Ben Pakenham, Lead Portfolio Manager at Polen Capital, shares why he joined the firm: to focus on leveraged credit and help expand its European and global credit franchise alongside its established U.S. business. He highlights the appeal of European high yield bonds, with current yields roughly 100 basis points above their 10-year average, offering an attractive entry point for long-term investors. Pakenham also outlines the team’s investment philosophy, generating yield advantage through rigorous credit research, disciplined selection, and minimizing defaults to deliver sustainable excess returns.