Alternative investment platform CAIS has launched CAIS Advisors, an RIA division created to assist financial advisors with streamlining portfolio construction. The division plans on offering advisory services, customizable model portfolios focused on alternative investments and multi-manager registered solutions. Neil Blundell, the firm’s chief investment officer, will lead CAIS Advisors.
A survey of asset managers and third-party model providers published this July by market research firm Cerulli Associates found that almost 60% of respondents said that providing custom model portfolios is one of the three most important current initiatives for their firms.
Meanwhile, CAIS Advisors’ multi-manager registered solutions will provide users with access to diversified asset allocation vehicles 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, advisors continue to face hurdles in allocating to alternatives, specifically how they fit into the broader portfolio,” Blundell said in a statement. “CAIS’ technology, combined with our advisory capabilities, enables financial advisors to streamline 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 allocation in alternative investments. Compass will be integrated within CAIS’ existing platform, allowing advisors to select products from the CAIS Marketplace and start transactions within the platform.