock in broadening the reach of this institutional-grade strategy to Canada.”
“With this launch, we are excited to expand access for Canadians to our middle market private credit strategy and to grow our global relationship with iCapital,” said Sarah Butcher, managing director, head of the Americas institutional business in Canada, and Canadian territory lead for institutional capital formation at BlackRock. “We are pleased to continue to innovate together and to bring unique private market opportunities to a wider investment community – offering Canadians more choice in private market strategies. We are likewise thrilled that after extensive review, Westcourt Capital chose to support this launch.”
The newly created Canadian-access solution (which includes a USD-denominated and CAD option) has received an initial investment from clients of Westcourt.
“Westcourt Capital conducted a global search and is pleased to have access to BlackRock’s private credit strategy through the iCapital Canadian fund structure. We are excited to be allocating to BlackRock as a differentiated, institutional-grade solution for our clients,” said Robert A. Janson, chief investment officer at Westcourt Capital.
Private credit continues to grow in relevance as market volatility and low fixed income yields persist. BlackRock’s private credit strategy focuses on directly originated senior secured loans – offering enhanced yield potential and capital preservation through robust collateral and covenant protections.