Alternatives Library
Insights and Education on Alternative Investments. Leveraging the knowledge and expertise of over 1000 professionals in the alternatives industry.
A Guide to Sustainable Crypto Investments
Discover key strategies for sustainable crypto investments, risk management, and how to navigate the volatile digital asset market.
Private Equity Allocation Considerations: Unveiling Key Characteristics
A comprehensive exploration of private equity investments. Delve deeper into the strategies, risks, and rewards of this complex asset class.
Life Settlements Primer: A Premier Uncorrelated Asset Class
Life settlements are an uncorrelated alternative investment with low volatility and predictable returns.
The Case For Aggressive Growth: Why It Should Be A Part Of Every Investor’s Portfolio
The aggressive growth equity investment style has proven to be the most rewarding style over the long term.
Structured Exit Investment Funds Offer Venture Capital ROI With Decreased Risk & Improved Liquidity
The Structured Exit model offers a promising alternative, providing capital with predefined buyback terms
European Mid-Cap Equities: A Force for ESG Opportunities
The prominence of ESG in Europe is supported by a consumer mindset geared toward sustainability
Trade Finance: Fixed Income Alternative
Trade finance stands out with its attractive yields and substantial credit protection
Where to Turn for Yield? A Look at Private Debt
Private Debt: Strategies with flexible structures that offer the potential for both diversification and an attractive risk-return profile.
Enhancing Fixed-Income Portfolios With Trade Finance
Trade finance reduces risk by funding mid to lower-market companies
The Case for Emerging Markets Distressed, Stressed and Dislocated Credit Investing
The Emerging Markets (EM) credit sector has witnessed significant growth,
How Diversified Real Estate Can Provide Value and Income to Wealth Advisors
In today's low-yield environment, real estate stands out as an attractive option for portfolio diversification and income enhancement.
How Life Settlements Help Investors Meet Their Socially Responsible Investment Goals
Life settlements are recognized as a socially responsible investment, attracting investors like family offices and institutions
European Mid-Cap Equities: Portfolio Optimizer to Achieve a Balanced Risk-Return Profile
Europe represents nearly one-third of the world economy, however, European equities as an asset class are largely ignored.
Saying Goodbye to an Old Friend, the 60/40 Portfolio
As the investment landscape evolves, traditional low-risk assets like Treasury bonds have become less appealing due to their near-zero yield
Life Settlement Opportunities That Defies Volatility
Life settlements are attracting more institutional investors due to their low volatility and independence from traditional market fluctuatio
VC Fund Secondary: Buy the Winning Ticket at Halftime (at Half Price)
Venture capital (VC) is notorious for its high risk and long-term commitment, as most startups fail and most investments typically yield
Direct Real Estate Preferred Equity Income Opportunity in Multi-Family
Traditionally inaccessible high-profile, multi-use real estate projects are now being offered directly to investors, bypassing intermediary
Innovation in Private Equity Using Structured Financial Products
A structured financial product known as VICAN allows investors to engage with alternative asset investments while protecting their principal
How Diversified Real Estate Can Provide Value and Income to Wealth Advisors
In today's low-yield environment, real estate stands out as an attractive option for portfolio diversification and income enhancement.
Saying Goodbye to an Old Friend, the 60/40 Portfolio
As the investment landscape evolves, traditional low-risk assets like Treasury bonds have become less appealing due to their near-zero yield
Direct Real Estate Preferred Equity Income Opportunity in Multi-Family
Traditionally inaccessible high-profile, multi-use real estate projects are now being offered directly to investors, bypassing intermediary
How Much Can Property Management Add to Investment Returns?
Dive into the tangible benefits of refining property management for multi-family properties, using recent Chicago data
Tax Planning? Why Investors Should Think About Conservation Easements
Access the Full Report Conservation easements provide investors with a way to preserve land for environmental or historical purposes while reaping substantial tax benefits. By permanently limiting the use of the property, these easements qualify as charitable donations under Internal Revenue Code 170(h), offering deductions that can significantly offset both federal and state taxes. This has proven to be an attractive option for high-income earners. While the tax advantages are compelling,...
