August 6, 2026
The global alternatives market has grown nearly seven-fold since the 2008 Global Financial Crisis, as investors increasingly look beyond traditional public equities and fixed income.1 Private equity, private credit, hedge funds, real assets, and crypto continue to represent a larger share of global portfolios (Exhibit 1).
Generational allocation preferences suggest this trend could strengthen as wealth changes hands. A BofA survey of high-net-worth individuals found that investors ages 21 to 43 allocate 53% of their portfolios outside traditional stocks and bonds, compared with 26% among those over age 44.2 With more than $100 trillion expected to transfer to younger generations over the coming years, this stronger preference for alternatives could create a durable tailwind for crypto.
One explanation for the shift is that alternatives have become easier to access. New products and platforms allow investors to invest in the asset class without the specialized infrastructure or expertise historically required. Crypto has followed a similar path, as regulated investment products like Bitcoin exchange traded products (ETPs) and institutional market infrastructure have introduced more streamlined and familiar ways to gain exposure. Combined with strong historic returns, these lower barriers have helped attract more capital to alternative assets.
Key Takeaway: Rising allocations to alternatives – particularly among younger investors – may support continued growth of the crypto asset class.
Exhibit 1: Alternative assets have become a larger part of global markets
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