Blog
September 26, 2025
Harold Hofer

Retail Alternatives Break the $1 Trillion Barrier and What It Means for Individual Investors

Alternative investments will surpass $1 trillion in retail capital by 2025, signaling their shift into mainstream portfolios and opening access for individual investors through platforms like Alture Funds.

The alternative investment industry is about to cross a historic milestone: more than $1 trillion of cumulative capital formation through retail channels by the end of 2025.

According to performance analysis from Robert A. Stanger & Company Inc., this marks a turning point in the evolution of private markets.

“Crossing the trillion-dollar threshold is more than a number – it is a defining moment for alternatives,” said Kevin T. Gannon, chairman and CEO of Stanger. “What was once a niche segment of the market is now a central component of investor portfolios.” 

Source: ConnectMoney

Why This Matters for Investors

For decades, private alternatives, such as private credit, private real estate, and private equity, were the domain of pensions, endowments, and sovereign wealth funds.

But today, individual investors are gaining access to the same institutional-quality opportunities. According to Stanger, the growth has been fueled by three forces:

  • 📈 Investor demand for yield in a volatile interest rate environment
  • 🔀 Diversification beyond traditional 60/40 stock-and-bond portfolios
  • 🔒 Access to private markets through new structures built for individuals

A Supportive Backdrop for Retail Growth

The regulatory environment is also opening new doors. The president’s August 2025 executive order on democratizing access to alternatives is expected to further expand retail availability and accelerate industry growth.

At the same time, product innovation is making alternatives more investor-friendly. Features such as regular NAV reporting, improved liquidity options, and direct access to top-tier managers are reshaping the experience for individuals.

“Investors are voting with their capital, and the message is clear: alternatives are here to stay,” said Michael S. Covello, executive managing director of Stanger. 

Source: ConnectMoney

What’s Next: The Next Trillion

Stanger leadership believes this milestone is just the beginning. “The trillion-dollar milestone is not the finish line. It is the starting point for the next era of expansion,” Gannon noted, projecting the next trillion could be raised in as little as five years.

Accessing Alternatives with Alture Funds

At Alture Funds, we’re proud to be part of this movement by giving individual investors access to alternatives once reserved for institutions. Our platform makes it simple to invest in private credit, private real estate, and other alternative strategies through structures designed for everyday portfolios.

  • ✅ Institutional-quality investments
  • ✅ Seamless access for individual investors
  • ✅ Designed for diversification and long-term growth

The $1 trillion milestone proves it: alternatives are no longer optional, they’re essential. And now, through AltureFunds.com, they’re available to you.