Private Markets Shift to Mainstream as Advisors Predict Long-Term Outperformance
Event summary
- Adams Street Partners' 2026 Advisor Outlook report shows 89% of advisors believe private markets will outperform public markets long-term.
- 70% of advisors expect greater client allocations to private markets over the next three years, up from 67% in 2025.
- 49% of advisors view semi-liquid or evergreen funds as the most suitable structures for clients, up from 44% in 2025.
- 43% of advisors cite maximizing income as a top investment goal for 2026, while 35% prioritize tax efficiency.
The big picture
The report underscores a structural shift in wealth management as private markets transition from niche to mainstream. This shift is driven by intergenerational wealth transfer, broader access through semi-liquid vehicles, and growing interest in retirement account allocations. With $65 billion in AUM, Adams Street Partners is positioning itself at the forefront of this trend, emphasizing the need for effective implementation strategies among financial advisors.
What we're watching
- Allocation Trends
- Whether the pace of client allocations to private markets will accelerate beyond current projections.
- Product Innovation
- How semi-liquid and evergreen vehicles will evolve to balance liquidity and return expectations.
- Regulatory Dynamics
- The potential impact of expanding private markets access within retirement plans on regulatory scrutiny.
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