Alternative investment platform CAIS has launched CAIS Advisors, an RIA division designed to help financial advisors improve portfolio construction. The division plans to offer advisory services, customizable model portfolios focused on alternative investments and registered multi-manager solutions. Neil Blundell, the firm's chief investment officer, will lead CAIS Advisors.
A survey of asset managers and third-party model providers released this July by market research firm Cerulli Associates found that almost 60% of respondents said offering custom mockup portfolios is one of their top three current initiatives for their firms.
Meanwhile, CAIS Advisors' registered multi-manager solutions will provide users with access to diversified asset allocation tools with products ranging from private equity, private debt and real assets to hedge funds and thematic investments. Earlier this year, for example, CAIS added several funds from alternative asset giant Blackstone to its marketplace.
“Despite growing interest in alternative investments, advisers continue to face hurdles in allocating alternatives, particularly how they fit into the wider portfolio,” Blundell said in a statement. “CAIS's technology, combined with our advisory capabilities, enables financial advisors to enhance their alternative investment experience through an integrated suite of solutions.”
CAIS also plans to launch Compass, a portfolio construction tool for creating and analyzing asset allocations in alternative investments. Compass will be integrated within the existing CAIS platform, allowing advisors to select products from the CAIS market and initiate transactions within the platform.