Apollo Global Management has built a reputation for aggressive tactics since its 1990 founding, attracting regulatory scrutiny across deals involving Drexel, Executive Life, Calpers, Huntsman, Caesars, Ali Rashid, tax-receivable agreements, life insurance policies, and Jeffrey Epstein. Founders have clashed with the East Hampton town board, US House of Representatives, and each other.

A University of Chicago and Drexel University study found that Apollo portfolio companies pay a staggering 100 basis point premium merely for being Apollo, despite below-average leverage and standard credit contracts. The research analyzed nearly 1,000 LBOs from 2016 to 2025, finding that 79% of leveraged loan yield differences were explained by borrower characteristics, rising to 84% when sponsor reputation was factored in.

Buy-side investors, sell-side bankers, and Apollo rivals have long argued the firm pays extra to borrow due to its reputation for aggressiveness. In 2015, the Wall Street Journal reported Apollo executives launched an 'apology tour' to rebuild trust with loan and bond investors, with limited success. The 100 basis-point cost significantly impacts deal returns and partner compensation.