RIA Edge Private Markets: Alts Investing for Clients May Boost Valuations

Core Insights - The push for registered investment advisors (RIAs) to provide clients access to private market investments may enhance firm value during sales or mergers, beyond just diversification and yield [1] Group 1: Market Trends - The $16 billion RIA, Sanctuary Wealth, has embraced private market investing, leading to benefits in client lead generation, retention, and overall firm value [2] - The growth of underlying assets due to market appreciation from private market investments could increase firm multiples from approximately 2.5x to 3x over a 10-year period [3] - Macro factors such as a shrinking pool of public companies and stock market concentration are driving interest in private markets, alongside strong returns from private equity [4] Group 2: Wealth Transfer Dynamics - A significant $100 trillion wealth transfer between generations is influencing client retention and growth for RIAs, with younger generations favoring private market options over traditional investments [4][5] - Approximately $20 trillion of the wealth transfer is tied to real estate holdings, highlighting the need for advisors to be knowledgeable in managing private real estate investments and tax strategies [5] Group 3: Tax Strategies - Advisors must be well-versed in real estate tax strategies, such as 1031 exchanges and 721 exchanges, to effectively manage client assets and capitalize on wealth transfer opportunities [6] - Failing to focus on private markets and relevant tax strategies could result in losing 20% to 50% of assets during generational wealth transfers, while adopting these strategies may enhance business performance and firm valuation [7]