This is the list every banker wishes they had.
7,000+ private equity funds, already compiled and ready to use.
Instead of spending hours pulling names firm by firm, start with a database that gives you immediate coverage of the PE market. Access it here.
📊 Weekly Summary
Hi there,
This week’s key developments across markets and finance:
The largest US banks spent a record $33B on buybacks in Q1, while sovereign wealth funds reinforced their global role, with Norway maintaining US exposure and Saudi Arabia outlining an aggressive $1T investment strategy. BlackRock urged LPs to diversify hedge fund allocations, and PIMCO pushed back on systemic risk concerns in private credit.
Markets reflected a mix of optimism and caution. Wall Street banks pointed to resilient IPO activity as revenues rise, supported by expanding licensing activity in Hong Kong. At the same time, investors are starting to question OpenAI’s $852B valuation, and Ken Griffin warned geopolitical tensions could tip the global economy toward recession.
Let’s dive in.
It’s Back: This 9.25% Note Sold Out in 3 Days
Investors are looking for secure, liquid places to park their capital while the market swings. Groundfloor’s 9.25% Note offering filled up in just 3 days last month—so they’re bringing it back for a limited April window.
For accredited investors, the 9.25% Preferred Note offers a 6-month term with monthly payouts, backed by a diversified pool of residential real estate loans. If you’re not accredited, Groundfloor’s Signature Notes follow a similar model—short-term, fixed returns (currently up to 8.25%) with flexible terms and the same real estate-backed structure.
Both are designed for investors looking for predictable income without owning property, and access to private credit without long lockups. Groundfloor has been operating since 2013, with a perfect track record of paying full principal and interest on its Notes. The window is short: open through April 30th, or until fully subscribed ($10 million cap).
📈 Recent Finance News
Largest US banks spent record $33B on buybacks in Q1: JPMorgan, BofA, Citi, Wells, GS, and MS repurchased 2x more than year-ago quarter (MSN)
BlackRock urged LPs to spread hedge fund bets: The firm cautions against concentration risk amid volatile markets (MSN)
PIMCO says private credit poses no systemic risk: The view contrasts with growing concerns from other market participants (VCC)
Norway's $2T sovereign wealth fund will maintain US exposure: The world’s largest asset owner signals continued confidence in US markets (YF)
Saudi Arabia’s $1T sovereign wealth fund sets new global strategy: The fund targets 15 international stakes and 10 domestic mega-projects by 2030 (AN)
SEC removed day trading limits for small retail investors: Retail accounts under $25K can now make unlimited day trades without designation (YF)
Hong Kong issued 53% more IPO banker licenses: SFC granted 43 new corporate finance advisory licenses in March 2026 (II)
Wall Street banks predict IPO resilience as revenue climbs: Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan led with $535M and $472M in revenue respectively (IS)
Investors are questioning OpenAI's $852B valuation: Concerns are emerging around pricing, competition, and sustainability of AI growth (MSN)
Ken Griffin warns Iran conflict could trigger global recession: Macro risks are rising as geopolitical tensions escalate (CNBC)
Singapore's interbank rates approach four-year lows on haven demand: Capital flows into safe assets are pushing funding costs lower (YF)
The go-to resources trusted by top finance professionals:
🔍 Newly Released Reports
Emerging Markets Debt Monitor Q1-26 (Morgan Stanley)
How Banks are Unlocking the Future of Payments (KPMG)
Top of Mind Issues for Banking & Capital Markets (KPMG)
How to Successfully Exit Companies with ESOPs (RJ)
Guide to Investing in Blue Carbon Ecosystems (WEF)
Venture Pulse: Analysis of Venture Funding (KPMG)
Global Tech Report for Private Companies (KPMG)
Global Tech Report for Financial Services (KPMG)
Weighing the Impact of the Middle East War (WT)
The Real Drivers of Private Company Value (CPS)
What’s Next for Oil & Gas Companies? (AJB)
Doing Business in Colombia (Cuatrecasas)
Chile’s Mining and Investment Guide (EY)
Manufacturing Outlook Report (Crowe)
Blackrock Weekly Commentary (BR)
Growth in the New Economy (WEF)
Here’s to your teen’s next big step
Growing up comes with plenty of firsts. With a Cash App Card*, teens have a safe way to practice saving, managing money, and spending — all with their own debit card, and you as their guide.
🤝 M&A Activity
United Airlines pitched a merger with American Airlines to US officials (CNBC)
Potential Deal Value: $40B
Consortium of Bouygues, Iliad and Orange in talks to buy SFR (IP)
Potential Deal Value: $24B
Sazerac offered to buy Kentucky whiskey rival Brown-Forman (YF)
Potential Deal Value: $15B
Amazon agreed to acquire satellite operator Globalstar (CNBC)
Potential Deal Value: $11.6B
GFL Environmental agreed to acquire Canada's Secure Waste Infrastructure (LR)
Deal Value: $4.6B
Johnson Controls weighs divestiture of security division units (MSN)
Potential Deal Value: $4.5B
Blackstone and I Squared weigh bid for Ströer advertising unit (PEI)
Potential Deal Value: $4B
Standard Life buys rival to create pension and savings giant (YF)
Deal Value: $2.7B
Somnigroup to acquire bedding supplier Leggett & Platt (MSN)
Deal Value: $2.5B
Yancoal Australia agreed to buy 80% of Kestrel coal mine (MN)
Deal Value: $2.4B
Esco Technologies announced agreement to buy Megger Group (GNW)
Deal Value: $2.35B
Bawag Group agreed to buy Irish retail lender Permanent TSB (YF)
Deal Value: $1.9B
Hexagon agrees Waygate acquisition to expand Inspection Technology (YF)
Deal Value: $1.45B
Suntory to buy Daiichi Sankyo Healthcare (Inv.)
Potential Deal Value: $1.2B
Thoma Bravo to combine HCSS with Nemetschek in construction tech play (TB)
Deal Value: Undisclosed
That wraps up this week’s insights. More coming your way next week.
PE Bro
