Ares Names James Garforth Principal for Asia Direct Lending

Ares Management Corp has appointed James Garforth as a principal in its Asia direct lending business, strengthening the global alternative investment manager’s private credit operations across the region.

Garforth will be based in Hong Kong and report to Peter Graf, partner and head of Asia direct lending at Ares Management, according to an internal company memo seen by Reuters on Monday. A company spokesperson confirmed the appointment and other details contained in the memo.

The hiring adds an experienced capital markets and leveraged finance executive to Ares as the investment firm continues to build its presence in Asia’s growing direct lending and private credit market.

Garforth joins Ares Management from Australian private equity firm BGH Capital in Melbourne, where he had led the company’s capital markets business since 2023. His experience at BGH provided him with exposure to financing strategies and capital markets transactions within the private equity sector.

Before joining BGH Capital, Garforth worked at KKR Capital Markets in Sydney, adding another major global alternative asset manager to his professional background.

Earlier in his career, he spent nearly a decade at Credit Suisse, holding positions focused on leveraged finance and financial sponsors. His time with the investment bank included roles in both New York and Sydney, giving him experience across U.S. and Asia-Pacific financial markets.

According to the internal Ares memo, Garforth holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and economics from the University of Queensland.

His appointment comes as direct lending and private credit continue to play an increasingly important role in global corporate financing, with alternative investment managers expanding their lending platforms to capture opportunities outside traditional banking channels.

For Ares Management, adding Garforth to its Hong Kong team brings extensive experience spanning private equity, capital markets and leveraged finance. His background at BGH Capital, KKR and Credit Suisse is expected to support the firm's Asia direct lending operations as it pursues private credit opportunities throughout the region.