CAIS, a leading alternative investment platform for independent financial advisors, has expanded its range of alternative investment strategies from global asset managers. This initiative aims to broaden access for advisors seeking to construct more diversified client portfolios.
Over the past year, asset managers have introduced new strategies on the CAIS Marketplace. These offerings span private equity, private debt, real estate, and infrastructure, delivered through structures designed for advisors, such as interval funds, Business Development Companies (BDCs), and non-traded Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs). The expanded selection on the CAIS Marketplace includes strategies from managers such as Ares Management, AQR, BlackRock, Blue Owl, Coller, Eldridge, Fortress Investment Group, Franklin Templeton, Goldman Sachs, Golub Capital, Kayne Anderson, Kennedy Lewis, Morgan Stanley Investment Management, Eaton Vance, Nuveen, Veritas, and Vista Equity Partners.
Brad Walker, Co-President at CAIS, noted that advisors are increasingly incorporating alternatives as a core component of modern portfolio construction. He stated, “This shift represents a key inflection point. By expanding access to leading managers and strategies on our platform, CAIS is helping advisors meet client expectations and stay ahead of this shift in wealth management.”
A recent CAIS-Mercer Survey, conducted from September 10–October 18, 2024, found that advisors remain motivated to allocate to alternative investments. Private debt (89%), private equity (86%), and real estate (85%) were identified as the top three allocation areas among advisors. Furthermore, 75% of respondents anticipate increasing allocations to private equity, and 60% plan to increase allocations to private debt. This reflects an ongoing demand for yield, diversification, and downside protection amid market uncertainties. The survey included 550 financial advisor respondents from independent RIAs, broker-dealer affiliates, family offices, and other advisor professionals.
Jeff Carlin, Global Head of Wealth Advisory at Nuveen, commented, “CAIS’ combination of access, education, and technology is empowering advisors to integrate alternative strategies at scale—marking an important inflection point for both the industry and the financial advisors driving adoption.” He added that expanding Nuveen’s strategies on CAIS enables them to reach a wider group of advisors and deliver the diversification and outcomes clients are increasingly seeking.
Asset managers that onboard to the CAIS platform gain access to a network of advisors overseeing more than $7 trillion in assets. The platform also provides features to enhance the alternative investing experience, including pre-trade, trade, and post-trade technology, a custom online education program (CAIS IQ), digital marketing support, and integrations with custodians, reporting providers, fund administrators, and transfer agents.
Some of these structures and products will also be available through model portfolios via the CAIS Models Marketplace. This marketplace utilizes CAIS’ proprietary flex model technology, designed to offer financial advisors efficiency and adaptability in tailoring model portfolios to client needs, while maintaining the flexibility to adjust allocations, substitute funds, or implement investment decisions.
Leading alternative asset managers are scheduled to participate in the 2025 CAIS Alternative Investment Summit, a gathering for independent advisors and alternatives managers, which will take place in Beverly Hills from October 13–16, 2025.
CAIS is an alternative investment platform for independent financial advisors, established in 2009 and headquartered in New York City, with additional offices in Austin, TX; London; and Red Bank, NJ. The CAIS platform manages the pre-trade, trade, and post-trade lifecycle of alternative investments and capital market strategies, providing financial advisors and alternative asset managers with a unified operating system for efficiency and scale. CAIS serves over 2,000 wealth management firms supporting more than 50,000 financial advisors who collectively oversee approximately $7 trillion in client assets. Securities are offered through CAIS Capital LLC, a member of FINRA and SIPC.
