Mapping investments in ‘trustworthy AI’ + New priorities at the US DFC

Direct lending funds raised a record $129.15bn during the first nine months of 2026, even as lending activity slowed and borrowers increasingly refinanced through syndicated loan markets, according to a report by Reuters.The fundraising total represents a 35% increase year on year and the highest nine-month figure recorded by Preqin since its data series began in 2016.However, estimated direct len