Demand for alternative asset classes is rising among advisors ahead of expected continuation of public market volatility.
A survey of advisors attending the recent CAIS Alternative Investment Summit found that 62% allocate between 6% and 25% of clients’ portfolios to alts and 85% expect to increase allocations to at least one alternative asset class in 2024.
Almost eight in ten respondents to the CAIS survey, conducted in collaboration with Mercer, said alternatives help them meet client goals and 59% believe access to alts is helping them attract new clients.
“The transition to a three-dimensional portfolio including alternative investments is accelerating rapidly. Our latest data suggests that alts are also helping independent advisors differentiate from competitors and build their practices,” said Matt Brown, Founder and CEO of CAIS. “As the champion of the independent advisor community, we remain focused on helping them adopt, and benefit from, alternative investment strategies.”
Current allocations are focused on real estate (96% of advisors include these assets in their clients’ portfolios), private equity (93%), and private debt (91%), with almost seven in ten advisors planning to increase allocations to private equity and private debt in the next 12 months.
However, 55% of poll participants said the high levels of administration and paperwork is a barrier to investing in these strategies, 47% cited a lack of liquidity, and 35% had concerns around due diligence and compliance.
“As the wealth channel continues to embrace alternative investments, these findings underscore the independent advisor’s need for strategic partners that can help them streamline alts adoption,” said Gregg Sommer, partner and US Financial Intermediaries Leader at Mercer. “Mercer provides independent due diligence and monitoring for funds available on the CAIS platform, with our reports and ratings made readily available to its users, to help advisers continue to differentiate their portfolios.”
Another recent study by Fuse Research Network found a lower level of advisors committed to alternatives, especially emerging structures like interval funds and BDCs.
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.