Survey finds most individual investors holding or raising their private markets exposure

Survey finds most individual investors holding or raising their private markets exposure
Yieldstreet research offers a fresh glimpse into investors' appetite for alternatives, with digital platform use having a significant influence.
FEB 18, 2025

A new survey from private market investment platform Yieldstreet suggests a significant majority of retail investors intend to either maintain or increase their private market allocations, with many using brokerage accounts to fund their investments.

The report titled "The Next Wave," conducted in partnership with a global consulting firm, drew from a survey of nearly 400 individual investors and industry experts.

The findings indicate that private market investments are increasingly being integrated into mainstream portfolios, particularly among investors utilizing digital investment platforms.

Among the respondents in Yieldstreet's report, 94 percent plan to maintain or raise their private market allocations. Those with more than $1 million in investable assets cited diversification as the top reason for investing in private markets (64 percent), followed by yield generation (53 percent) and lower correlation with public markets (27 percent).

“When provided access to private markets, investors are actively diversifying between their public and private market accounts to make sophisticated investment decisions across asset classes,” Michael Weisz, founder and CEO of Yieldstreet, said in a statement revealing the results.

The study found brokerage accounts were the primary funding source for direct-to-consumer private market investments, accounting for three-fifths (59 percent) of allocations. Within that group, 37 percent of investors use online brokerage platforms, while 22 percent invest through traditional full-service firms. Outside of brokerage platforms, the remaining 41 percent reportedly fund their private investments from savings and checking accounts.

Additionally, digital platform users displayed different investment preferences compared to other investors. Interest in infrastructure investments, for example, was reported at 22 percent among platform users, significantly higher than the 8 percent seen among non-users. There's been some significant action in the infrastructure investing space over the past year, with titanic asset managers including KKR and Blackstone focusing on the asset class as they set their sights on affluent investors in the retail space.

“The platforms that succeed will be those that deliver the intuitive, digital experience investors have come to expect, paired with institutional-caliber opportunities – enabling them to build diversified portfolios over time,” Weisz said.

Latest News

SEC bars ex-broker who sold clients phony private equity fund
SEC bars ex-broker who sold clients phony private equity fund

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.

The key to attracting and retaining the next generation of advisors? Client-focused training
The key to attracting and retaining the next generation of advisors? Client-focused training

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.

Chuck Roberts, ex-star at Stifel, barred from the securities industry
Chuck Roberts, ex-star at Stifel, barred from the securities 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.

SEC to weigh ‘innovation exception’ tied to crypto, Atkins says
SEC to weigh ‘innovation exception’ tied to crypto, Atkins says

Chair also praised the passage of stablecoin legislation this week.

Brooklyn-based Maridea snaps up former LPL affiliate to expand in the Midwest
Brooklyn-based Maridea snaps up former LPL affiliate to expand in the Midwest

Maridea Wealth Management's deal in Chicago, Illinois is its first after securing a strategic investment in April.

SPONSORED How advisors can build for high-net-worth complexity

Orion's Tom Wilson on delivering coordinated, high-touch service in a world where returns alone no longer set you apart.

SPONSORED RILAs bring stability, growth during volatile markets

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.