Global investment firm Carlyle (NASDAQ: CG) has announced a significant move in the private student loan market by acquiring a $415 million portfolio and investing in Monogram LLC, a leading provider of finance solutions for students and their families. Carlyle’s partnership with Monogram, led by the former management team of Cognition Financial, aims to originate, acquire, and manage high-quality private student loan assets, marking a pivotal moment in the education finance sector.

Monogram’s Advanced Loan Solutions and Expertise

Monogram’s platform offers an end-to-end private student loan solution for lenders, featuring customizable programs, active portfolio management, and loan loss protection. The team, with over 30 years of experience in the private student loan business, currently manages more than $7 billion in loans. This expertise positions Monogram to deliver competitive financing solutions to meet diverse borrower needs.

Filling the Gap in Student Financing

Akhil Bansal, Managing Director and Head of Credit Strategic Solutions at Carlyle, emphasized the opportunity for private markets to address the financing needs of families pursuing higher education goals. This partnership is poised to provide attractive alternatives in the private student loan market, aligning with Carlyle’s commitment to supporting families’ educational aspirations.

Seth Gelber and Daniel Meyers’ Vision for Monogram

Seth Gelber, CEO of Monogram, highlighted the company’s data and analytics capabilities, which are instrumental in addressing the growing demand for well-structured education finance products. Daniel Meyers, Executive Chairman, expressed his excitement about the future prospects of the industry, driven by the strong demand for education finance products.

Carlyle’s Credit Strategic Solutions Team’s Role

The transaction was led by Carlyle’s Credit Strategic Solutions (CSS) team, focused on private fixed income and asset-backed investments. With a deployment of over $1.5 billion year to date as of September 30, 2023, the CSS team plays a crucial role in delivering tailored asset-focused financing solutions.

Carlyle’s investment in Monogram LLC represents a significant strategic development in the student loan sector. This collaboration not only bolsters Carlyle’s presence in private credit solutions but also reflects the evolving landscape of education finance, where private firms are increasingly stepping in to provide vital funding options for students and families. The partnership is a testament to the importance of innovative financial solutions in supporting educational aspirations and the overall health of the private student loan market.

  Akhil Bansal, Carlyle, Daniel Meyers, Monogram, Seth Gelber