Fear of missing out on private credit driving strategies

Despite the controversies in 2025, private credit remains irresistible for North American insurers going forward.

Image @ Alex Towle.
Shawn Bengtson, Chief Risk Officer for Woodmen Life Insurance, gives her thoughts on private credit.

“I don't want to find this industry in a position where we're shadow banking and possibly putting our global economic confidence at risk.”

That was the opinion of Shawn Bengtson, Chief Risk Officer for Woodmen Life Insurance, at the Insurance Investor Live | North America event, held in December.

Yet, despite this cautious note, Bengtson was quick to add that Woodmen is investing in private credit, albeit in “carved out” areas where they understand – both the risks and the opportunities – and think that they have an edge.

Her thoughts reflected how many insurers talked about private credit at the event. Yet, despite the worry, most insurers are cautiously involved in the industry. 

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