Investing in Credit Markets, and the Causes One Cares About

Kent Collier’s self-professed “obsession” with bankruptcies began shortly after graduating from UVA’s McIntire School of Commerce as he realized the opportunities they provide to rehabilitate slumping but worthwhile companies. Now, 20 years later, Collier is founder and CEO of a successful global financial technology company.

Along the way, he has deepened his commitment to supporting endeavors that strengthen American democracy, including fact-based journalism and fair elections.

Collier was the featured speaker at Batten Hour earlier this week where he reflected on his career path, and shared his thoughts about the future.  

Early in his career, Collier moved through the ranks of the finance world, holding several positions, but, after losing his seat at a multi-strat hedge fund, he said, “I had no way to express my love for investing in credit so I just started writing (a blog), and it became super famous on Wall Street. There was a dearth of content around investing in credit that I just happened to fill.”

That led him to found Reorg, the leading provider of intelligence, data and analysis for the global credit markets with 600 employees around the world. He has also launched innovations like CreditAI “which transforms the way credit information is accessed and distilled,” according to a Reorg press release.

Collier said good fortune has played a large role in his success, a point he makes sure to share with others. “So many things have turned to my advantage and that is one of the reasons that my wife and I are giving all of our money away.”

Indeed, the couple’s generosity has impacted the world of nonprofit journalism. Kent and his wife Erin Schulte Collier’s family foundation, Good Words, has helped start new newsrooms and has funded various local journalism initiatives, which many outlets cannot afford. 

Journalism must create a new way of funding itself as it is “under assault” from a myriad of sources, he said, including certain politicians, fake news, and an archaic business model.

Collier also spoke about the political polarization that has been developing and the importance of citizens engaging in politics and finding common ground. “We have to look at people as human beings, not just from another party. They have hopes, dreams and inspirations, just like us.” Collier also believes we need to use language that is more trust-based and less triggering, though he admitted, “it’s quite hard these days.”

Turning the conversation to AI, Collier outlined some positive uses of the technology. He mentioned a Virginia mayor who has used the technology to synthesize his voice and translate his auto-dialed messages to his non-English speaking constituents in multiple languages.

Collier told the Batten students he predicted a high demand for AI consultants and advisors to national, state and local electoral campaigns. “If you want to work on a campaign as an AI expert, you would be hired instantaneously.”

While there are plenty of positive AI uses, he warned of the clear danger of fact versus “AI fiction,” which is exponentially compounded by the speed of modern communications on platforms such as X.

The upcoming November elections, in particular, worry him. He noted the legislative efforts of Senator Mark Warner (VA) to rein in deep fake content on the internet, but added: “Once it is out there, it’s very hard to unscramble the egg. It’s terrifying. What scares me the most is disinformation. There are no restrictions yet. It’s a bit like the Wild West.”

Collier also expressed concern about the growing trend of attempts to change voting rules to help win future elections. “And both sides do it by the way, whether it is gerrymandering or restricting the right to vote. When there are more restrictions on voting, people can stay in power for a very, very long time. They can make changes slowly that don’t feel like change to us.”

Collier closed by encouraging students to get involved in this year’s election, in some way, and not just on Election Day, but now. Polling the room, he noted that most in the audience are planning to vote but are less inclined to encourage their friends to vote. If the approximately 40 people in the room told 10 of their friends to vote, that would mean 400 votes, and some elections in Virginia have been decided by less than 400 votes. 

“I do think every vote matters,” said Collier. “It’s probably a good challenge for this group because I would assume you are probably among the most politically engaged at the university.”