Retail Real Estate: An Under-Appreciated Asset Class
Access the Full Report Investing in retail real estate requires a nuanced approach, considering factors like market dynamics, asset quality, and tenant credit profiles. Thorough due diligence is essential to identify investment-grade assets with strong real estate fundamentals and stable market conditions. Effective risk management strategies are crucial for navigating the complexities of retail real estate investment and capitalizing on growth opportunities. Retail power centers in the...
Home Equity Contracts
Access the Full Report Home Equity Contracts: Innovative equity financing solution for the $32 Trillion Dollar U.S. Residential Market Home Equity Contracts (HECs) provide a fresh approach to financing in the $32 trillion U.S. residential market, allowing homeowners to monetize their home equity without incurring traditional debt. These contracts enable homeowners to exchange a share of their home's equity for upfront cash, offering an appealing alternative for those who are house rich but...
Opportunity Zones: A Positive Impact for Communities and Investors
Access the Full Report Investors considering allocating to a QOF can benefit from various incentives, including community revitalization, downside protection, diversification, and tax advantages. Opportunity Zones (OZs) offer investors a unique opportunity to defer capital gains taxes and potentially earn tax-free gains over a decade by investing in Qualified Opportunity Funds (QOFs) focused on revitalizing distressed communities. These designated geographic areas incentivize investment in...
REIT Preferred Stock - A Niche Market Opportunity
Access the Full Report Investors seeking solid current income and preservation of capital Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) offer investors consistent income, diversification, and long-term capital growth through tax-efficient dividend distributions. Investors can access these opportunities through Equity REITs, focusing on income-generating real estate assets, or Mortgage REITs, specializing in mortgages directly or through securities. REIT investments are available via direct ownership,...
Middle Market Real Estate: An Inefficient Market Prime For High Yields
Access the Full Report Better pricing and better structure in the middle market Middle Market Real Estate is an inefficient market with mispriced assets and less risk that results in a fertile opportunity set for investors who are looking for investments with above average yields and low risk. By targeting only small to mid-size equity investments, there are opportunities to capitalize on these inefficiencies and identify mispriced assets with significant growth potential. The average...
The Case For Aggressive Growth: Why It Should Be A Part Of Every Investor’s Portfolio
The aggressive growth equity investment style has proven to be the most rewarding style over the long term.
European Mid-Cap Equities: A Force for ESG Opportunities
The prominence of ESG in Europe is supported by a consumer mindset geared toward sustainability
The Case for Emerging Markets Distressed, Stressed and Dislocated Credit Investing
The Emerging Markets (EM) credit sector has witnessed significant growth,
European Mid-Cap Equities: Portfolio Optimizer to Achieve a Balanced Risk-Return Profile
Europe represents nearly one-third of the world economy, however, European equities as an asset class are largely ignored.
Systematic Global Macro Absolute Return Strategy
Access the Full Report What is a Systematic Global Macro Absolute Return Strategy? The report emphasizes the value of alternative investments for RIAs, highlighting their role in diversifying portfolios amid market uncertainty. It introduces a systematic global macro absolute return strategy, designed to generate positive returns irrespective of economic conditions while offering stability and diversification to investor portfolios. Systematic Global Macro Absolute Return Strategies employ...
INDIA: Secular Opportunity To Capture Value In The Market Recovery
Access the Full Report India's economic transformation under the Modi government's reforms presents an enticing prospect for investors. Regulatory changes and corporate clean-up efforts have leveled the playing field, allowing smaller, high-quality businesses to flourish and potentially become global contenders. Amidst market corrections and regulatory shifts, the small and mid-cap segment in India offers investors an opportunity to capitalize on high-growth prospects at attractive...
The Case For Quantitative Equities
Access the Full Report Investors seeking to de-risk their equity exposures amidst market uncertainty can explore the benefits of diversified quantitative equity strategies. These systematic approaches leverage automation and extensive data sets to enhance security selection, portfolio construction, and risk management. By incorporating both fundamental and alternative data, quant strategies aim to capture trading advantages while avoiding behavioral biases, offering potential down-side...
