Houlihan Lokey Expands Global Capital Markets Group
Houlihan Lokey, Inc. (NYSE:HLI), a leading global investment bank, has announced a significant addition to its Capital Markets Group with the appointment of Carle Felton as a Managing Director. Based in Atlanta, Mr. Felton will be instrumental in further enhancing the firm’s private capital financing capabilities, reinforcing its commitment to providing comprehensive and tailored financing solutions to clients worldwide.
The evolving financial landscape, characterized by the rapid expansion of alternative capital, has created an array of financing opportunities for businesses. However, navigating this complex environment requires a combination of deep industry expertise and well-established relationships with capital providers. Recognizing this, Houlihan Lokey has strategically brought Mr. Felton on board to leverage his extensive experience in capital markets and advisory services.
Gregg Newman, Managing Director and Global Co-Head of Houlihan Lokey’s Capital Markets Group, expressed confidence in Mr. Felton’s ability to contribute meaningfully to the firm’s success. “The extraordinary growth of alternative capital has opened up countless financing opportunities for our clients, but achieving superior outcomes with customized and often complex financing solutions requires both deep expertise and trusted relationships among capital providers. Carle is an outstanding advisor in these respects, and his experience and compatibility with our client-first corporate culture make him an excellent addition to the team,” Newman stated.
Background and Experience of Carle Felton
Mr. Felton brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience in capital markets, having worked extensively in advisory roles focused on both debt and equity financing. Before joining Houlihan Lokey, he served for two years at Cascadia Capital, where he was Head of the Capital Markets Advisory practice. At Cascadia, he was responsible for advising a diverse range of clients, including private equity-backed companies, family-owned businesses, and publicly traded corporations, on various capital-raising strategies.
Prior to his tenure at Cascadia Capital, Mr. Felton held a key role at Goldman Sachs within the Private Capital and Hybrid Capital Group. His time at Goldman Sachs further solidified his expertise in structuring innovative financing solutions and advising clients on navigating the complexities of the capital markets.
His deep understanding of financial instruments, combined with a client-focused approach, aligns well with Houlihan Lokey’s philosophy of delivering customized solutions to meet the unique needs of each client. By joining Houlihan Lokey, Mr. Felton aims to continue this tradition of excellence, leveraging the firm’s robust platform and expansive industry reach.
Houlihan Lokey’s Strength in Private Capital Markets
Houlihan Lokey has long been a frontrunner in the private capital markets space, with one of the most extensive independent platforms in the industry. The firm’s ability to anticipate trends, particularly in the growth of the alternative asset class, has enabled it to offer unmatched capital-raising and advisory services.
Mr. Felton expressed his enthusiasm for joining the firm, noting that its strategic foresight and strong position in the financial services industry played a key role in his decision. “Houlihan Lokey’s prescient observations regarding the growth of the alternative asset class have enabled the firm to establish one of the largest and best independent private capital markets platforms in financial services. I look forward to partnering with my colleagues and continuing to deliver exceptional advice to clients across all of our industry verticals,” said Mr. Felton.
The Growing Importance of Alternative Capital in Financial Markets
The financial industry has witnessed a seismic shift in recent years, with alternative capital sources gaining prominence as viable financing options. Traditional lending avenues, such as bank loans, have been supplemented—and in some cases replaced—by a diverse array of private capital sources, including direct lenders, credit funds, and family offices.
As the demand for flexible financing solutions grows, investment banks like Houlihan Lokey have positioned themselves as trusted advisors capable of structuring bespoke financial solutions. The firm’s Capital Markets Group plays a crucial role in connecting businesses with the right capital providers, ensuring optimal outcomes tailored to each client’s strategic goals.
Houlihan Lokey’s Global Reach and Expertise
With over 100 dedicated finance professionals spanning thirteen offices worldwide, Houlihan Lokey’s Capital Markets Group stands as one of the largest and most influential in the financial services industry. The group’s expertise covers a broad spectrum of industries, enabling it to provide tailored capital solutions to clients ranging from private equity portfolio companies to large publicly traded enterprises.
In 2024 alone, the Capital Markets Group successfully raised and advised on more than $18 billion in capital across over 80 transactions. This track record underscores the firm’s ability to navigate complex financial environments and secure optimal financing solutions for its clients.
Strategic Implications of Felton’s Appointment
Mr. Felton’s addition to the Capital Markets Group is expected to further strengthen Houlihan Lokey’s leadership in private capital financing. His extensive experience in advising companies on both debt and equity financing transactions will be invaluable in helping clients access capital in a rapidly evolving market.
The firm’s emphasis on deep relationships with capital providers, combined with its analytical rigor and strategic insights, sets it apart in the investment banking landscape. By incorporating Mr. Felton’s expertise into its already robust platform, Houlihan Lokey aims to enhance its ability to deliver superior capital-raising solutions to clients globally.
Houlihan Lokey’s decision to appoint Carle Felton as a Managing Director in its Capital Markets Group reflects the firm’s commitment to staying at the forefront of the evolving financial landscape. With a proven track record in capital markets and advisory services, Mr. Felton brings valuable insights and capabilities that will further elevate the firm’s ability to provide customized financing solutions.
As alternative capital continues to reshape the financial industry, Houlihan Lokey remains well-positioned to help clients navigate this dynamic environment. Through strategic hires like Mr. Felton and a steadfast commitment to excellence, the firm continues to solidify its reputation as a leader in private capital financing and investment banking.
