Alternative investments such as private equity and hedge funds promise returns that are uncorrelated to increasingly turbulent public markets. Should those who can gain access be boosting allocations?

Downward pressure on fees and the ability to connect with new client segments are driving digitisation in the alternatives sector

Investors are looking to private equity, hedge funds and real estate to both protect themselves from any stockmarket sell-off and to generate returns, while providers are responding by finding new routes into the market

Wealthy clients are increasing allocations to private equity and real estate, although appetite for hedge funds remains well below its pre-crisis peak

Allocations to private assets have swelled in recent years, but with the sector getting expensive, hedge funds are beginning to look more attractive

There is more to Africa than natural resources. Private equity opportunities can be found within markets like Morocco and Côte d’Ivoire, but companies with a regional strategy are most attractive  

By lowering investment thresholds, fintech start-up iCapital Network provides HNWIs access to hedge funds and private equity 

Yield-starved investors are increasingly looking beyond traditional asset classes towards alternatives. Hedge funds are benefitting from this trend, but have some way to go to convince a sceptical audience of their worth