Uncorrelated Investing Is Ultimate Risk Reduction for Investors
Access the Full Report Low-statistical-dependence risk premia are essential yet often underestimated tools in managing investment risks and enhancing returns. While the mathematical principles behind volatility and correlation are well-understood, their practical impact on portfolio performance is not always fully appreciated by investors. Greater recognition and application of these statistical features could lead to improved investment strategies, optimizing both risk management and return...
Outlook For Irrational And Rational Markets for 2019 and Beyond
Access the Full Report In recent years, the financial market has experienced a steady rise, but now faces increased volatility and unpredictability. This shift has led to the exploration of different investment strategies that can adapt to these changes. Convergent strategies typically perform well in rational, calm market environments by assessing over- and under-valued assets based on available information. On the other hand, divergent strategies are more effective during periods of...
Artificial Intelligence Investing
Access the Full Report Quantitative and fundamental techniques are not competitors, but rather are two different languages trying to tell the same story. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in investment management is refining traditional strategies by emphasizing precise AI usage to complement human judgment. The "Quantamental" approach merges quantitative analysis with fundamental insights, enhancing decision-making through a synergy of data and expertise, which allows for a...
Greece: Deep-Value Opportunity with Near-Term Catalysts
Access the Full Report Greece offers an investment alternative for those looking to diversify into a country that is emerging Greece presents a distinctive investment opportunity, emerging from a prolonged financial crisis with potential for substantial growth and appealing returns. With global markets showing signs of saturation, Greece offers an attractive alternative, especially given the projected shift towards a pro-business government. Investing in Greece now could offer high rewards,...
A Roadmap for Effective Healthcare Investing: Navigating the Minefield
Access the Full Report Healthcare Investing: Large, diverse, and growing sector The U.S. healthcare sector is a critical and expansive part of the national economy, characterized by its resilience to economic downturns and demographic trends like the aging Baby Boomer population. As a substantial component of the U.S. GDP, it offers myriad investment opportunities, especially in profitable, publicly-traded companies that tend to be less risky compared to other segments within the sector. With...
Investing in Secular Mega-Trends: Indian Domestic Consumption and the Rising Middle-Class
Access the Full Report How to Capture Alpha in India Investors are increasingly drawn to India's promising growth trajectory, fueled by robust domestic consumption and a rising middle class, contrasting with previously favored markets like Greater China. To capture alpha in India, focusing on companies benefiting from domestic consumption trends is key, leveraging strong brands poised for sustainable earnings growth despite inherent risks. Demographic shifts, with 150 million expected to join...
Structured Exit Investment Funds Offer Venture Capital ROI With Decreased Risk & Improved Liquidity
The Structured Exit model offers a promising alternative, providing capital with predefined buyback terms
VC Fund Secondary: Buy the Winning Ticket at Halftime (at Half Price)
Venture capital (VC) is notorious for its high risk and long-term commitment, as most startups fail and most investments typically yield
Innovation in Private Equity Using Structured Financial Products
A structured financial product known as VICAN allows investors to engage with alternative asset investments while protecting their principal
Early Stage Venture Capital on Quantifying Happiness
The Health and Happiness sector presents a vibrant opportunity for private equity, specifically through SH2
Why Investing in Neglected Areas in Venture Capital Leads to Outsize Returns
Access the Full Report The Case for Healthcare Venture Capital Healthcare presents an overlooked opportunity for early-stage venture capital investment, contrasting with the predominant focus on technology. Despite delivering substantial outperformance, healthcare attracts only half the number of investment firms compared to the tech sector. This discrepancy creates a compelling chance for LPs to diversify their portfolios and potentially achieve stronger returns, particularly in areas like...
