Alternative Credit
Founded in 2013, we are a private credit manager that focuses on asset-backed specialty finance. Relationship-oriented and experienced, we provide debt capital for complex, asset-rich opportunities.
For institutional investors
Inquire. Listen. Analyze. Solve.
50 transactions completed
$2.1 billion in total commitments
10+ years of specialized expertise
Our approach
Asset backed: Our loans are typically backed by specific collateral such as a portfolio of loans held in a bankruptcy remote special purpose vehicle (SPV).
Granular: Backing our loan is a portfolio of hundreds to millions of loans. Using the associated data, we can perform extensive statistical analysis during underwriting and in the ongoing monitoring process.
Short duration: For our team, a typical loan is three years or less. Across our current portfolio, the underlying collateral has an average life of less than one year.
Tech enabled: Using technology and data, one of our portfolio companies can service market segments with limited access to traditional large lenders and capital markets.
Lending to the lower middle market offers strategic complexity, enabling our team to select deals across sectors and geographies that require veteran expertise to execute.
We capture illiquidity and complexity premium while securing the downside with consumer loans, small business loans, and other similar financial contracts held in a bankruptcy remote SPV.
Our target companies require structural flexibility and innovative thinking resulting in solutions that meet the demands of our portfolio partners and investors alike.
Our management team has been battle tested through multiple market cycles. We underwrite with the goal of portfolio wide resiliency and durability throughout economic cycles.
For our investor base of endowments, family offices, and high net worth individuals, we maintain a steady hand. Our investment professionals diligently monitor each portfolio to identify and mitigate risk while enabling growth and opportunity.
Our people. We pride ourselves on our industry expertise, analytical capabilities that uncover the intricacies of each business, and our deep connection with stakeholders. We understand the regulatory and capital challenges that our partner companies face.
Customized financing solutions. Industry focus and knowledge affords us the ability to diligence the most complex situations and deliver bespoke solutions.
A track record of compelling returns with downside protection. Our investment strategy – and results – center on deep asset expertise, consistent investment criteria, experience-based judgement and long-term relationships.
Partnership and humility. We listen to our borrowers and investors, working continuously to adapt to their needs and evolve our business alongside them. When borrowers and partners enter a process with our team, they are never alone. We approach every interaction with the same humility and straightforward attitude.
“Our culture balances ambition with collaboration – we encourage our team to both leverage their experience and embrace learning opportunities. Time and again, this mindset has proven itself in delivering optimal solutions for partner companies.”
Jay Braden, Chief Executive Officer
Responsibility
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
We are dedicated to supporting the communities in and around Stamford, Connecticut, where we operate., and have actively partnered with the following nonprofit organizations: Connecticut Foodshare, Swim Across America, Bridging Tech, Coral Restoration Foundation and Manna Foodbank.
SUSTAINABILITY
We adopt a sustainable and collaborative approach when dealing with our investors, financing partners and communities. We believe that integrating relevant environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into our investment analysis and decision-making processes is an important driver of long-term investment returns from both an opportunity and risk-mitigation perspective.
With that, we strive to achieve risk-adjusted returns that align withy our investment objectives while also prioritizing responsible investing. While we place significant emphasis on ESG principles, these considerations do not override our fundamental duty as fiduciaries to our investors.
Leadership team
Information presented is for informational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for investment in any holdings. Nothing contained herein constitutes an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy an interest in any Mesirow investment vehicle. Any offer can only be made to Qualified and/or “accredited” investors as appropriately defined in the Offering Memorandum particular to any investment. The Memorandum contains important information concerning risk factors and other material aspects of the investment and should be read carefully before an investment decision is made. Nothing on this website should be interpreted to state or imply that past performance is an indication of future performance. All investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to consult with a tax professional before implementing any investment strategy.
Bastion is a division of Mesirow Financial Holdings, Inc. (“MFHI”). Bastion is an SEC-registered investment advisor. Mesirow refers to Mesirow Financial Holdings, Inc. and its divisions, subsidiaries and affiliates. The Mesirow and Bastion name and logo are registered service marks of Mesirow Financial Holdings, Inc. © 2025, Mesirow Financial Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved. Any opinions expressed are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not indicative of future results.