The State of Alternative Investments in Wealth Management
CAIS and Mercer Alternative Investment Survey
The annual CAIS and Mercer Alternative Investment Survey investigates how financial advisors approach alternative investments in their portfolios.
About the Survey
Since 2022, CAIS and Mercer have partnered to study how financial advisors think about, access, and implement alternative investments in their portfolios.
Our goal is to help financial advisors, along with other stakeholders working at the intersection of alternative investing and wealth management, better understand the opportunities and challenges that come with the ongoing growth and evolution of alternative investments.
Download the Report To Explore More Insights
Discover findings from the latest CAIS and Mercer Alternative Investment Survey, which explores how financial advisors adopt and implement alternative investments.
Alts Adoption Keeps Pace
Surveyed advisors again expressed strong interest in increasing allocations to alternative investments. The consistency of views we’ve captured year-over-year signals the staying power of alternatives across wealth management.
Highlights From the Report
9 in 10 advisors surveyed say they already allocate to alts
88% plan to increase those allocations within two years
8 in 10 advisors say access to alts helps clients meet their goals and objectives
What’s Driving Change
Over the years, advisors who participated in our survey have emphasized operational challenges, including paperwork, illiquidity, and due diligence, as key barriers to adopting alternatives. However, our respondents are finding value in newer fund structures, technology features, and in-person engagement when confronting these obstacles.
CAIS Mercer Survey Throughout the Years
Now in its fourth year, our annual CAIS and Mercer Alternative Investment Survey serves as an industry benchmark, capturing advisor sentiment and behavior, along with the trends shaping alternative investing within the independent wealth ecosystem.
The CAIS and Mercer Alternative Investment Survey launched officially at the inaugural CAIS Summit in Beverly Hills.
# of respondents: 97 financial advisors
Download the Report To Explore More Insights
Discover findings from the latest CAIS and Mercer Alternative Investment Survey, which explores how financial advisors adopt and implement alternative investments.