Are You Confident in How Your Firm Is Responding to Changing Investor Preferences?
The public markets were a cornerstone of economic expansion throughout much of the 20th century, fueling innovation, job creation, and wealth-building. The public market’s vast liquid capital pools gave companies the leverage they needed to invest in new technologies, create opportunities, and achieve growth. For investors, public equities served as a reliable source of wealth accumulation.
Driven by evolving economic conditions, mind-boggling advancements in technology, and changing market dynamics, today’s investment landscape is presenting managers and investors with a different set of priorities and expectations:
- The public and private debate
As investments in the public and private markets continue to converge, the allure of private investments lies in their potential for stronger returns less correlated to market upheavals. Over the past decade, private capital has more than doubled, with assets under management reaching an estimated $24.4 trillion at the end of 2023.1 This growth reflects a broader trend of investors seeking alternatives to the volatility of public markets.
Public markets, however, are not standing still. To retain investor interest, they are implementing strategies such as enhancing transparency, innovating financial products, and focusing on high-growth sectors. Educational initiatives aimed at demystifying public market investments are also playing a role in keeping these markets competitive. This interplay between public and private investments highlights their dynamic nature.
- Expectations for greater transparency are only growing
A cornerstone of investor expectations, transparency can be boiled down to fostering good governance practices and delivering clear performance. Investors also increasingly value long-term engagement and governance structures that align with their values, such as linking voting rights to share-holding periods and investments in ESG initiatives. As sustainable and responsible investing gains traction, firms that provide comprehensive ESG reports and conquer challenges related to measuring and verifying ESG performance will stand out.
- Retail investors are moving into private markets in droves
Historically, private investments were the domain of institutional investors. Today, retail investors are increasingly drawn to private markets driven by the promise of higher yields and diversification. Engaging with this new class of investors requires a focus on education, transparency, and accessibility. Firms must develop products that address the unique needs of retail investors, including shorter lock-up periods, simplified reporting, and user-friendly platforms.
- Liquidity demands are changing
Private markets, while increasingly attractive, pose significant liquidity challenges. Investments in startups and smaller companies take time to yield returns. And long lock-up periods in private equity and real estate funds can limit distributions and reinvestment opportunities, creating obstacles for investors who value flexibility in managing their portfolios.
Structures like open-ended funds with daily net asset value (NAV) calculations help enhance transparency and reducing the risk associated with long lock-up periods. Shorter lock-ups attract a broader investor base and also allow firms to maintain lower-risk profiles.
- Tolerance for risk can vary
Speaking of risk, firms must evolve risk management practices as they venture into new asset classes and launch innovative products. Factors that influence investor risk tolerance include diversification strategies, market conditions, regulatory landscapes, and operational capabilities.
The ability to manage risk effectively is particularly paramount in a volatile economic environment as interest rates rise and fall. Firms must strike a balance between pursuing higher yields and maintaining prudent risk management practices. Leveraging technology and data-driven insights is one way that investment managers can better assess risks and capitalize on opportunities.
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Responding to shifting investor preferences
As growth in the private markets continues to accelerate with more institutional and retail investors flowing into private asset classes, interest rates that nobody quite knows the direction of, and demands for even more diverse investment opportunities, firms need to make sure they have the operational prowess to stay flexible.
Firms grappling with increasing volumes of data, manual processes, and rising costs can stay competitive by investing in robust technology infrastructure, streamlined operations, and efficient data management. As shifting investor preference reshape the operational landscape of investment management, a few options stand out to help savvy firms stay ahead of their peers.
Implement new tools
The evolving preferences of investors are reshaping the operational landscape of investment management. Self-service reporting tools empower stakeholders by providing reusable templates and visually compelling presentations. These tools enable investors to access the information they need without delays, fostering a sense of control and confidence in their investment decisions. Investors now demand more frequent and detailed reporting. Traditional quarterly or annual cycles no longer suffice in an era of real-time data access. Advanced reporting tools enable firms to simulate portfolio performance under various scenarios, identify vulnerabilities, and make informed decisions. Automated reporting systems can pull data from multiple sources, including financial statements and market metrics, to generate comprehensive and timely reports
Collaborate with external partners
Partnering with specialized providers can help firms navigate the complexities of new asset classes and reporting requirements. For instance, real estate investment trusts (REITs) might collaborate with data analytics firms to deliver daily NAV calculations for open-end funds. Such partnerships enhance transparency and meet the growing demand for liquidity, ensuring investors have the information they need to make informed choices.
Strategies for success
The transformation of investment preferences necessitates a proactive approach to innovation and adaptation. Firms must:
- Enhance transparency: Provide clear and comprehensive reporting to build trust with investors.
- Adopt consistent data standards: Establish uniform data collection and reporting practices to ensure reliability.
- Engage new investors: Develop accessible products and educational resources to attract a broader audience.
- Invest in technology: Leverage modern tools to streamline processes and improve data accuracy.
- Develop trusted partnerships: Collaborate with external experts to address specialized needs and challenges.
Balance innovation with operational excellence
The growing appetite for alternative assets brings new complexities, but also presents opportunities for those willing to adapt. In a market shaped by shifting investor preferences, technological advancements, and economic pressures, private markets firms must balance innovation with operational excellence. By embracing transparency, leveraging technology, and fostering collaboration, investment managers can position themselves for long-term success.
With the right strategies, firms can meet the changing needs of investors, unveil new avenues for growth, and contribute to a more resilient and inclusive financial ecosystem.
Sources:
1. The rise and rise of private capital, EY, 2024.
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