Carlyle Group is sitting on a record $96 billion in investable capital, the buyout giant reported Thursday, positioning it to capitalize on market disruptions and geopolitical uncertainty. The firm posted a first-quarter loss as distributable earnings slumped, but CEO Harvey Schwartz told analysts the firm sees strong momentum across its global platforms.

"Everywhere you go in the world, the message is the same: The demand for private capital continues to grow," Schwartz said during the earnings call. He pointed to national security concerns, energy infrastructure needs, and efforts to revitalize the U.S. industrial base as key drivers fueling investor appetite for private equity.

The record dry powder arrives as volatility in public markets creates buying opportunities for firms with long investment horizons. Carlyle's ability to deploy significant capital during periods of economic uncertainty could prove lucrative if valuations normalize and portfolio companies benefit from strategic investments.