Apollo Global Management CEO Marc Rowan has dismissed claims that including private assets in pension and insurance portfolios could trigger systemic risks, calling concerns over such holdings exaggerated.

The CEO told investors on Monday that the vast majority of private credit held by insurers and pension funds carries investment-grade ratings, countering arguments about the asset class's lower transparency compared to traditional loans. He emphasized that lenders have direct access to borrower management teams.

For instance, Apollo's exchange-traded private credit fund, launched in partnership with State Street, provides daily price updates. Rowan also noted that Apollo's investment-grade private credit business has reached $6 billion in transaction volume across other operations.

Speaking at an Apollo retirement services presentation, Rowan stated, "People have frankly lost their minds. The headlines are becoming increasingly sensational and almost entirely disconnected from substance."

In recent years, alternative asset managers have increasingly acquired insurers to secure stable long-term capital for funding investments. Apollo pioneered this model, with its insurance arm Athene investing in financial products developed by its asset management division. Rowan highlighted Apollo's first-mover advantage in this space on Monday.

However, the close ties between private equity firms and insurers have drawn scrutiny recently, as insurers traditionally prefer highly liquid market exposures like investment-grade bonds and equities. Recent collapses of auto parts maker First Brands Group and subprime auto lender Tricolor Holdings have amplified concerns about credit losses across finance.

Last month, Bank for International Settlements economists conducted extensive research on evolving industry practices, estimating that North American publicly traded life insurers could face roughly $150 billion in capital shortfalls during a severe economic downturn.