With interest in alternative asset classes growing among retail investors, financial advisors are keen to become more knowledgeable.
Most advisors (70%) surveyed by Fuse Research Network said that there is a lack of alternative investing educational materials, and they want asset managers to address this with online tools.
More than four in ten respondents to the Advisor Trend Monitor Series Report – Alternative Products: The Advisor View, said they are very interested in resources while 85% are interested overall and 80% are interested in those that fit into seven specific categories.
These include:
“This is an opportunity for firms to differentiate their alternative offerings with quality marketing programs,” said Mike Evans, Director of BenchMark Research at FUSE Research. “Focusing on topics that support their overall brand and providing advisors much-needed alternative support materials will deliver the greatest lift for the organization.”
The firm’s previous research revealed that alternative strategies and vehicle structures remain the domain of only a small minority of advisors.
The alternatives education gap has also been highlighted by Invesco’s head of Americas distribution, John McDonough.
Writing for InvestmentNews he said overcoming the educational gap is the key to helping financial professionals feel more confident allocating to alternatives and tackling the educational burden requires a dedicated effort from both financial professionals and product specialists.
Rajesh Markan earlier this year pleaded guilty to one count of criminal fraud related to his sale of fake investments to 10 clients totaling $2.9 million.
From building trust to steering through emotions and responding to client challenges, new advisors need human skills to shape the future of the advice industry.
"The outcome is correct, but it's disappointing that FINRA had ample opportunity to investigate the merits of clients' allegations in these claims, including the testimony in the three investor arbitrations with hearings," Jeff Erez, a plaintiff's attorney representing a large portion of the Stifel clients, said.
Chair also praised the passage of stablecoin legislation this week.
Maridea Wealth Management's deal in Chicago, Illinois is its first after securing a strategic investment in April.
Orion's Tom Wilson on delivering coordinated, high-touch service in a world where returns alone no longer set you apart.
Barely a decade old, registered index-linked annuities have quickly surged in popularity, thanks to their unique blend of protection and growth potential—an appealing option for investors looking to chart a steadier course through today's choppy market waters, says Myles Lambert, Brighthouse Financial.
