By the Numbers: Key Trends Driving Private Lending, Finance Talent, and Global Shipping
This month, Global Finance tracked three market shifts: private lending, digital finance talent, and global trade costs. The post By the Numbers: Key Trends Driving Private Lending, Finance Talent, and Global Shipping appeared first on Global Finance Magazine .
In the September 2026 issue of Global Finance Magazine, the "By the Numbers" feature provides key insights into three industries: private lending, corporate talent, and global trade. This edition highlights three charts illustrating trends in each field.
Private lending saw a significant drop in deal volume due to higher financing costs, interest-rate uncertainty, and potential market correction. However, direct lenders like Audax led the Q2 2026 leader board with 62 deals, followed closely by TPG Twin Brook (46) and MidCap Financial (43). Despite their size, smaller, middle-market-focused lenders like Audax and Twin Brook outperformed larger players, positioning them favorably amidst the current market conditions.
The future of the finance workforce appears to be shifting towards a more technology-savvy team. Currently, 85% of finance professionals hold traditional backgrounds, while only 15% have expertise in digital skills. According to Gartner's projections, this balance will flip within four years. By 2030, only 20% of the finance workforce will be dedicated to traditional finance roles, while 20% will be dedicated digital finance talent.
The remaining 60% will be hybrid professionals, combining finance expertise with data, automation, and technology skills. This evolution will transform the finance department from a room of accountants to a technologically fluent team.
Written by urgent.news from Global Finance's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
