Darien, Connecticut
Real estate developer James McManus appeared on the statewide syndicated Cowboy State Daily Show to discuss his pending federal litigation involving FairBridge Asset Management and to raise broader concerns about lending practices in the private credit market.
During the interview, McManus described his experience with FairBridge Asset Management and discussed allegations that are part of ongoing legal proceedings. The claims remain pending and have not been proven in court.
McManus said his concerns extend beyond his own case, arguing that the rapid growth of private credit raises important questions about borrower protections, regulatory oversight, and the exposure of institutional capital connected to pension funds, annuities, union retirement accounts, and other long-term savings vehicles.
Private credit has grown into a multi-trillion-dollar market in recent years, attracting capital from institutional investors seeking alternative lending opportunities outside traditional banking channels. McManus argued during the broadcast that this growth has outpaced public awareness and that greater transparency and oversight are needed to protect borrowers and investors.
McManus is currently involved in federal litigation against FairBridge Asset Management and related parties. In the interview, he alleged that the firm used aggressive lending and collateral-related tactics that he believes caused significant financial harm. He further claimed that the issues in his case reflect wider risks in parts of the private credit sector.
“These are serious allegations, and they are now being addressed through the legal process,” McManus said during the interview. “My concern is not only what happened to me, but what may happen to other borrowers, workers, retirees, and families whose savings may be connected to this market without their full awareness.”
McManus also discussed his personal circumstances, stating that the dispute escalated while he was recovering from major heart surgery. According to McManus, the matter involved disputed fees, alleged changes in loan terms, default claims, and attempts to pursue collateral across multiple properties. These allegations are expected to be addressed through the pending court proceedings.
During the broadcast, McManus criticized what he views as insufficient oversight in certain areas of private credit. He said stronger rules may be needed to ensure that borrowers, institutional investors, and retirement savers are better protected as the market continues to expand.
“This is about accountability,” McManus said. “When institutional capital is involved, the public deserves transparency, fair dealing, and a system that protects ordinary people as much as it protects powerful financial firms.”
The Cowboy State Daily Show appearance is part of McManus’ ongoing effort to bring public attention to his legal dispute and to advocate for greater scrutiny of private credit lending practices.
The allegations discussed by McManus are disputed matters subject to ongoing litigation. No court has made a final determination on the claims referenced in the interview.
The full interview is available here:
About James McManus
James McManus is a real estate developer based in the New York and Connecticut region. He is currently engaged in federal litigation involving FairBridge Asset Management and related parties. Through public interviews and advocacy, McManus has called for increased attention to borrower protections, private credit transparency, and institutional-investor risk.