Ares Management CEO Michael Arougheti discussed the evolving private credit cycle and the firm's growth strategy during an interview at Bloomberg Invest 2026 in New York. Speaking with Bloomberg's Dani Burger, Arougheti addressed how Ares Management is expanding access to private markets beyond traditional institutional investors. The conversation highlighted the firm's push to democratize private credit opportunities.

Arougheti emphasized the importance of balancing growth with risk management in the current market environment. He noted that Ares is actively working to make private credit more accessible to a broader range of investors while maintaining the rigorous underwriting standards that have defined the firm's approach. The CEO discussed how the private credit cycle is maturing and what this means for both borrowers and investors.

The interview comes amid growing interest in private credit as an asset class, with institutional investors increasingly allocating to alternatives. Arougheti's comments reflect Ares Management's strategic positioning as the private credit market continues to evolve and mature.