Growth Private Equity - Investments In Technology
Access the Full Report Growth Private Equity: Upside Potential of Venture Capital with A Downside Cushion Growth Equity has emerged as a standout investment strategy, surpassing both traditional buyout and venture capital methods in performance over the past decade. Offering a unique blend of upside potential and downside protection, it has attracted investors seeking a balanced risk-return profile. Distinguished by its focus on accelerating revenue growth and operational enhancements, Growth...
PE Growth Equity Investing In The Financial Sector
Access the Full Report Private Equity in the Financial Services Industry The financial services industry is experiencing significant growth, driven by regulatory changes and technological advancements, offering promising investment opportunities across various segments. Despite its complexities and regulatory challenges, venture capital and private equity investors are increasingly exploring the sector for its potential returns and untapped market opportunities. From mortgage and insurance to...
The Opportunity in Venture Capital
Access the Full Report Does it make sense to allocate assets to venture capital? Venture capital (VC) has significantly shaped the U.S. economy by funding major innovators like Amazon and Google, evidencing its crucial role in corporate growth and technological advancement. Investments in VC offer attractive risk-adjusted returns and provide diversification benefits linked to unique market dynamics, such as technological innovation. Institutions like Yale University demonstrate that...
Canada’s Growing Tech Sector: Canadian Seed Stage Private Equity Opportunity
Access the Full Report Canada venture capital: untapped potential, the huge surge of Canadian start-ups offers unique opportunities for diversification outside of the United States. Canada's burgeoning start-up scene is capturing the attention of venture capitalists seeking opportunities beyond the saturated markets of Silicon Valley and New York. With robust economic indicators and a supportive government offering incentives such as grants and tax credits, Canadian ventures are becoming an...
Micro Private Equity: Generating Returns in an Expensive and Overcrowded PE Market
Access the Full Report Private equity investors are navigating a landscape marked by intense competition and escalating costs, with firms holding a record $1.1 trillion in dry powder. In response, attention is turning towards the lower middle-market, previously overlooked but now seen as a potential source of strong returns. However, high competition has driven purchase multiples to historic highs across all market tiers, prompting larger investors to venture downstream in search of viable...
Trade Finance: Fixed Income Alternative
Trade finance stands out with its attractive yields and substantial credit protection
Where to Turn for Yield? A Look at Private Debt
Private Debt: Strategies with flexible structures that offer the potential for both diversification and an attractive risk-return profile.
Enhancing Fixed-Income Portfolios With Trade Finance
Trade finance reduces risk by funding mid to lower-market companies
Wealth Managers Guide to Private Debt, Income Diversification Beyond Traditional Fixed Income
The role of a wealth manager is to find the right balance between preserving and growing capital in a dynamic world.
What Investors Need to Know about Senior Debt Mortgage Assets, Secured by Commercial Real Estate
Commercial real estate mortgage assets are attractive due to their potential for equity-like returns without significant volatility
Debt Growth Capital For SAAS Companies
Access the Full Report Debt financing for Software as a Service (SaaS): Why Investors Should Pay Attention: Equity Returns for Debt Risk The rapid evolution of Software as a Service (SaaS) reflects its increasing dominance in the tech sector. This shift has not only made SaaS companies more profitable and scalable but also resilient against economic downturns, as evidenced by consistent growth during the Great Recession. Such dynamics underscore the sector's robust potential and make it an...
International Private Credit: A Differentiated Source of High Income
Access the Full Report Explore the dynamic landscape of international private credit markets. Following the financial crisis, stricter banking regulations and persistently low bond yields have created a niche for international private credit markets. This emerging market thrives by providing loans where traditional banks can't, driven by specialty lending firms that offer potentially higher returns through localized expertise and rigorous underwriting processes. Supply-Demand Imbalance - The...
Esoteric Assets Primer - Finding Alpha in a Highly Competitive Market
Access the Full Report Low True Correlation · Higher Alpha · Scalability Financial markets are fairly efficient – they do not have obvious sources of excess risk-adjusted return – primarily because they are so competitive. But esoteric assets are less-competed assets, improving risk-adjusted return to investors. Esoteric assets, less traded and unconventional, offer refuge from competitive markets despite illiquidity, presenting high-return opportunities in areas like sovereign...
