The State of Alternative Investments in Wealth Management 2026
Discover findings from the fourth annual CAIS and Mercer Alternative Investment Survey, where 789 financial advisors shared their perspectives on allocating to alternative investments.
This years survey captures advisor sentiment and behavior, along with the trends shaping alternative investing within the independent wealth ecosystem.
Key findings include:
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Alternatives are now a common allocationNine in 10 advisors already allocate to alternatives, and 88% plan to increase those allocations over the next two years. This marks four straight years of consistent growth intent.
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The 10% threshold has become the baselineRoughly half of advisors now put more than 10% of portfolios in alternatives, a sign that alts are firmly part of diversified wealth strategies.
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Access is expanding beyond accredited investorsAmong advisors serving non-accredited clients, 80% already allocate to alternatives, evidence that democratization is well underway.
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Demand is strengthening for evergreen vehicles82% of advisors use evergreen funds, either exclusively or alongside drawdown vehicles, favoring added flexibility and accessibility for clients.
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Technology still a growth driverAnalytics, integrations, and digitization now top advisor priorities, marking a shift from “why alternatives” to how to scale them responsibly and efficiently.
Four years of consistent results indicate that advisors have a level of conviction around alternatives that parallels institutional investors.
plan to increase their allocations to alternatives within two years.
of advisors plan to introduce AI-driven themes to clients in 2026.
As advisors navigate heightened client demand, strategic and operational complexity, and emerging technologies, this year’s findings reveal a profession in transition—one that now views alternatives not as niche diversifiers but as integral tools for targeting long-term client outcomes.
Want to learn more about what’s behind the momentum in alternatives among financial advisors? Read the full findings report to learn more.
