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SERVICES · BROADENING THE PORTFOLIO

Alternative Investments

Alternative investments sit outside traditional shares, bonds and cash — from digital assets to real assets and specialist funds. Glenmorgan explains how each type works and the role it may play alongside traditional holdings.

01 / OVERVIEW

What are
alternative investments?

Alternative investments are assets outside traditional shares, bonds and cash. The category includes digital assets, private equity and credit, real estate, infrastructure, commodities and specialist funds.

They are typically used alongside traditional holdings to broaden a portfolio. Each type behaves differently, and many carry higher risk, lower liquidity and more complex structures.

02 / INVESTMENT RATIONALE

The role
they can play.

01

Diversification

Returns may be driven by different factors from listed markets.

02

Real assets

Property and infrastructure are linked to physical assets and long-term contracts.

03

New sectors

Digital assets and technology funds give exposure to developing areas of the economy.

03 / KEY CHARACTERISTICS

Key
characteristics.

  • Wide variety of structures and underlying assets
  • Often less liquid than listed investments
  • May use specialist managers and custodians
  • Valuation and reporting vary by asset type

04 / CONSIDERATIONS

Risk
considerations.

  • Capital is at risk and returns are not guaranteed
  • Complex structures can be hard to understand
  • Limited liquidity and possible restrictions on withdrawals
  • Regulation and investor protection differ by product and country

05 / ELIGIBILITY

Investor
eligibility.

Some opportunities are available only to investors who qualify as professional, high-net-worth or sophisticated investors under the rules that apply in their country. Eligibility is confirmed before any investment can proceed.

AT A GLANCE

01

Digital assets

Exposure to digital assets, typically through regulated fund structures.

02

Real assets

Property, infrastructure and other physical assets.

03

Specialist funds

Funds following strategies outside conventional markets.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Alternative Investments
questions.

What counts as an alternative investment?

Anything outside traditional shares, bonds and cash — for example digital assets, private equity, real estate and infrastructure.

Are alternatives riskier?

Many are, particularly because of lower liquidity and more complex structures. Risk varies by product.

How much of a portfolio should be in alternatives?

That depends on your objectives, time horizon and tolerance for risk. Consider independent advice.

FURTHER READING

From Glenmorgan
Insights.

ImportantInformation on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Investments carry risk, including the possible loss of capital. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Consider seeking independent professional advice before making an investment decision. Legal & Company Information Key considerations: Structures can be complex; Liquidity is often limited; Investor protection varies.

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