What are Alternative Assets?
Alternative assets are asset classes that fall outside the realm of traditional investments such as publicly traded stocks, bonds, or cash. They include both physical and non-physical assets that are often less liquid, more complex to value, and accessed through private markets.
Examples of alternative assets include private equity, venture capital, real estate, infrastructure, hedge funds, digital assets, and collectibles such as fine art, wine, or rare cars. These assets are frequently used in family office portfolios to add diversification and access niche opportunities not available on public markets.
Unlike alternative investments, which refer to the overall strategy of investing beyond traditional markets, alternative assets focus specifically on the types of holdings themselves. They are typically more difficult to liquidate, require specialised knowledge, and may involve non-standard risk profiles.
Family offices often invest in alternative assets to pursue long-term capital appreciation, hedge against inflation, and gain exposure to innovation or tangible value. These assets can also align with legacy planning, sustainability goals, or personal interests of the family.
