Alternative investments have moved from the margins to the mainstream, according to insights from nearly 800 financial advisers surveyed in the fourth annual study conducted by CAIS and Mercer. The results reveal widespread adoption, with nine in 10 financial advisors (90 percent) now allocating to alternatives, and 88 percent planning to increase allocations over the next two years.
According to the survey, nearly half of advisers (49 percent) now allocate more than 10 percent of client portfolios to alternatives, while three-quarters (74 percent) allocate at least 5 percent. The findings also revealed that alternatives are reaching a wider client base: four in five advisers (80 percent) serving non-accredited investors now allocate to alternative investments, underscoring the growing democratization of private market access. Advisers cited client education and suitability as top priorities to responsibly scale this next phase of adoption.
“This year’s results sen