The Next Wave of Crypto Asset Investing
The crypto asset landscape has evolved rapidly since Bitcoin’s inception in 2009, growing a diverse portfolio of digital currencies
Crypto Hedge Funds and Indices
Access the Full Report Valuation model for cryptocurrencies. Investors considering cryptocurrency investments through hedge funds should be aware of the lack of a dominant valuation model for cryptocurrencies. However, three models have gained traction: the Network to Transaction Ratio (NVT Ratio), the "Bitcoin as Gold 2.0" narrative, and the Cost of Mining Multiple. The performance of crypto hedge funds varies, with fundamental and discretionary funds experiencing significant losses in 2018,...
How to Acquire Cryptocurrencies
Access the Full Report Investing in Cryptocurrencies: Presents Multiple Channels for Acquisition. As the cryptocurrency landscape evolves, investors have an expanding array of options to acquire digital assets, each with its own advantages and considerations for security and convenience. Over-the-counter (OTC) desks and brokerages cater to large trades, while cryptocurrency exchanges offer round-the-clock trading. Mobile apps like Coinbase and Gemini offer convenience for trading on the go,...
Why Invest In Digital Assets?
Access the Full Report Here are 4 reasons why you should invest in crypto. Cryptocurrencies are increasingly valued for their censorship resistance, providing a viable alternative for safeguarding assets against financial crises, unstable monetary policies, and potential government expropriations. The financial crisis in Cyprus in 2013, which led to a spike in Bitcoin demand, illustrates how cryptocurrencies can serve as a safe haven during economic distress. However, their decentralized and...
Why Should Digital Assets Be An Asset Class?
Access the Full Report “It’s not every day, or every decade, that an entirely new asset class is born. Yet, through a combination of computer science, cryptography, economics, and network theory, digital assets have arrived and are proving that they are an asset class unlike any other. " – Matt Beck, Grayscale Investments Cryptocurrencies hold unique investment attributes similar to traditional assets like gold, with qualities such as durability and scarcity, and also function like cash,...
Life Settlements Primer: A Premier Uncorrelated Asset Class
Life settlements are an uncorrelated alternative investment with low volatility and predictable returns.
How Life Settlements Help Investors Meet Their Socially Responsible Investment Goals
Life settlements are recognized as a socially responsible investment, attracting investors like family offices and institutions
Life Settlement Opportunities That Defies Volatility
Life settlements are attracting more institutional investors due to their low volatility and independence from traditional market fluctuatio
Cash Is Back: An Active Investment Decision
In today's economic climate, cash is regaining favor as a strategic investment choice, offering stability and liquidity
Why Every Portfolio Needs Alternative Investments Now
Access the Full Report Alternative investments are now essential for portfolio diversification. Investors' overconfidence from a sustained bull market in equities has left many unprepared for the resurgence of market volatility and geopolitical uncertainties, risking significant portfolio losses. This has been exacerbated by global economic stresses such as escalating debts and deteriorating credit quality, underscoring the need for enhanced caution in investment strategies. The traditional...
Gold: Active Investments in Gold Mining
Access the Full Report Active engagement being used to turn around a mis-managed industry of Gold Mining. Sophisticated investors are increasingly targeting niche sectors such as gold mining for co-investment opportunities. The strategy focuses on revitalizing poorly managed industries where they see the potential for significant returns through active engagement and strategic turnarounds. The gold mining sector, plagued by mismanagement and underperformance, is highlighted as particularly...
How Will The Dollar’s 15-Year Cycle Impact Investors
Access the Full Report Start of New 15-Year Dollar Cycle Points to 40% Dollar Decline The dollar, which began a new 15-year cycle in January 2017, is projected to decline significantly by 2024, historically averaging a 53% fall against the euro over past cycles, potentially eroding global investor net worth comparably. Investors, especially those with dollar-based assets, must navigate currency risk during the 15-year cycle as the dollar depreciates, while euro-based investors will face rapid...