Results of the third annual CAIS-Mercer Alternative Investment Survey show that most financial advisors intend to increase their clients' exposure to alternative assets over the next two years.
The survey was carried out between September 10 and October 18 through a collaboration between alternative investment platform CAIS and investment consultant Mercer. Of the 550 financial advisors surveyed, 92% reported an exposure to alternative assets, with 76% having an allocation over 5% of their client's portfolio and 50% with an exposure of more than 10%.
In line with the findings from the previous year, results of the latest survey showed that the driving force behind financial advisors' decisions concerning alternative investments are the longer-term goals of clients. Among the respondents, 91% expressed interest in further growing their clients’ alternative exposure in the coming years.
In terms of asset class preference, private debt, private equity and real estate continue to be the most popular, garnering a desired increase in allocation from advisors on behalf of their clients of 89%, 86% and 85%, respectively.
Looking ahead to 2025, the private market themes that are expected to dominate advisors' presentations to clients include tax-advantaged investments, artificial intelligence and infrastructure.
Access the report here: https://info.caisgroup.com/hubfs/2025%20Report%20_%20CAIS-Mercer%20Alternative%20Investment%20Survey.pdf
